The Spirit of Budo (cancelled)
This exhibition has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
June 1 – 23, 2018
The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japan’s Martial Arts is an exhibition which explores the history of budo through to its modern variations.
Presented by The Japan Foundation, this internationally touring exhibition features a collection of classical budo weapons, spanning sword mountings and bows with designs dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, full samurai armour, and elaborate helmets. To introduce modern budo, the exhibition showcases protective gear and implements from nine disciplines.
Budo (lit., martial ways), also known as Japanese material arts, originated from medieval combat techniques (bujitsu) used in warfare. Over centuries, these practices evolved from survival combat to physical exercises emphasising self-discipline and spiritual development.
The various budo practices that were systemised and formed during the Meiji period (1868-1912) as became known as modern budo, such as the internationally recognised judo, kendo and karatedo. All forms of martial arts created prior to this period are categorised as classical budo.
The Spirit of Budo invites audiences to learn the history of these rich cultural traditions and their legacy today.