JIC: Japan Infomation Communication

KENDO

Do you know japanese traditional sports?

This page will discribe one of the most famous Japanese traditional sport, KENDO.

1.What is Kendo?

         Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing."ken" or "tsurugi" is from the character meaning sword. The character for "Do" or michi includes the meaning way or path which translates as "The way of the sword". The way of the sword is art of Japanese Samurai Swordmanship.It is rooted in the traditions of Budo, the Material Way. It is both exhilarating and demanding to learn.

       "Kendo" as it is played today, was developed about two hundred years ago, when the "shinai", a bamboo sword, was devised to enable the safe and free practice of the ancient military art of sword.

       Today "kendo" followers train themselves primary by using bamboo swords and learn "kata" forms by using real or wooden swords.

2.Kendo history

       The story the rise of modern Kendo begins with the samurai and extends over the calture of several centuries.

      With the establishment of the Shogun in Kamakura and military rule controlling Japan, a new militatry class and their lifestyle called Bushido, "the way of the warrior", gained prominence. The influence of Bushido extended to modern Japanese society and Kendo was also to be greatly influenced by this thinking. Kenjutsu,"the art of swordmanship", had been recorded since the 8th century, it gained new prominence and took on religious and cultural aspects as well. Sword making become a revered art. Zen and other sects of Buddism developed and the samurai often devoted time to fine calligraphy or poetry.

      Later, Kendo began to take its modern appearance during the late 18th century with the intriduction of protective equipment: the men, kote and do and the use of the bamboo sword, the shinai.

      With the Meiji Redtoration (1868) and Japan's entry into the modern world, Kendo suffered a great decline. The Samurai class was abolished and the wearing of the swords in public outlawed. This discline was only temporary, however, interest in Kendo was revived first in 1887 when uprisings against the government showed the need for the training of police officers.

      In 1911, Kendo was officially intriduced into the physical education curriculum of middle schools. In 1939 as Japan prepared for war, Kendo became a required course for all boys. After World WarⅡ, because of its nationalistic and militaristic associations, Kendo was outlawed. However by 1952, supporters of Kendo succesfully reintroduced a "pure sport" form of Kendo, called Shinai Kyogi which excluded the militaristic attitudes and some of the rougher aspects of practice characteristic of pre-war Kendo, into the public schools. Today, Kendo continues to grow under the auspices of the All Japan Kendo Federation, the International Kendo Federation, and federations all over the world.

3.What is need??

   

      Kendo equipment consists of the swords, uniform and armour.

There are two types of wooden swords used: first, the bokken or bokuto, a solid wood sword made of oak or another suitable hardwood. The bokken is used for basics and forms practice (kata). Second, the shinai, is made up of four bamboo staves and leather. The shinai is used for full contact sparring practice.

      The uniform or dogi consists of woven cotten top called a keikogi and pleated skirt-line trousers called a hakama.

      The armour or bogu consists of four pieces: the helmet (men), the body protecter (do), the gloves (kote), and the hip and groin protector (tare). Modern Kendo armour design is fashioned after the Yoroi of the Samurai.

4.Kendo Practice

      A Kendo practice is composed of many tipes of traning. Each type has a differrent purpose for developing the Kendo student. The following is some examples of it.

      1.Kiri-Kaeshi: successively strinking the left and right men, practice centering, distance, and proper cutting while building spirit and stamina.

      2.Waza-Geiko: technique practice in which the student learns to use the many techniques of Kendo with a receiving partner.

      3.Kakari-Geiko: short, intense,attack practice in which teaches continuous alertness, the ability to attack no matter what has come before, as well as building spirit snd stamina.

      4.Ji-Geiko: sparring practice where the kendoist has a chance to try all that he or she has learned with a resisting partner.

5.The concept of Kendo

      The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).

      The Purpose of practicing Kendo is:

      To mold the mind and body,

      To cultivate a vigorous spirit,

      And through correct and rigit training,

      To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo,

     To hold in esteem human couetesy and honor,

      To associate with others with sincerity,

      And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

      This will make one be able:

      To love his/her country and society,

      To contribute to the development of culture

      And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

     The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in　1775.

                                                      posted by Risa Kubota

KYUDO 弓道

05132013 Yurie Baba

#1●What is KYUDO?●

Kyudo, which literally means The Way of the Bow, is considered by many to be the purest of all the martial ways. In the past, the Japanese bow was used for hunting, war, court ceremonies, games, and contests of skill. The original word for Japanese archery was kyujutsu (bow technique) which encompassed the skills and techniques of the warrior archer. Some of the ancient schools, known as ryu, survive today, along with the  ancient ceremonies and games, but the days where the Japanese bow was used as a weapon are long past. Modern kyudo is practiced primarily as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development.

No one knows exactly when the term kyudo came into being but it was not until the late nineteenth century when practice centered almost exclusively around individual practice that the term gained general acceptance. The essence of modern kyudo is said to be synonymous with the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Truth in kyudo is manifested in shooting that is pure and right-minded, where the three elements of attitude, movement, and technique unite in a state of perfect harmony. A true shot in kyudo is not just one that hits the center of the target, but one where the arrow can be said to exist in the target before its release.

Goodness encompasses such qualities as courtesy, compassion, morality, and non-aggression. In kyudo, goodness is shown by displaying proper attitude and behavior in all situations. A good kyudo archer is a person who maintains his or her composure and grace even in times of great stress or conflict.

Beauty both enhances life and stimulates the spirit. In kyudo, truth and goodness, themselves, are considered beautiful. Beauty can also be found in the exquisite grace and artistry of the Japanese bow and the elegance of the traditional archer's attire. It is also present in the refined etiquette that surrounds the kyudo ceremony. Etiquette, which is simply common courtesy and respect for others, is an essential element of kyudo  practice.

Much has been written about the philosophical connections of kyudo. Perhaps most known is the book Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel. In his book Mr. Herrigel sets forth his experiences with kyudo in the 1930's. It was a beautifully written account that has been translated into many languages, giving people worldwide their first glimpse of the art. Unfortunately, the book was very one-sided in its description of kyudo as a Zen art and is responsible for a lot of the current misconception surrounding the practice of kyudo as a religious activity.
While kyudo is not a religion it has been influenced by two schools of Eastern philosophy: The previously mentioned Zen, a form of Buddhism imported from China, and Shintoism, the indigenous faith of Japan. Of the two, the influence of Shintoism is much older. Ritualistic use of the bow and arrows have been a part of Shintoism for over two thousand years. Much of the kyudo ceremony, the attire worn by the archers, and the ritual respect shown for the equipment and shooting place are derived from ancient Shinto practice.
The influence of Zen, on the other hand, is more recent, dating back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) when the warrior archers adopted Zen as their preferred method of moral training. Zen's influence on kyudo became even greater in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when Japan, as a whole, experienced a period of civil peace. During that time the practice of kyudo took on a definite philosophical leaning. This is  the period when sayings like "one shot, one life" and "shooting should be like flowing water" were associated with the teaching of kyudo. Because of its long and varied past, modern Japanese archery will exhibit a wide variety of influences. Today, at any given kyudojo (practice hall), one can find people practicing ancient kyujutsu, ceremonial court games, rituals with religious connections, and contests of skill. The key to understanding kyudo is to keep an open mind and realize that any style of kyudo you see or practice is but a small part of a greater whole, and that each style has its own history and philosophical underpinnings which make them all equally interesting and important.

http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-k.html

＃２●History of KYUDO●

Historically, Japanese archery has been shrouded in myth and legend, making it difficult to assemble a completely accurate account of its development. Still, by focusing on the similarities recorded in ancient  chronicles, historians have managed to piece together a reliable picture of the historical development of kyudo. For clarity we have divided that development into five historical stages: Prehistoric (7,000 B.C to A.D.  330), Ancient (330-1192), Feudal (1192-1603), Transitional (1603-1912), and Modern (1912 to the present).

