In Japan martial arts will be the traditional techniques of self-defense and fighting. There are different kinds of fighting techinques such as for example judo, karate, aikido, kyudo and kendo which differ from each other in some way or the other. These evolved during differing times and so are set on the many fighting patterns of the samurai warriors. The samurai warriors were military warrior known for his or her exceptional fighting skills and who preferred to commit suicide rather then being captured alive by their enemies. They lived a life of strict discipline and honor was everything in their mind. When peace was finally established in ancient Japan somewhere in the first 17th century, the fighting skills of the warriors were diverted towards spiritual training and activities.

Japanese martial arts are a lot more than fighting techniques, they bring with them mental discipline, character building and develop self-confidence. Through martial arts also you can acquire and maintain physical fitness and it is also a good way to obtain spiritual training.

Earlier in Japan, every big city featured a Butokuden; sort of a residential area center where young and old alike were taught fighting techinques. In modern Japan too there are various centers in every city where fighting techinques are taught.

In Tokyo there’s the Sugawara FIGHTING TECHINQUES Institute. This institute was established by Tetsutaka Sugawara who is an authority in Aikido. Besides aikido, Katori Shinto Ryu, one of the oldest fighting techinques in Japan is also taught. Tai Chi classes are also held here. The Sugawara Martial Arts Institute can be found in Machida-shi, Tokyo.

The Combat Sports Center located in Ikebukuro; Tokyo is quite popular among foreigners. Here people come for training in self defense in addition to for physical fitness. The trainers are highly qualified and can speak other languages aswell. Besides 回転焼き　美味しい , Krav Maga the Israeli self defense technique can be taught here. This place is ideal for beginners and classes for advanced levels may also be held here.

Daikanyama Karate School is situated in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo and offers excellent karate lessons especially to ladies.

The Kodokan School of Judo is a highly reputed Judo institute. Here judo is taught right down from the grass root level to probably the most advanced level to both males and females.

The Daishin Judo Club is in Osaka, Japan. It had been established in 1976 and has since been imparting judo training to people of all ages, genders and nationalities.