RISE OF THE SHOGUNS

During the11th century the Japanese Imperial Government continued to lose power over the countryside as the Great Estates became increasingly independent. The lords who controlled the Estates were called Daimyo.  The Daimyo hired bands of warriors to protect their lands and the peasants who worked them. These warriors became known as Samurai.

Two of the most powerful bands of Samurai were headed by the Taira family and Minamoto family. These families fought for control of the Imperial Court in Kyoto. In 1160. the Taira Family seized ruling power from the Fujiuwaras. But Taira control ended In 1185. when the family was defeated in an inland sea naval battle by the Minamoto clan. The Minamoto family. headed by Yoritomo, had clearly become the strongest family in the country. Yoritomo set up his military headquarters in Kamakura.

Yoritomo claimed to be the protector of the Emperor and ruled in his name. In 1192, the Emperor gave Yoritomo the title "Shogun" (general).  Yoritomo's military government became known as the "shogunate." Shogun rule lasted until 1867. Each Shogun. or his advisers, controlled Japan- but always in the name of the Emperor.

As time went on, the Minamoto Shogunate found it increasingly difficult to keep the country's many Daimyo and their Samurai bands united. In 1336, a Samurai leader named Takauji Ashikaga gained control of Kyoto. In 1338. he had the Emperor name him Shogun and established the Shogunate in Kyoto. The Ashikaga family governed Japan for almost 235 years. But the family's control was weak. and the last 100 years of Ashikaga rule was marked by constant warfare among local Samurai bands.

SAMURAI

Samurai was the hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan. The term originally referred only to the Imperial Guards. After the coming of the feudal system. it meant the entire military class. This included the Samurai warriors, the feudal lords called Daimyos or Daimios. and the Shogun. About 5 of every 100 Japanese belonged to this group.

A code of unquestioning obedience and 16yalty, call Bushido, bound the Samurai warriors to their Lords. The Samurai prized honor above wealth or life. and atoned for dishonor by committing hara-kiri or ceremonial suicide. They wore two swords and distinctive headdress. The Samurai were graded in military ranks. each with an appropriate income in rice. They lost their privileges when the Japanese abolished feudalism in 1871.

JUDO

Judo developed from jujutsu. an ancient form of self-defense practiced by the Japanese warrior class called "samurai." Jujutsu included such techniques as choking, kicking. and twisting an opponent's arm. Many of the methods could cripple or kill.

In 1882, a Japanese educator named Jigoro Hano transformed jujutsu from a method of combat into a sport called "judo" He adopted jujutsu's best techniques and eliminated the rough. dangerous ones. He created an orderly system and established strict rules of etiquette. You may wish to contact a Judo center for demonstrations.

Judo Techniques

Nagewaza: techniques of throwing
Includes dozens of basic throws that are classified by the part of the body used. They include hand throws, hip throws, leg sweeps. and side and back throws.

Katamewaza: techniques of choking and holding Includes on-the-mat methods of choking, holding, and pinning.  Judo rules allow only players of at least 13 years old to use choking techniques.  Special rules govern the use of elbow locks in Judo competition.

Atemiwaza: techniques of striking
Includes techniques of kicking or striking various parts of the body to cause injury, paralysis, or even death.

JIUJITSU

Jujitsu. Jujutsu, Jiujitsu (all mean the same) is the Japanese method of unarmed combat. originally used by samurai when they were disarmed or when fighting a disarmed opponent. The name means "art of suppleness." The tricks of jiujitsu were of two general types. The first comprised methods of gaining an advantage over an opponent by yielding to his attack or otherwise getting him off balance. and then throwing him to the ground or immobilizing him with a hold he could not break; in this way an opponent's strength was used to his awn disadvantage. and a weaker man could prevail against a stronger one. The second involved methods of temporarily paralyzing, maiming, or killing an opponent through pressure or blows against vital nerve centers or vulnerable bone structures throughout the body.