The Prehistoric Period

It goes without saying that the evolution of Japanese archery closely coincides with the development and use of the Japanese bow. The earliest known inhabitants of the Japanese islands, a hunter-gatherer culture known as the Jomon relied heavily on the use of the bow. Their bows were of different lengths but most were the short, center-gripped type common to other primitive cultures. The Jomon bow was primarily used as a hunting tool but it is quite probable that it was also used in tribal warfare and ritual. From around 250 B.C to A.D. 330 the Yayoi culture flourished. During this time the bow came to be used as a symbol of political power. Legend says that Japan's first ruler was Emperor Jimmu, (illustration at right) who ascended to the thone in 660 B.C. And while many historians dispute this, the fact remains that in paintings and descriptions of his life Jimmu is always depicted holding a long bow, a symbol of his authority. A bronze casting from the Yayoi period appears to show the use of a long asymmetrical bow. And a written account compiled by the Chinese in the  third century describes the Japanese as using a bow with upper and lower limbs of differing length, so it is highly likely that the unique asymmetrical design of the Japanese bow was adopted during the Yayoi period.

The Ancient Period

During this period Japan was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. It was then that ceremonial archery became an important part of the court system. The Japanese bowmakers also began to borrow the composite construction used by the Chinese, and by the tenth century had developed a two-piece composite bow using bamboo and wood. The Ancient period also saw the rise of the samurai, or warrior class, and the bow saw even  greater use as a weapon of war as the samurai struggled to establish themselves as a powerful new social class.

The Feudal Period

In 1192 Minamoto no Yoritomo was granted the title of shogun, or military governor, and established stricter standards for his warriors. As part of that training, Ogasawara Nagakiyo, the founder of Ogasawara  Ryu, was instructed to teach mounted archery in a more formal manner. It was during this time that the kyujutsu ryu, the schools of archery technique, came into their own. One of the most influential archers of  the time was Heki Danjo Masatsugu, the founder of Heki Ryu, who lived from 1443 to 1502. He is credited with standardizing the training of kyujutsu which no doubt assured its continued growth and development, even into modern times. It was during the Feudal period that the construction of the Japanese bow reached its peak. By the late sixteenth century it was regarded as being near perfect in design. So much so, that the bamboo and wood laminate bows used in modern kyudo are nearly identical to those made four hundred years ago. As it turned out, the end of the sixteenth century also spelled the end of the bow's usefulness as a weapon of war when Oda Nobunaga, commanding conscripts armed with muskets, defeated the opposing force of kyujutsu archers in a major battle in 1575.

The Transitional Period

In the seventeenth century Japan's period of civil war ceased and the emphasis of Japanese archery gradually changed from kyujutsu to kyudo, or, in other words, from the technique of fighting with a bow to the way of personal development. The Transitional period also saw the general public become more involved with the practice of archery. As the twentieth century dawned, Honda Toshizane, a kyudo instructor at Tokyo Imperial University, combined elements of the warrior and ceremonial styles to create a hybrid form that came to be known as Honda Ryu. Although the traditional schools were against the creation of this hybrid form, Honda Toshizane is widely credited today with ensuring the survival of kyudo in the twentieth century.

The Modern Period

In the early 1930's it became evident that modern kyudo would need to be standardized in some way to guarantee its continued growth. The issue was hotly debated and the agreement that was reached in 1934 was tentative at best. After World War II, the practice of kyudo, along with all other martial arts, was banned by the occupation forces. It wasn't until 1949 that final authorization was granted and the Zen Nihon Kyudo  Renmei (known as the All Nippon Kyudo Federation in English) was formed. In 1953 the kyudo kyohon (manual) was published, establishing the shooting procedures that are in common use today.

http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-h.html

#3 ●Kyudo equipment●

The following illustrations show the typical equipment and uniform used in modern kyudo practice, along with the target and its placement on the azuchi (target bank).　

                 

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

●Yumi(Bows)

There are three basic types of bows (yumi) in use today: a standard bamboo yumi, lacquered bamboo yumi, and synthetic yumi made with fiberglass or carbon-fiber. The bow of choice for most kyudo practitioners is the standard bamboo yumi which is made today very much the same as it was 500 years ago. With its simplicity and clean lines the bamboo yumi is unsurpassed in beauty and elegance.

●Ya(Arrows)

To determine proper arrow length measure from the center of the neck to the tip of your outstretched hand. Add at least 5 centimeters for safety. A minimum arrow length of 103 cm is recommended for novice practitioners.

●Tsuru(Bowstrings)

Tsuru are made from natural hemp fibers or from synthetic materials such as kevlar. It goes without saying that the synthetic strings are more durable, but they will not produce the clear sounds at the release that a natural string will.

●Yugake(Archer’s Grove)

For the most part the care of the glove means keeping it clean and dry. Always use an underglove (remember not to store a wet underglove next to your yugake) and avoid touching the glove to a sweaty arm or forehead. If it becomes soiled DO NOT USE A SOLVENT or other chemical cleaner. These will harden and stain the deer skin glove. Instead, use a natural gum eraser and try to "erase" the dirt.

●Kyudo-Gi (Kyudo uniform)

The standard practice uniform consists of a short-sleeved keiko-gi that is held in place by an obi (belt), a hakama (skirt-like divided trousers), and tabi (split-toed socks).

●Mato(Target)

There are a variety of kyudo targets (mato), ranging in size from the tiny, nine-centimeter mato used for special occasions to the 150-centimeter mato used for enteki (long-distance shooting). The most common target is the thirty-six-centimeter mato used for kinteki (regular close-range shooting). The kyudo target consists of a matowaku, a circular wooden frame, that is covered with a paper target face known as matogami. The standard target faces used today are the kasumi-mato (mist target) and the hoshi-mato (star target). At kinteki range (28 meters) the mato is placed against the azuchi (target bank) at a 5° angle with its center set at twenty-seven-centimeters above ground level.

http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-e.html

＃4●Kyudo spirits●

Archer’s believed that one's spirit was like a great oak tree, and in order for it to realize its greatest potential the seeds had to be planted early. They, of course, recognized the importance of technique; teaching that technique was the gateway to the spiritual level. But more often, he liked to echo the sayings of past kyudo masters and teach that "shooting with technique improves the shooting, but shooting with spirit improves the man.”

Because the practice of kyudo involves little in the way of hard physical activity, spirit is extremely important. When the spirit is weak the shooting becomes dull and lifeless.if  the spirit is strong one will appear like a deep-flowing river, calm on the surface but with tremendous power hidden in the depths. Compare that to someone whose internal spirit is weak. Like a small stream, they may  appear powerful because of all their noise and turbulence, but underneath they are shallow and devoid of any real power.Strict self-control and emotional stability are crucial to the development of one's spirit and to the practice of kyudo. But some are unwilling to adhere to the strict ceremonial procedures that the practice of kyudo requires. These people argue that any attempt at self-control stifles creativity. Attitudes such as this, however, are usually little more than an attempt to use unorthodox methods as a cover for insufficient skill or knowledge. True creativity is sister to the spirit and both are born of simplicity. They are not a product of the  intellect, but surface only when the rational mind is quieted and the intuitive thought process takes over. The guidelines and procedures established for the practice of kyudo have been borrowed from generations of past teachers, and are designed to put the analytical mind to rest and allow the practitioner to move into a state of  consciousness known as mushin (literally, no mind). And while some may associate a state of no mind with unconsciousness or even death, it is in truth a state where the remnants of thought are eliminated and only  pure thought remains.

http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-p.html

#5●Technics●

the Kyudo technics are called the Hassetsu, the eight fundamental stages of shooting. The Hassetsu are presented as separate actions only for the purpose of study. In truth, they are part of one continuous sequence of movements that are performed with seamless integration. There are, of course, numerous transitional techniques and sequences that cannot be illustrated here.
Also, the Hassetsu series shown here does not include Taihai, the ceremonial or procedural aspects of Kyudo.

