\r\nThe Budo Studies Lab was established in the days when the current University of Tsukuba was Tokyo University of Education and the Department of Budo was launched to investigate \u201cthe theory and characteristics of each budo discipline in the respective classes, but ensure that fundamental and comprehensive conceptual models be researched independently\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Budo Theory course was established on April 1, 1967, within the Budo Department. \u201cBudo Theory\u201d classes were first started by Prof. \u014ctaki Tadao. In 1969, Associate Prof. Watanabe Ichir\u014d became a full-time member of staff and taught the \u201cGeneral Budo History\u201d, \u201cResearch of Budo Scrolls\u201d, and \u201cReading Budo Documents\u201d classes which shaped the formal course of study. In 1973, Nakabayashi Shinji was promoted to the position of full-time instructor and he advanced budo studies in terms of both theory and practice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 1973, the university transitioned to a comprehensive institution of tertiary learning and research and was changed in name to the University of Tsukuba. In 1977, the Budo Department ceased along with the closure of all former Tokyo University of Education courses. The Budo Theory course was re-organised into the University of Tsukuba\u2019s Physical Education Specialisation Course in the field of Physical Education and Sports Studies. In 2013 \u201cBudo Theory\u201d was renamed \u201cBudo Studies\u201d.<\/p>\r\n
\r\nSince its foundation a half century ago, the Budo Studies Lab has been at the forefront of research into Japanese budo, and has continued to produce many exemplary researchers and teachers in the field.<\/p>\r\n
\r\nResearch into budo at the University of Tsukuba is broadly classified into two categories: history and ideology. Recently, the study of budo has incorporated \u201cTerminology Research\u201d, and is an integrated field of research and education from undergraduate to doctoral level. With the rapid globalisation seen in academia, budo studies is also seen now as a part of Japanese Studies, and is receiving considerable attention overseas. <\/p>\r\n
\r\nPrevious generations of preeminent professors in the department include \u014ctaki Tadao, Watanabe Ichir\u014d, Nakabayashi Shinji, Irie K\u014dhei, and T\u014dd\u014d Yoshiaki. Recently, Prof. Sakai Toshinobu and Associate Prof. \u014cishi Junko have been leading and carrying out research and educational activities.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n