Japan the Ultimate Samurai Guide: An Insider Looks at the Japanese Martial Arts and Surviving in the Land of Bushido and Zen

95 Pages·2018·13.6 MB·English

by  Alexander Bennett

JAPAN
The Ultimate Samurai Guide

An Insider Looks at the Japanese Martial Arts and
Surviving in the Land of Bushido and Zen
ALEXANDER BENNETT
Contents
Preface
Budo For the Soul
CHAPTER 1
Who Were the Samurai?
Introducing the Real Samurai
Women Warriors, Ninja and Ronin
Formidable Samurai Weaponry, Armor and Fortifications
CHAPTER 2
Core Concepts of Bushido
The Samurai Code Glorifying Honor, Violence and Death
CHAPTER 3
Killing as an Art Form
The Development of Japanese Martial Arts Schools and the Aesthetic of Death
Some Badass Samurai Swordsmen
“Gentlemen” Samurai
Modern-day Samurai
CHAPTER 4
Martial Arts in Japan Today
The Nine Modern Budo Arts
Eight Modern Budo Masters
Budo Training in Japanese Schools
Budo in Japan Today
CHAPTER 5
Life in a Japanese Dojo
Finding Your Path
How a Dojo Operates
Setting and Achieving Goals
CHAPTER 6
Surviving Japan
Finding Your Groove
Learning Japanese
Surviving Japanese Style
Cultural Vitamins for the Budo Soul
Afterword
Photo Credits
CHAPTER 1
WHO WERE THE SAMURAI?
The word “Samurai” represents all that is considered noble by the
Japanese people—bravery, humility, honor, loyalty and selflessness.
National Japanese sports teams are sometimes referred to as Samurai.
For example, Japan’s soccer team is called the “Samurai Blue.” In spite
of their heroic image, it must be said that much of Japan’s warrior past
was not particularly honorable. Moreover, the prevailing notion that
modern Japanese people are heirs of the “Samurai spirit” by virtue of
their DNA is problematic, to say the least. What you believe and take on
board is up to you, but if you live in Japan you should make an effort to
learn the basics of Japanese history. Coming to terms with the