1) Ashibumi・・・placing the fooing

2)Douzukuri・・・forming the body

3)Yugamae ・・・readying the bow

4)Uchiokoshi・・・rasing the bow

5)Hikiwake・・・drawing apart

6)Kai・・・the full draw

7)Hanare・・・the release

8)Zanshin・・・the remeninding body or mind

http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-t.html

Lacrosse

I belong to lacrosse club in this university.

I love lacrosse, so I want to familiarise lacrosse.

The following show you the basis of lacrosse.

1.What's lacrosse?

      Lacrosse was one of many varieties of indigenous stickball games being played by American Indians at the time of European contact. Alomost exclusively a male team sport, it is distinguished from the others, such as field hockey or shinny, by the use of a netted racquet with which to pick the ball off the ground, throw, catch and convey it into or past a goal to score a point. The cardinal rule in all varieties of lacrosse was that the ball, with few exceptions, must not be touched with the hands.

      Today,lacrosse expand to worldwide as one of the fastest growing sports (more than half a million players), contollored by official regulations and played with manufactured rather than hand-made equipment-the alminum shafted stick with its plastic head, for example.

2.What is need?

     

    

The Crosse: The crosse (lacrosse stick) is mede of wood or plastic with shaped net pocket at the end. A Men's crosse must be an overall length of 40-42 inchies for attackmen and midfielders, or 52-72 inches for defensemen. A Woman's crosse must be 35 2/1 - 43 1/4 inches.

    

The Ball: The ball must be Yellow and made of solid rubber. The ball is 7.75-8 inches and weigh 5-5.25 ounces.

      The Mouthpiece: All players must wear mouthguards.

      Protective Equipment: There are some difference between men and women.

                                        Men; A protective helmet equipped face mask, chin pads, shoulder pads,

                                               arm pads, ribpads

                                      Women; Eyewear, gloves

3.Men's Lacrosse

    Men's lacrosse is a contact game played by ten players: a goalie, three defencemen, three midfielders and three attackmen. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.

      The games are 60 minutes long, with 15 minute quaters.Halftime is ten minutes long.

      Field players must use their crosses to pass, catch and run with the ball.

  4.Women's Lacrosse

      

      Women's lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players: a goalie, three attackers, five midfielders and three defenders. The same as Men, the team scoring the most goals wins.

      The game is 50 minutes long, each half being 15 minutes.

      The field size is 60×110 meters.

      Field players must use their crosses to pass, catch and run with the ball.

      When a Whistle blows, all players must stop in place. When a ball is ruled out of play, the player closest to the ball gets possession when play is resumed.

       Rough checks, and contact to the body with the crosse or body, are not allowed.

      Field players may pass, catch or run with the ball in their crosse. A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a check.

      ●Lacrosse skills●

       (1) Cradle: The act of moving the stick from side causing the ball to remain in the upper part of

                        the pocket webbing.

      (2) Catching: The act of receiving a passed ball with the crosse. Unexpectedly, it is very difficult

                        to adjust good timing.

      (3)Passing: The act of throwing the ball to a teammate with the crosse.

      (4)Ground ball: The act of scooping a loose ball with a crosse.

5.Lacrosse in Japan

       The sport of lacrosse began in Japan in April of 1986, when a few students of Keio University, spurred by an interest in the sport of lacrosse visited the American Embassy. "Through lacrosse, the interaction of the younger generation in the world will foster friendship which will lead to mutual understanding", the senior volunteer members voiced in a statement.

     In1987, The Japan Lacrosse Association was founded. Initially "Volunteerism" "Amateurism" and "International friendship" were the three main principles that were empasized.

      In1988, the Japan Lacrosse Student League, which included seven member Japanese universities, was founded and the first student league season was held. In the following year, the first International Lacrosse Friendship Games was held at the Komazawa Olympic Stadium.

   

      Since then, Japan has been the host of two World Cups - under 19(Men) in August 1996 and World Cup(woman) in May 1997.

      Today, Lacrosse is famous for the sports of coed. For the close future, lacrosse games must play at the Olympic Games.

                                                  posted by Risa Kubota

SPOCHAN

I found a pretty interesting sport which comes from Japan on the official website. That is "Spochan". This picture was found from this it.

What is Spochan?

Sportschanbara is a Budo based upon the Samurai tradition of Japan. We commonly call it "Spochan." Spochan is safe for players, both children and adults. It makes a battle-wise person for self-defense. It is remarkable for stress management, while increasing your focus. You can learn the spirit of the Japanese Budo tradition as well.

Spochan is a contemporary sword battle / sword fight. The equipments, used for pratice, are a soft-air Kodachi (60cm), a Choken (100cm), a Yari / Naginata (210cm) and a mask. You can hit all over the opponent's body, and sustain hits yourself, of course without any injuries.

This Japanese self-defense art is enjoyed by people of all ages. It has gradually become popular, as they are 150 000 practitioners in Japan, and about 50 000 players in 37 foreign countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, England, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA, etc). The International Sportschanbara Association plays host to the 32th World Sports Chanbara Championship in 2006.

Spochan is a official sport, and it has International Sports Chanbara Association and Japan Sports Chanbara Association. The association has been thirty years and the World Campionship in Japan was held.

You can use swords and other weapons called TANTO, KODACHI, CHOKEN, YARI, JHOU, and BOU.

I borrowed some pics and explanations from this website.

In SportsChanbara, tools(weapons) named "air-soft" are used.
These weapons hits softly and shrink if the air is let out. Using these "air-soft" weapons evenly balanced games can be played between adults and children.

Spochan was created by Tetsundo Tanabe. He is a president of Spochan. He held championships many times. The world championship have been held 32 times.

I found his photo from this web.

History of Spochan

Spochan was launched by Mr. TANABE Tetsundo, director of International Sports Chanbara Association in 1971 as an art of self-defense and a method to protect oneself. Mr. Tanabe enjoyed chanbara as a child, but his real motivation was stoked when he was a director of his older brother's security company and started to train their employees in the art of kendo.

After a while, children near the exercise hall started joining the martial arts school and Mr. Tanabe began creating enjoyable chanbara lessons for them. Then, he hosted competitions, which gradually became larger until they evolved into the Japan Championship that began to be held later. So far, they have hosted 31 Japan Championships, and chanbara is becoming more popular every year in Japan as well as overseas. At present, championship competitions are held in Asia, the U.S.A. and Europe.

posted by Yukako Iwai

Judo

1 what is Judo

Judo is a Japanese word meaning "gentle way," and is a type of martial art that comes from the ancient Japanese martial art of jujitsu, meaning "yielding way." In 1882, Dr. Jigoro Dano, president of Tokyo's University of Education, incorporated what he thought to be the best jujitsu techniques into what is now the sport of judo. Judo emphasizes using balance, leverage, and movement in all of its skills, especially throws.

