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Martial arts are known as "budo" in Japan or the "martial way". The aim of these sports is to cultivate balance, control, speed, and accuracy in a spiritual, mental and physical sense. There are several different martial arts that are indigenous to Japan including sumo, kendo, kyudo, karate and akido.
Sumo
The most commercialized of martial arts in Japan, sumo's history dates back 2,000 years and traces it origins to Shinto harvest rites. Today there is still evidence of the strong ties to the Shinto religion during the 6 tournaments that are held annually. Over the sumo ring hands a suspended roof that resembles a Shinto shrine, the belt with threads that the wrestlers wear is similar to what you would see at a Shinto shrine and the tradition of throwing salt and pouring sake onto the ring all have their roots in Shintoism.
Sumo wrestlers are enormous men who spend their lives living together in different sumo stables where they practice and eat a diet designed to gain weight. Although huge in stature, they are mobile and quick and most matches only last 10 seconds or less. A tournament is 15 days long and the wrestler with the most wins at the end of the tournament is the champion. Grand champions are called Yokozuna, a title that bestows a high level of respect and huge monetary opportunities to those who achieve this status.
Kendo
Considered on the purest of martial arts that still exist in Japan, Kendo means the "way of the sword". Its roots date back to the days of the samurai when they would train for battles by practicing fencing. Today, kendo participants use a bamboo sword and wear excessive padding and headgear for protection. In a match, participants earn points for hitting their opponent on the head, torso, forearm or throat.
Kyudo
This martial art closely resembles the sport of archery however the bow is much larger than you would normally see. Kyudo means the "way of the bow" and has a close association with Zen Buddhism. While it is important to have accuracy in hitting targets, the sport also places great emphasis on the concentration of mind and body.
Judo
A sport that the Japanese are extremely talented in, as evident by their dominance at numerous Olympic Games, the sport of judo developed from jujitsu. The underlying principle is self defence in which participants use throwing and grappling techniques to subdue or pin their opponents.
Karate
Wash on, wash off. Yes, the sport of Karate or "empty hand" comes from Mr. Miyagi's home of Okinawa and reached mainland Japan in 1922. The sport combines self-defence with spiritual and physical training. Today the sport provides spectators with fast paced action that includes explosive kicks, punches and blocking moves.
Akido
If you want to be able to kick some butt like Steven Seagal, then akido is the martial art for you. Akido is the "way of the harmonious spirit" that focuses on using the strength and speed of an opponent against them. Key to this martial art are the combination of spiritual awareness and physical flexibility.
With the exception of Sumo, unless you are a crazy huge guy, all of the above martial arts can be practiced by most foreigners in Japan. Check out your local city hall or local civic gymnasium to find out about classes and times.
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