Japanese Samurai Training
Over the years the movie industry has popularized the lore of the samurai, and misinterpreted it, too. Samurai custom as a weaponry and martial arts form is much sought after, but it should be realized that to truly master the ways of the samurai, it requires far more than learning weaponry skills, and should include cultural and customary studies.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
In Japan, the samurais' importance as military legions and warriors grew in the Heian Period, during the years 794 to 1185, when landowners employed private warriors to protect their property and land from marauders. By 1185, two samurai legions, the Minamoto and Taira, had grown so powerful that they seized control over the country, and fought wars against each other. The Minamoto were victorious and Minamoto Yoritomo became the ruler of Japan. By 1573, samurai power had grown further still, and everyone but samurais were banned from using swords. At the start of the Edo Period in 1603, samurai were at the top of the hierarchy in Japan, but over the next two centuries, peace prevailed. The importance of martial skills declined, and most samurai became bureaucrats, teachers or artists. In 1868, Japan's feudal era came to an end, and the samurai class was abolished.
Training
-
The combat methods of the samurai are a collection of dynamic techniques developed by generations of warriors for close quarters fighting. It has evolved over the centuries to include both armed and unarmed methods of combat. Samurai required their combative techniques to be practical and completely effective, unlike other forms of martial arts that encompassed artistic and psychological aspects. Modern day samurai training generally includes four disciplines: te-jutsu hand combat methods; shinken-jutsu katana sword techniques; kobu-jutsu weaponry training; and tai-sabaki evasion techniques.
-
Katana
-
The katana is commonly known as a samurai sword. It is characterized by its distinctive curved, single-edged blade of more than 23 inches in length; its circular or square guard; its elongated grip, to allow room for both hands; and often a highly decorated sheath. Authentic katana are made from a specialized Japanese steel called tamahagane.
Other Weaponry
-
Most samurai trained in all weapons of the feudal era Japanese arsenal, but the majority specialized in the katana, because it was the simplest, most practical and versatile weapon. Other weapons include: bamboo swords, consisting of bamboo strapped together for kendo; wooden bokken swords; daggers called tanto; and short swords known as wakizashi.
Classes
-
For most, traveling to Japan to truly learn the ways of the samurai and combative techniques at an academy is not possible. However, it is possible to find a dojo (schools) and sensei (teachers) where classes can be taken. Instructional DVDs and online training are also widely available, but nothing substitutes for in-person training.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit samurai hit image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
