Hiroshima Prefecture

Martial arts offer the chance to delve into some of the finer aspects of Japanese culture and tradition and provide the enjoyment of competitive sports and the opportunity for self-improvement. There are various forms of martial art that you can learn and a range of classes and facilities across Hiroshima catering for beginners and developing masters alike. Judo Arguably the most well-known Japanese martial art, judo, was invented in the late 19th century and is now an established Olympic sport. It emphasizes wrestling and throwing an opponent into submission rather than striking them. Judo is based on two principles: seiryoku-zenyo (positive energy use) and jita-kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit). Several sports centers around Hiroshima offer judo classes and activities, including the Hiroshima Sports Center and Asaminami Ward Sports Center, which charge 260 yen for adults and 150 yen for children per session. The Minami Ward Sports Center provides structured beginner classes on Mondays and Thursdays, costing 10,600 yen for 20 lessons. Kendo Kendo is a sword-based Japanese martial art, which means “way of the sword,” a modern-day descendant of ancient kenjutsu sword-fighting that predates the Meiji Restoration. Bamboo swords replace real swords in kendo, and the combatants wear armor. As…