The Difference Between Japanese and Chinese Martial Arts

There tends to be some confusion between what martial arts are from Japan and which come from China. Yet, there is a fundamental difference between these styles of martial arts, influenced by their respective origin countries. However, there are similarities that tie them together as they can be consistent in techniques.

Traditions of the Samurai

In Japan, martial arts are founded within traditions of the samurai and based on the restrictive caste system that decided who could practice martial arts. This being said, many partial arts involve a fighting tool as a samurai was expected to be good at using a range of weapons. Over time these tools have evolved and modernized, although lots of traditions remain alive.

Thousands of Variations of Japanese Martial Arts

Traditional schools of martial arts that date to either before the Meiji Restoration are called koryū bujutsu, and are considered a military science and art form. There are thousands of variations of Japanese martial arts, stemming from jujutsu or kendo. Jujutsu actually translates to “soft skills” in japanese, which is fitting as jujutsu involves indirect force and minor weapons. Jujutsu uses the attacker’s force against them- whether it be by throwing off their balance or by locking their joints. Sumo is also a very important martial art in Japan, originally occurring as a show for the emperor’s entertainment back in 23 B.C. Eventually, Sumo became considered a professional sport enjoyed by people of all socioeconomic classes. Swordsmanship is also a major part of Japanese martial arts, but taking on an opposite meaning than jujutsu, as it focuses on direct violence. This swordsmanship comes from kendo – focusing on strikes, speed, power, and the offensive. The hard and soft methods of Japanese martial arts allow for various approaches to fighting and many areas to master.

Chinese Martial Arts “Kung Fu”

Chinese martial arts on the other hand focuses on the fighting styles kuoshu and wushu. Similarly to Japan’s influence, these two styles umbrella over many variations of schools of martial arts. Chinese martial arts is usually more simply referred to as kung fu, which refers to any skill learned through practice. Chinese martial arts originates from the need to defend themselves, traditionally taught to the military. Chinese martial arts originates from the Xia Dynasty around 4,000 years ago. The foundations of kung fu are similar to Japanese martial arts as it also focuses both on soft and hard techniques. However, there are philosophical beliefs intertwined in kung fu, as confucianism and taoism come into play and address values of health and exercise from practicing martial arts. In China there are temples dedicated to the practice of martial arts, again tying in philosophy and spirituality into the practice.