Practitioners of judo wear a cotton uniform called a judogi, meaning "judo uniform," and sometimes referred to simply as a gi. These uniforms are usually white but can also be blue. They consist of loose drawstring pants and a quilted jacket which is fastened by an obi, or belt. The uniforms were originally created for judo but are now used for many different types of martial arts.

The most noticeable thing to someone watching judo would likely be the variety of powerful throwing techniques. Grappling techniques are also important to learn, and include various control holds, arm and joint locks, pins, and choking techniques. Safety is emphasized in practice, and judo places importance both on fighting done standing and on the ground.

Judo prizes the idea of flexibility in the techniques, tailoring the technique to what is required in a particular moment. Strength is not as important as technique and skill, as well as timing. This enables judo techniques to be performed effectively by a smaller person on a much stronger person.

Judo is popular today with people of all ages, throughout the world. It is an excellent way to stay in shape, as well as increase self-confidence and learn self defense. Body control is developed, as well as quick reflexes, balance, and effective self-defense should the need arise.

Judo is also a competitive sport, introduced as such at the 1964 Olympics. This Olympic sport was only open to men until 1988, when it was a women's demonstration sport; in 1992, judo became an official Olympic medal event for women. There are also collegiate judo competitions in the United States.

The system of ranks found in many martial arts, usually identified by belts of different colors, was first used in judo. The ranks recognize hard work, as well as increased knowledge and ability of the martial art. There are separate junior ranks for children under 17 than there are for adults. Black belts are the highest ranks in judo, with ten different degrees of black belt.

Jigoro Kano is the first person who did the Judo as the sport, and he has been the most famous person in the Judo world. Therefore, now Kano Jigoro cup has begun since the late of 19th century.

2 History of Judo 

Back in 1860 Jigoro Kano - judo's founder - was born in Japan. During that time peasants used forms of ju-jitsu to defend themselves, and when he was 23 years old, Kano began instructing his own form of ju-jitsu. He called it Kano Judo.

The judo, Kano showed his pupils was not just a sport but a way of life. He based his teachings around the principles of gentleness. In his own words, "Victory over the opponent is achieved by giving way to the strength of the opponent, adapting to it and taking advantage of it, turning it, in the end to your own advantage."

Kano became the first Asian IOC member in 1912 and began to travel Internationally promoting judo as he toured throughout America and Europe. In 1938 Kano died of pneumonia but not before seeing Tokyo selected as an Olympic site for the 12th Olympic Games.

However, because of the war, those Games were cancelled - and in the end it wasn't until the 1964 Games in Tokyo that judo became an Olympic sport. Some three decades later women's judo was included as an official sport at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

3 Judo rank system. 

Achievement in Judo is recognized by a series of ranks. The student ranks are called kyu and are usually differentiated by colored belts (obi). Different colors may be used around the world and in some countries there are more than 6 kyu ranks. The ten black belt, or expert, ranks are called dan. The traditional Judo ranks are:

English                 Japanese

                                     6th grade               rokyu
                                     5th grade               gokyu
                                     4th grade               yonkyu
                                     3rd grade               sankyu
                                     2nd grade               nikyu
                                     1st grade               ikkyu

                                     1st degree              shodan
                                     2nd degree              nidan
                                     3rd degree              sandan
                                     4th degree              yodan
                                     5th degree              godan
                                     6th degree              rokudan
                                     7th degree              shichidan
                                     8th degree              hachidan
                                     9th degree              kudan
                                     10th degree             judan

In the days before Kano created Judo, there was no kyu/dan ranking system in the martial arts. A more traditional method of recognizing achievement was the presentation of certificates or scrolls, often with the secrets of the school inscribed. Kano started the modern rank system when he awarded shodan to two of his senior students (Shiro Saigo and Tsunejiro Tomita) in 1883. Even then, there was no external differentiation between yudansha (black belt ranks) and mudansha (those who hadn't yet attained black belt ranking). Kano apparently began the custom of having his yudansha wear black obi (belts) in 1886. These obi weren't the belts karateka and judoka wear today -- Kano hadn't invented the judogi (Judo uniform) yet, and his students were still practicing in kimono. They were the wide obi still worn with formal kimono. In 1907, Kano introduced the modern judogi and its modern obi, but he still only used white and black belt ranks.

Professor Kano was an educator and used a hierarchy in setting learning objectives for Judo students, just as students typically pass from one grade to another in the public school system. The Judo rank system represents a progression of learning with a syllabus and a corresponding grade indicating an individual's level of proficiency. Earning a black belt is like graduating from high school or college. It indicates you have achieved a basic level of proficiency, learned the fundamental skills and can perform them in a functional manner, and you are now ready to pursue Judo on a more serious and advanced level as a professional or a person seeking an advanced degree would.

Around 1930 Jigoro Kano created a new belt to recognize the special achievements of high ranking black belts. Jigoro Kano chose to recognize sixth, seventh, and eighth degree black belts with a special obi made of alternating red and white panels (kohaku obi). The white color was chosen for purity, and red for the intense desire to train and the sacrifices made. The colors red and white are an enduring symbol of Japan, and they have been used in Judo since Jigoro Kano started the first Red and White Tournament in 1884. The kohaku obi is often worn for special occasions, but it is not required to be worn at any time and the black belt remains the standard for all the yudansha ranks. Jigoro Kano also created the optional red belt to recognize 9th and 10th degree yudansha.

Theoretically the Judo rank system is not limited to 10 degrees of black belt. The original english language copy (1955) of Illustrated Kodokan Judo, by Jigoro Kano, says: "There is no limit...on the grade one can receive. Therefore if one does reach a stage above 10th dan... there is no reason why he should not be promoted to 11th dan." However, since there has never been any promotion to a rank above 10th dan, the Kodokan Judo promotion system effectively has only 10 dans. There have only been 15 10th dans awarded by the Kodokan in the history of Judo.

Other colored belts for students who had not yet achieved black belt originated later, when Judo began being practiced outside of Japan. Mikonosuke Kawaishi is generally regarded as the first to introduce various colored belts in Europe in 1935 when he started to teach Judo in Paris. He felt that western students would show greater progress if they had a visible system of many colored belts recognizing achievement and providing regular incentives. This system included white, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple belts before the traditional brown and black belts.

The Judo practice uniform and belt system eventually spread to many of the other modern martial arts, such as aikido and karate, which adapted them for their purpose. Karateka in Okinawa didn't use any sort of special uniform at all in the old days. The kyu/dan ranking system, and the modern karategi (modified judogi) were first adopted by Funakoshi in an effort to encourage karate's acceptance by the Japanese. He awarded the first shodan ranks given in karate to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya on April 10, 1924. The adoption of the kyu/dan system and the adoption of a standard uniform based on the judogi were 2 of the 4 conditions which the Dai-Nippon Butokukai required before recognizing karate as a "real" martial art. If you look at photographs of Okinawan karateka training in the early part of this century, you'll see that they were training in their everyday clothes.

Promotion requirements for each rank vary according to the sensei and the national organization that you are affiliated with. There is no worldwide standard for each rank, although it is generally accepted that a blackbelt has had many years of practice and can perform at least the nage-no-kata, the gokyo-no-waza and the newaza techniques. For further information about promotion requirements see your sensei.

Here's how to tie your belt, proper sizing for a judogi, and some information about where to get a judogi. Here is another article on Origins of the Karate Rank System and on Belt Colors and Ranking Tradition.

