Gendai budō (現代武道), literal meaning "modern budo", or Shinbudō (新武道), literally meaning "new budo" are both terms referring to modern Japanese martial arts, which were established after the Meiji Restoration (1866–1869). Koryū are the opposite of these terms referring to ancient martial arts established before the Meiji Restoration.

Scope and tradition

Any martial art created after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 is Gendai Budo. Koryu Budo are schools of budo that predate 1868. Some examples of Gendai budō are aikido, judo, karate and shorinji kempo. The Japanese art of sumo is often defined as a gendai budō. This definition is incorrect as sumo is an ancient art that has attained popularity and media coverage in the modern era.

Gendai budō have origins in koryū, the traditional Japanese martial arts. For example, Kano Jigoro (嘉納 治五郎 Kanō Jigorō, 1860–1938) 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.