Traditional Samurai Training

The Samurai became an important ruling class throughout Japanese history.

Traditional Samurai training began in childhood for the Samurai. The World Spirituality website explains that Samurai training consisted of a number of disciplines including fencing, archery, jiujitsu, horsemanship, use of the spear, calligraphy, ethics, literature and history.

History

The PBS website reports the group of warriors described as Samurai sprang up in Japan in the 10th century during a period when it was difficult for the Japanese Emperor to keep control of the Japanese provinces. Initially, the Samurai were used as soldiers for hire to be used in specific wars before returning to their homes to work as farmers. PBS explains the political influence of the Samurai grew until they gained control of both the provinces and Central Japan. The influence of the Samurai was only destroyed in the 1870s when the training of Samurai was banned and the privileges previously awarded to the Samurai were repealed.

Training

According to the PBS website the training of a Samurai began in early childhood with a mixture of physical, mental and spiritual training. Samurai training was not limited to the male children of families. Female children were trained in martial arts to allow them to protect their homes from invaders. Female Samurai were not permitted to take part in battle.

Kendo

Samurai training included training in Kendo, or the way of the sword. The Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology reports sword training began in male children as young as the age of three with wooden swords. The training received in Kendo was administered to children by male family members or at the home of an instructor. At some point between the ages of 5 and 7 a real, metal sword was given to the child. The main reasons reported by the Peter the Great Museum for the early sword training for children was to ensure a child could defend himself on dangerous streets and defend his home and family from invaders.

Bushido

The PBS website explains an important aspect of Samurai training was in the development of moral character and ethics. The way of the warrior or Bushido was an ethical code that covered every aspect of life lived by the Samurai. Training in the virtues of Bushido, created around the works of the philosopher Confucius, were handed down verbally. The Oriental Outpost website reports the Bushido code placed honor and pride above materialism. Loyalty was another important factor passed down to each Samurai, with each Samurai pledging his loyalty to his overlord and the Emperor.

Academics

According to the World Spirituality website the Samurai was not trained in any particular academics form, such as mathematics. This is because the Samurai training stressed the importance of wisdom over academic learning. Some of the virtues learned by each Samurai included wisdom, benevolence and courage.

References

• World Spirituality: Education & Training of a Samurai
• Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology: Childhood & Samurai Training
• PBS: Samurai
• Oriental Outpost: Bushido Virtues