4 Judo technique 

Nage-Waza (Throwing Techniques)
    Nage-waza can be divided into two sub-categories, tachi-waza (standing techniques) and sutemi-waza (sacrifice techniques).
    The techniques of tachi-waza are performed while standing and fall into one of three categories: te-waza (hand techniques), koshi-waza (hip techniques), and ashi-waza (foot or leg techniques).  The primary part of his body that tori (the thrower) uses to throw uke (the one being thrown) determines what heading a particular tachi-waza technique will fall under.
    The techniques of sutemi-waza involve tori dropping to the mat and using his downward momentum to help throw uke.  There are two types of sutemi-waza: ma-sutemi-waza (back sacrifice techniques) and yoko-sutemi-waza (side sacrifice techniques).  The former involves tori falling to his back to execute the throw.  In the latter, tori falls to his side in order to throw uke.

Katame-Waza (Grappling Techniques) 

The techniques of katame-waza are usually employed when both competitors have fallen to the mat but there are some katame-waza techniques that can be used while standing.  Katame-waza consists of three general types of techniques: osae-komi-waza (hold down or pinning techniques), shime-waza (choke/stangle holds), and kansetsu-waza (joint locking techniques, specifically armbars).

Atemi-Waza (Striking Techniques)

The striking techniques of judo are never practiced outside of kata as forceful or improper technique could lead to serious injuries or death.  Atemi-waza are classified as either ude-waza (arm strikes) or ashi-ate (leg strikes).

Randori (Free Practice)

Along with kata (the practice of forms), randori (free practice) is the primary way of practicing and perfecting judo techniques.  In randori two judoka spar with each as they might in an actual match.  They are allowed to execute almost any nage-waza or katame-waza technique they wish so long as they are careful not to injure their training partner.  The use of atemi-waza is randori is prohibited.  Also, a few particularly dangerous nage-waza and kansetsu-waza techniques are not permitted in randori or competition.

Kata (The Practice of Forms)

Kata (the practice of forms) are pre-determined movements that are used to instruct in the methods of defense and attack.  Kata includes techniques from nage-waza, katame-waza, and atemi-waza.  Atemi-waza can be safely practiced in kata because both tori and uke know what maneuvers will occur and can react appropriately.

5 Judo rules     

1. Each contestant shall wear coat and belt.

2. A contestant shall be deemed to have been defeated when his two shoulders and hips shall have touched the floor, provided that said contestant shall have reached this position on the floor through having been thrown down.

3. A contestant shall be deemed to have been defeated when in such position on the floor, if said combatant cannot free himself from his opponent's arms within two seconds' time.

4. A contestant shall be deemed to have been defeated when from any cause or causes he may become unconscious. But it is not permitted to use serious tricks when the wrestling bout is between friends. Such tricks as kicking and the breaking of arms, legs, and neck are barred.

5. A combatant shall be deemed to have been defeated when he has been reduced to submission through the employment by his opponent of any hold or trick.

6. When a defeated combatant finds himself obliged to acknowledge his submission, he must pat or hit the floor or his antagonist's body, or somewhere, with his hand or foot. This patting with foot or hand is to be regarded as a token of surrender.

7. When a defeated combatant pats or hits the floor, or anywhere, in token of submission, the victor must at once let go his hold.

8. It is understood and agreed that the Jiu-Jitsu man, whether he fights a boxer or contests with a wrestler, shall be allowed to use in his defense any of the tricks that belong to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

9. It is further understood and agreed that the Jiu-Jitsu man assumes no responsibility for any injury or injuries caused by any act or thing done during the contest, and that the Jiu-Jitsu man shall be held free and blameless for any such ill effect or injury that may be received during the contest.

10. Two competent witnesses representing each side, or four in all, shall see to it that these articles of agreement are properly drawn, signed, and witnessed, to the end that neither contestant or other participant in the match shall have cause for action on any ground or grounds resulting from any injury or injuries, or death, caused during the contest.

the famous person in the world.

Kosei Inoue - He got the gold medal at the sydney olympic. he was really strong at that time. After that, he has never gotten the gold medal since then and maybe he can't participate next olympic because there are a lot of strong and young people in Japan. if wins 7 times, he can participate next olympic, yet it is really hard.

Ryoko Tani- she is the strongest lady in Japan and in the world. No one will not win from her. She got a lot of gold medals the cup she attend. and she got married with Mr. Tani who is the professional Baseball player in Japan. she got the baby and next time she will participate the olympic as a mother. she always says that I will be the champion as a lady, as more than 30 years, and next as a mother.

05132162       Shinya Taira

Sumou

History

           In Koziki and Nihonsyoki which was written over 1300 years ago, there is mention about Sumou.  It was performed to pray to God so that harvest a lot of farm products.  The emperor held competitions of Sumou and seemed to enjoy watching it in around Nara or Heian era.  In Edo ear, professional players appered.  In that time,  there was a sumou ring that was made by straw ricebags.  In Meiji era, Kokugikan was built in Tokyo, and sumou was held for the first time indoor.

This information was found here.

      

 

Rule

                Two players "Rikishi" push and throw each other with Mawashi that is Japanese underpants.  Don't hit or kick.  Player who is out of Dohyou that is the battle ring before another or some parts of own body expect for the back of foot touch the surface is loser.  Sumou waza that is called Kimarite are 82 ways.  The referee that is called Gyozi has stick like a round fan called Gunbai.

Why does Rikishi put water into his mouth or scatter salt before battle?

             Sumou was held in front of the God long times ago.  That was a God event.  Therefore, Rikishi had to make his body pure with salt before Rikishi entered the Dohyou.  There was tradition that women might not enter the Dohyou because women was durty.   In Edo era, women couldn't watch the match of Sumou.

What does the referee say during the match?

              You can hear "Hakkiyoi" or " Nokotta".  "Hakkiyoi" means " Do your best!  Show fight spirit!"  The judge says that wards when Rikishi's movement stops.  When the match is not decided yet,  he says "Nokotta."  That means "You remain yet in the ring."

Famous player

Asasyoryu

Belong=Takasago//Birthday=September 27th in 1980//Birthplace=Mongolia//Height=184cm//Weight=148kg//Record=539 wins 137 loses 47 abusent//Skillful waza=migiyottsu, yori, tsuppari

Takamisakari

Belong=Azumaseki//Birthday=May 12th in 1976//Birthplace=Japan//Height=188cm//Weight=138kg//Record=356 wins 321 loses 46 abusent//Skillful waza=migiyottsu, yori

Takanohana

Belong=Huzishima//Birthday=August 12th in 1972//Birthplace=Japan//Height=180cm//Weight=132kg//Record=794 wins 262 loses 201 abusent//Skillful waza=yori, tsuppari

Wakanohana

Belong=Hutagoyama//Birthday=January 20th in 1971//Birthplace=Japan//Height=180cm//Weight=134kg//Record=573 wins 286 loses 124 abusent//Skillful waza=hidariyottsu, ottsuke, yori

Akebono

Belong=Azumaseki//Birthday=May 8th in 1969//Birthplace=America//Height=203cm//Weight=220kg//Record=566 wins 198 loses 181 abusent//Skillful waza=Tsuppari, ottsuke, yori

Posted by Bungo Otani

Soccer(football)

Soccer

1 The history of soccer

Through out history, humans have enjoyed kicking a ball or something like a ball. South American Indians were known to use a light elasticized ball. However; rubber was not to be practically manufactured until a few thousand years later.

According to historical references and legend, early balls ranged from human heads, stitched up cloth, animal and human skulls to pig or cow bladders.

During the Ts'in and Han Dynasties (255 BC-220 AD), the Chinese played 'tsu chu', in which animal-skin balls were dribbled through gaps in a net stretched between two poles. Certain ancient Egyptian rites are said by historians to have similarities with football, and both the ancient Greeks and Romans also played a game that entailed carrying and kicking a ball.

