japanese martial art crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "japanese martial art", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, categorized by their letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "japanese martial art crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JUDO: A modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport focusing on throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques.
SUMO: A traditional form of Japanese wrestling where two large individuals try to force each other out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet.
5 Letters
KENDO: A modern Japanese martial art descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu), using bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu).
6 Letters
AIKIDO: A modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs, focusing on harmonizing with an opponent's movements.
KARATE: A martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa). It is characterized by striking techniques using punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.
8 Letters
JIUJITSU: A family of Japanese martial arts and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent without weapons or with only a short weapon. Often emphasizes throws, joint locks, and chokes.
NINJUTSU: The traditional Japanese martial art of stealth, sabotage, espionage, and assassination, often associated with the ninja.
More About "japanese martial art crossword clue"
Japanese martial arts, collectively known as budō (武道) or bujutsu (武術), have a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual development of Japan. Beyond mere fighting techniques, many of these arts emphasize discipline, mental fortitude, and philosophical principles. From the ancient samurai traditions that gave rise to swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and unarmed combat (jujutsu), to modern sports like Judo and Karate, they offer a diverse range of physical and mental challenges.
Each Japanese martial art possesses unique characteristics and objectives. For instance, Judo focuses on throws and grappling to subdue an opponent, while Karate is renowned for its powerful striking techniques. Kendo, on the other hand, revives the spirit of samurai sword fighting with modern safety equipment. When solving crosswords, understanding these subtle differences can often help you pinpoint the exact answer, especially when similar-length words might seem plausible.
The popularity of Japanese martial arts in crosswords stems from their global recognition and distinct, often short, names. They are common knowledge terms that frequently appear in general knowledge and sports-themed puzzles. Knowing a few key examples can significantly boost your success rate on related clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required letter count. This is the single most important filter for "japanese martial art crossword clue" as many different arts exist.
- Consider the Sub-clue: Sometimes, the clue might offer a subtle hint about the specific type of martial art. For instance, "Japanese grappling art" points strongly to JUDO, or "Japanese empty-hand art" to KARATE.
- Think Broadly & Commonly: Start with the most globally recognized Japanese martial arts like JUDO, KARATE, and AIKIDO. Less common ones like NINJUTSU or less direct terms like BUSHIDO (a code, not an art) are usually reserved for harder puzzles.
- Look for Plurals or Variations: While "japanese martial art" is singular, sometimes clues might imply plural or slightly different spellings (e.g., JIUJITSU vs. JŪJUTSU, though JIUJITSU is more common in crosswords).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Japanese martial arts appearing in crosswords?
The most frequently encountered Japanese martial arts in crossword puzzles include JUDO (4 letters), KARATE (6 letters), KENDO (5 letters), AIKIDO (6 letters), and SUMO (4 letters). These are popular due to their distinct letter counts and widespread recognition.
How can I identify the correct martial art answer?
Context clues are key! Look for hints regarding the specific style (e.g., 'grappling art' for JUDO, 'swordsmanship' for KENDO, 'empty hand' for KARATE). The letter count is also crucial; for instance, JUDO is four letters, while KARATE is six.
Are there any less common Japanese martial arts that might appear in harder crosswords?
Yes, while less frequent, you might encounter JIUJITSU (or JŪJUTSU) or NINJUTSU in more challenging puzzles. Always consider different spellings or historical terms if common answers don't fit. Sometimes, a clue might refer to a broader concept like BUDO (a term for Japanese martial ways) or JUTSU (a general term for technique/art).