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Gendai budō (現代 武道) is a Japanese expression that is used to define the modern Japanese martial arts.
This term is used to describe the martial arts of aikido, judo, jukendo, iaido, karate, kendo, kyudo, naginatajutsu, and shorinji kempo, as each of the systems were established after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 in Japan.
The Japanese art of sumo is often defined as gendai budō. This definition is incorrect, however, as sumo is, in fact, an ancient art that has attained popularity and media coverage in the modern era.
Gendai budō often have origins in koryu, or the traditional Japanese martial arts. For example, Kano Jigoro founded judo in part as an attempt to systematize the myriad traditions of jujutsu which existed at the time. Kendo similarly derives from the many schools of kenjutsu that evolved over the centuries.
Gendai budō generally stress martial arts as a study of life principles, for example as a means to refine one's approach to conflict or danger. However, most agree that it is improper to classify koryu as nothing more than fighting techniques, or to classify budo as merely a show or game. Rather, this perspective suggests, both koryu and gendai budo contain elements of both 'dō' (path, with spiritual overtones) and 'jutsu' (technique). Many martial artists see the two as fundamentally interconnected. The difference in emphasis may nonetheless manifest in various ways, such as the prevalence and content of lectures from the instructor.
Teaching Methods
Traditional koryu teaching methods emphasized a sharp and observant mind in the student. Sometimes the teacher would merely demonstrate a technique once and then withdraw to let the students piece it together themselves. The detailed, repeated, and "scientific" explanations of many gendai budo are a marked contrast to this style. This fuels many debates about martial arts pedagogy, and much inquiry into how teachers of either koryu and budo can make their particular type of instruction effective.
Organization
One major departure from koryu was the introduction of kyu and dan rankings, along with (in some dojo) colored belts. These rankings replaced the various certificates awarded within koryu. Gendai budo also generally do not contain the same strong entrance oaths and rituals as koryu, such as the keppan ("blood oath"). Whereas in most gendai budo dojo all are welcome provided they follow basic rules of conduct, koryu instructors often strictly scrutinize candidates. (Of course, both groups contain variance based on individual instructor and circumstance.)
Criticism
Some believe that gendai budo are inferior to koryu, for example because they are seen as having abandoned authenticity and severity in favor of a "friendly" approach. Gendai budo which are practiced in whole or in part as sports are considered particularly controversial. However, many believe that they are simply two different ways of practicing martial arts, each having unique traits, and each capable of good or ill based upon the practitioner.
See also
Gendai budo | Japanese martial arts terms | Japanese martial arts
"Gendai Budō"