According to pre-medieval legend, an entire village would kick a skull along a path to a nearby village square.  The opposing village would in turn attempt to kick the skull to the first village's square.  Wow, that probably caused more riots than in modern soccer games.

A Medieval custom was to take pig bladders used from live stock killed in preparation for winter sustenance and inflate them. They would play a game using their feet and hands to keep the "ball" in the air. Sounds like hacky sack to me.

The animal bladder balls were eventually covered with leather for better shape retention.

Soccer has been played in various forms though out history.  Many sites on the world wide web have information on the history of football or soccer.  Of course, here at Soccer Ball World, I will concentrate on the history and evolution of the soccer ball.

2 Japanese soccer history

Christopher Hood casts a learned eye over the history of Japanese football, on both club and national level

Japanese football has yet to make much of an impression on the world stage, despite Hidetoshi Nakata's having made his mark with

Perugia

and Roma in

Italy

's Serie A. The general perception however is that

Japan

is new to football and not very good at it. In fact, football has a long history in

Japan

.

Football reached

Japan

within ten years of the foundation of the Football Association (FA) in

London

in 1863, with matches taking place between some English teachers and their pupils in

Tokyo

and among Western sailors in

Kobe

in 1871.

The officially recognised date for the birth of football in the country is in September 1873 with a game at the

Naval

Academy

in

Tokyo

Bay

organized by a British officer, Archibald Douglas, and his men. The amused Japanese spectators assumed it was a version of kemari, an ancient Japanese ballgame connected with the Shinto religion. The first competitive match in the country is reputed to be the 1888 game between the Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club and the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club, a rivalry that continues to the present day.

It was not until 1921, however, that the Japanese Football Association (JFA) was established. After reports reached

London

of the All Japan Schools Soccer Tournament held in

Osaka

in 1918, the English FA magnanimously dispatched a replica of the FA Cup as a gift to the fledgling footballing cousin . There was no equivalent Japanese football organization to receive it, so one was created.

Fifteen years later,

Japan

was represented at the Berlin Olympics with a team mostly made up of college students.

Japan

lost, and with it the chances of the sport gaining similar levels of popularity it was now enjoying in

Europe

. Baseball took the lead from this time, with a formal league being created in the same year.

3 Famous soccer players in Japan

Hidetoshi Nakata-

Footballer, born in Yamanashi, Japan. By age 14 he was playing for the Japanese Youth team, and he began playing professionally for Shonan Bellmare after leaving school in 1995. He gained his first international cap in 1997 at age 20, and his scoring ability was instrumental in Japan's place in the finals of the FIFA World Cup (France, 1998). After a spell with AC Perugia, he signed for AS Roma for a figure in the region of ₤13 million in January 2000. He played for only one season before transferring to AC Parma for a fee of ₤18·5 million. Seen as representative of a new, less traditional generation in his country, he enjoys near pop-star status among young Japanese people.

3 Shunsuke Nakamura-

                                   Shunsuke Nakamura is not to be confused with Shinsuke Nakamura, the japanese professional wrestler/MMA fighter. Shunsuke Nakamura (Nakamura Shunsuke, born June 24, 1978) is a Japanese international football (soccer) player. He currently plays for Celtic of the Scottish Premier League and was voted "most valuable player" at the Asian Cup 2004. His first season at Celtic has been most successful, as he has helped them to climb to the top of the Scottish Premier League. He is known for near-perfect long passes and is often described as a dead-ball specialist. He usually plays a commanding midfield role, just behind the main strikers. His former clubs include Yokohama F. Marinos and Reggina, for whom he scored 11 goals in 80 Serie A appearances before moving to Celtic on 25 July 2005 for a fee of around 2.5 million pounds. A song has been written about him, Fantasista!, by Christian "Ace" Codenotti, for a soccer-themed Eurobeat/Eurodance album released in 2002.

4 Kazu Miura-

Kazuyoshi Miura, often known simply as Kazu, is a Japanese soccer striker. He has played for the Japanese national team and was the first official recipient of the Asian Player of the Year award in 1994; (三浦知良 Miura Kazuyoshi, born on February 26, 1967).

3  J League-

This is the Japansese Soccer League since 1992.

5 J League-

This is the Japanese famous soccer league. There were only about ten teams when the J-League was started. But now, there are more than 15 teams in Japan, and the league is divided into two parts, Division 1 and Division 2. Division 1 is stronger than Division 2. Urawa Reds is one of the strongest teams in the Division 1.

I will show you the teams of Division 1. 

KASHIMA ANTLERS, 

URAWA RED DIAMONDS,

OMIYA ARDIJA,

JEF UNITED ICHIHARA CHIBA,

KASHIWA REYSOL,

F.C.TOKYO

KAWASAKI FRONTALE,

YOKOHAMA F.MARINOS

YOKOHAMA FC

VENTFORET KOFU

ALBIREX NIIGATA

SHIMIZU S-PULSE

JUBILO IWATA

NAGOYA GRAMPUS EIGHT

GAMBA OSAKA

VISSEL KOBE

SANFRECCE HIROSHIMA

OITA TRINITA

This year, Kashima Antlers is the champion of the Division1. and Urawa red diamonds is the second of the league.

the two weakest teams of this year, Yokohama F.C and Ventforet Kofu is going to Division 2, changing the the two strongest teams of Division 2.

And then I will show you the teams of Division2.

CONSADOLE SAPPORO

VEGALTA SENDAI

MONTEDIO YAMAGATA

MITO HOLLYHOCK

THESPA KUSATSU

TOKYO VERDY 1969

SHONAN BELLMARE

KYOTO SANGA F.C

CEREZO OSAKA

TOKUSHIMA VORTIS

EHIME FC

AVISPA FUKUOKA

SAGAN TOSU

This year, Consadole Sapporo is the champion of Division 2. and they are going to Division1. before 5 years, the champion and the second of Division 2 can go up to Division 1. So, this year, Consadole Sapporo and Tokyo Verdy 1969 can go up to Division 1.

posted by Shinya Taira

K-1

K-1

I really love to watch 'K-1'. K-1 is pretty coool. So I'd like to show you what K-1 is.

What is 'K-1'?

K-1 is a martial arts fighting sport which fuses centuries of tradition from martial arts such as karate, kung fu, tae kwon do and kickboxing (the "K") into a thoroughly modern and electrifying spectator sport, to determine the single best stand-up fighter in the world (the "1").

K-1 rules allow fighters from many disciplines to compete, and the elaborate production values of K-1 events makes these a veritable feast for the senses. Since its introduction in 1993 under the direction of founder Master Kazuyoshi Ishii, K-1 has become one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

Honor and respect rule in the K-1 arena, combatants draw on their finely-honed skills to deliver the artful punches and kicks that have wowed millions and made K-1 the terrific success that it is. You don't have to be a martial arts aficionado to enjoy K-1: People everywhere enjoy action and excitement, and K-1, the world's premier fighting sport, delivers.

This information was found at this website.

History of 'K-1'

I searched for the history of K-1.

With karate moving closer to kickboxing in style, Ishii organizes the first K-1 Grand Prix at the Yoyogi Dai-Ichi Stadium in Tokyo. The event is held in a regulation-size boxing ring under the revolutionary K-1 rules, which permit punches to accommodate both karate and kickboxing fighters. A sellout crowd of 10,000 sees Branco Citatic win the first K-1 Championship. Two more K-1 events are held later in the year, and these are won by Satake and Ernesto Hoost.

This web has a lot of good information. So check it out.

How to play K-1?

Article 1 : The match shall be held in a 7.2m boxing ring surrounded by 4-level ropes.

Article 3 : Matches shall be held in the following manner.

             One-match fights:

             Each match consists of three(3) minutes X five (5) rounds or three(3) minutes X three (3)rounds.  When a fighter is down, and the three (3) minute time is up while referee is still counting, the following shall apply..........

Check the K-1 rules out at this web.

Fighters

I like Mark Hunt, Ernesto Hoost, Jerome Le Banner and Vincent Swaans.

Name: Mark Hunt

Birthday: 23 March, 1974

Weight: 113.0kg

Height: 178cm

Name: Ernesto Hoost

Birthday:  11 July 1965

Weight: 104.0kg

Height: 189cm

   Name: Jerome Le Banner

Birthday: 26 December 1972

Weight: 275 lbs

Height: 6 feet 3inch

   Name: Vincent Swaans

Birthday: 22 November 1973

Weight: 68.0kg

Height: 180cm

Back bone : Muaythai

On 31 December 2007, K-1 Dynamite will be held at Kyocera Dome  in Osaka. Competitors are Masato,Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Hong-Man Choi, Minowaman, Choi Yong Soo, Sergey Kharitonov, Melvin Manhoef, Hideo Tokoro, HIROYA and so on. I'm really looking forward to watching this match. I'll give you some information about this match.

Date & time ; 12 December 2007 13:00~

Place : Kyocera Dome in Osaka

Special Cosponsor: Fields

If you want to get more information, please check this website.

posted by yukako Iwai

Badminton バドミントン

05132013 Yurie Baba

#1 ●HISTORY OF BADMINON●

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　In the early days, BADMINTON was invented long ago; a form of sport played in ancient Greece and Egypt. Badminton came from a child's game called battledore and shuttlecock, in which two players hit a feathered shuttlecock back and forth with tiny rackets. The game was called "POONA" in India during the 18th Century, and British Army Officers stationed there took the Indian version back to England in the 1860's. The army men introduced the game to friends, but the new sport was definitely launched there at a party given in 1873 by the Duke of Beaufort at his country place, "Badminton" in Gloucestershire. During that time, the game had no name, but it was referred to as "The Game of Badminton," and, thereupon, Badminton became its official name. Until 1887 the sport was played in England under the rules that prevailed in India. They were, from the English viewpoint, somewhat contradictory and confusing. Since a small army of badminton players had been recruited, a group formed itself into the Bath Badminton Club, standardized the rules, made the game applicable to English ideas and the basic regulations, drawn up in 1887, still guide the sport. In 1895, the Badminton Association (of England) was formed to take over the authority of the Bath Badminton Club, and the new group made rules, which now govern the game throughout the world.

Badminton quickly spread from England to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and made big strides in Europe. Although men first played it, women became enthusiastic about it, and interest now is about equally divided.

The first All-England championship for men was held in 1899 and in 1900 the pioneer tournament for women was arranged. These, however, were regarded as "unofficial" and 1904 marked the beginning of the official All-England matches. The growth of badminton's popularity in the British Isles is evidenced by the fact that in 1920 there were 300 badminton clubs in England, about 500 in 1930, and over 9,000 in the British Isles soon after the World War II.

http://www.usm.edu/badminton/History.htm

#２●BAdMINTON BASIC TECHINQUS●

The Grip
How you should hold a badminton racket is like shaking hand with a friend: a normal but firm handshake without trying to crush his fingers. See the following diagram for a Forehand Grip:

 

                                                                                                   

    FOOTWORK

To execute a good stroke and swing with good grip, you need to position yourself into the right place in relation to the shuttle. What puts your body into the right position is your feet. Hence, footwork is a subject that should be seriously studied.  Good footwork will enable you to get to the shuttle in time to balance; then you can concentrate on playing the accurate shot. There is no mystique about footwork, for what we really mean by it is court-covering, movement, a means of traveling from one part of the court to another as simply and economically as possible, but quickly. With anticipation and acute judgment, the advanced player will already have decided, before the shuttle is struck, where he thinks it is going and will have shifted his balance in that direction. Do not allow your feet to become glued to the floor, keep them fidgeting around whilst you wait for your opponent's reply. Hold the racket, with a bent arm, slightly in front of you, and above all, keep the racket head up.

                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                      

the short service

the flick service

the high service

the drive service

                                                                                                                                           

                                                

smash, clear, drop shot ; slow/ fast

                                                                                                                  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Although most of the advanced user can deal with smash, clear and drop shot with forehand as well as backhand, the clear is the most important in the group when backhand is played. Most player especially novices find the backhand corner of the court rather difficult to cope with and naturally their opponents tend to take advantage of this fact.

A sound backhand clear has therefore come to be recognized as the main defensive measure to be taken. The ability to execute an effective backhand clear depends entirely on a very powerful wrist flicking action and perfect timing.

Very few player can be really effective with the fackhand smash unless it is a sitter near the net. It is not a shot to be played from the base line area nor even from as far back in court as you would expect to be able to play your forehand smash. Play it from mid or forcourt area and place the shuttle in proper position to make it an effective skill.

http://badminton.chorwong.com/badmintontechniques.html

＃３●Rule of badminton ●

Single

servicing and receiving courts

You shall serve from, and receive in, the right service court when you or your opponent has scored an even number of points that game.

You shall serve from, and seceive in, the left service court when you or your opponent has scored an old number of points in that game.

scoring and serving

You score point and serve again from the alernate service court when your opponent makes a 'fault' or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of your opponent's side of court.

No point will be scored when you make a 'fault' or the shuttles ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of your side of court. The serving right will then be transferred to your opponent.

doubles

At the start of the game, and each time a side gains the right to serve, the service shall be delivered from the right service court. Only your opponent standing diagonally opposite of you shall return the service.

Should your opponent's partner touched or hit the shuttle, it shall be a 'fault' and your side scores a point

Order of play and position on court

After the service is returned, either you or your partner may hit the shuttle from any position on your side of the net. Then either player from the opposing side may do the same, and so on, until the shuttle ceases to be in play.

Scoring and serving

If you are serving or receiving first at the start of any game, you shall serve or receive in the right service court when your side or your opponent's side scored an even number of points.

You shall serve from or receive in the left service court when your side or your opponent's side has scored an odd number of points.

The reverse pattern shall apply to your partner.

In any game, the right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server to the initial receiver, then to that initial's receiver's partner, then to the opponent who is due to serve from the right service court, then to that player's partner, and so on.

You shall not serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same game, except as provided in service court errors and 'lets'.

Service court errors

A service court error has been made when a player has served out of turn, has served from the wrong service or standing on the wrong service court while being prepared to receive the service and it has been delivered.

If a service court error is discovered after the next service had been delivered, the error shall not be corrected. If a service court error is discovered before the next service is delivered, the following rules apply.

If both sides committed an error, it shall be a 'let'. If one side committed the error and won the rally, it shall be a 'let'. If one side committed the error and lost the rally, the error shall not be corrected.

If there is a 'let' because of a service court error, the rally is replayed with the error corrected. If a service court error is not to be corrected, play in that game shall proceed without changing the player's new service courts.

Faults

The rules of badminton consider the following as faults:

• If the shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court, passes through or under the net, fail to pass the net, touches the ceiling or side walls, touches the person or dress of a player or touches any other object or person.
• If the initial point of contact with the shuttle is not on the striker's side of the net. (The striker may, however, follow the shuttle over the net with the racket in the course of a stroke.)
• If a player touches the net or its supports with racket, person or dress, invades an opponent's court over the net with racket or person except as permitted.
• If a player invades an opponent's court under the net with racket or person such that an opponent is obstructed or distracted or obstructs an opponent, that is prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where the shuttle is followed over the net.
• If a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures.
• If the shuttle is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
• If the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes.
• If the shuttle is hit by a player and the player's partner successively or touches a player's racket and continues towards the back of that player's court.
• If a player is guilty of flagrant, repeated or persistent offences under Law of Continuous Play, Misconduct, Penalties.
• If, on service, the shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top, or, on service, after passing over the net is caught in the net.

Lets

'Let' is called by the umpire, or by a player (if there is no umpire), to halt play.

A 'let' may be given for any unforeseen or accidental occurrence.The rules of badminton consider the following as 'lets':

• If a shuttle is caught in the net and remains suspended on top or, after passing over the net, is caught in the net, it shall be a 'let' except on service.
• If, during service, the receiver and server are both faulted at the same time, it shall be a 'let'.
• If the server serves before the receiver is ready, it shall be a 'let'.
• If, during play, the shuttle disintegrates and the base completely separates from the rest of the shuttle, is shall be a 'let'.
• If a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision, it shall be a 'let'.
• A 'let' may occur following a service court error. When a 'let' occurs, the play since the last service shall not count and the player who served shall serve again, except where in situations where the Law of Service Court Errors is applicable.

http://www.badminton-information.com/rules-of-badminton.html

As for me, I like single game. Because I can move myself in the court. And doubles game, players have to use their heads.

#4●Badminton racket ●

Many badminton players have more than one rackets. There can be many reasons for having so, the most important one is simply: racket breaks. Badminton strings are thin and they wear out over time, after a certain point, usually a few weeks to a few months of use, they break. Having a strung backup racket will allow you to continue your stay at the gym, and continue to enjoy your game of badminton. And if you are playing a tournament, it is absolutely necessary to have a backup in hand so you won’t need to forfeit the match, or more embarrassingly, borrow a racket from your partner or opponents.

Therefore, I recommend serious badminton players to have at least two badminton rackets in their bags.

Next time you walk into a badminton store, wondering what will be the most suitable badminton racket to serve you as a backup. I hope you will consider my suggestions here.

The choice of a backup badminton racket depends on a few factors. The most important one being what is your main racket. If you are currently using a racket that is suitable to you, then buy a backup of exactly the same model, with identical strung at the identical tension, and wrapped with the identical grip. The reason for this is very simple, if you do break a racket during a match, you will have an identical backup. It takes minimal for you to adjust to the backup, and let you focus on the match instead. If you have a backup that is different in character in anyway, it will take a few rallies to adjust to the weight, balance, tension, etc. By the time you are done, the match may be over for you already. This is so important that you see professional players with up to 10 identical rackets in their bags, if one breaks, they take another one, hit a couple of practice shots to quickly adjust, and then continue the match.

Therefore, I suggest any serious badminton player to buy the exact same racket for backup.

Many people come to BadmintonCentral to ask if they should buy a different model for backup. If you think that your current racket is no longer suitable for you for whatever reasons; or if you are a leisure player and you think that switching to a different type of racket in the middle of your game will not bother you, then by all means. However, do keep what is said here in mind when you decide to get serious with your game of badminton.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/badminton-central/content/view/96/26/

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　There are many kinds of rackets.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　It is very important to choose the rackets, Because it is no exaggeration to say that your racket will decide your game.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I recommend you to use the rackets YONEX or GOSEN. I have 2 rackets, GOSEN and MIZUNO. I think that GOSEN is well. And next time, I want to buy the YONEX rackets. YONEX is very popular and famous for rackets. The rackets of YONEX are good shapes, light, and confortable to grip.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　#5 ●Badminton lesson●

Any badminton lesson plan begins with serving. Aiming a good serve is vital – you need to either aim for the opponent’s backhand side of the service area or serve it short just over the net. Hold the badminton racket as if you were shaking hands with it. The doubles service needs short and accurate serving.

Nimble footwork is also a key focal point of any badminton lesson plan. It is vital to cover all corners of the court with minimal steps. A fast drop that is well placed can put the opponent under pressure. Making the opponent run back and forth on the court is another good badminton lesson plan.

Any badminton lesson plan needs to be adapted to suit your fitness levels. Extending your rally is a good strategy if your fitness level is superior to that of your opponent. This type of game hinges on your opponent making a mistake. In contrast, if you are facing an opponent with better fitness levels, you can resort to accuracy and consistency to control the pace of the game. Timing is another crucial area that any badminton lesson plan needs to address. It can make the difference between making and missing the match.

http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/badminton.htm

Baseball in Japan

History

          Baseball originates in America.  The rule was written by Alexander Joy Cartwright.  American National League began in 1876.  From the American baseball world, many star players, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, are came into the world.  They are being respected by people as Hero. 

History in Japan

          The origin of baseball in Japan was an atheletic club of Shinbashi that was made by a railway company in Shinbashi station.  In 1916 when Japanese business was good, companies came to have own team and competition of baseball was held in each place.  In February 16th 1949,   the Japan baseball between non-professional teams sponsored by corporations association was started.  In 1990, Japan Amateur Baseball Association was established.    

This information was found here.

Baseball in Japanese high school

              Japanese high school students who want to be professional player  hope to go Koshien.  Koshien is a stage where high school baseball tornament for delegations of each state is held.  In each state, high school tornament is held and delegation is decided.  Only delegation can participate in that tornament which is held at Koshien.  At then,  scouts for young baseball player come to wacth the match.  So, Japanese high school players do their best to be profession.

    

Japanese Baseball player in America

Ichiro

Birth place=Aichi//height=180cm//weight=75kg//Position=Center//Arm=throwing, right  batting, left//Salary=$18,000,000//Belong=Seattle Mariners

Hideki Matsui

Birth place=Ishikawa//height=186cm//weight=104kg//Position=left//Arm=throwing, right  batting, left//Salary=$13,000,000//Belong=New York Yankees

Kazuo Matsui

Birth place=Osaka//height=177cm//weight=83kg//Position=Second//Arm=throwing, right  batting, both//Salary=$5,000,000//Belong=Houston Astros

Kenji Johjima

Birth place=Nagasaki//height=182cm//weight=90kg//Position=Catcher//Arm=throwing, right  batting, right//Salary=$????????//Belong=Seattle Mariners

Tadahito Iguchi

Birth place=Tokyo//height=178cm//weight=83kg//Position=Second//Arm=throwing, right  batting, Right//Salary=$????????//Belong=Chicago White Sox

Baseball player in Japan

Darvish Yu

Birth place=Osaka//height=196cm//weight=84kg//Position=Pitcher//Arm=throwing, right  batting, right//Salary=￥?????????//Belong=Nippn Ham Fighters

Shinnosuke Abe

Birth place=Chiba//height=179cm//weight=91kg//Position=catcher//Arm=throwing, right  batting, left//Salary=￥?????????//Belong=Yomiuri Giants

Michihiro Ogasawara

Birth place=Chiba//height=178cm//weight=84kg//Position=First//Arm=throwing, right  batting, left//Salary=￥?????????//Belong=Yomiuri Giants

Hirokazu Ibata

Birth place=Kanagawa//height=173cm//weight=75kg//Position=short//Arm=throwing, right  batting, right//Salary=￥?????????//Belong=Chunichi Dragons

Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Birth place=Osaka//height=180cm//weight=75kg//Position=short//Arm=throwing, right  batting, both//Salary=￥?????????//Belong=Chiba Lotte Marines

Posted by Bungo Otani