The Samurai

The Samurai

The samurai’s existed in Japan around 1100 to 1800. They were well educated and would start their training at the age of 5. They would learn many empty-hand techniques and would learn both wrestling and striking! But unfortunately the amount of skill and training depended on the wealth on their families. And so the sons of unhealthy families would be sent to a village school for basic education while the sons of wealthier families were sent to a special samurai school, and were taught literature, the arts , and military school !

The most important thing they would learn was NEVER to relax or stay focus so they could always be ready for an attack!!

When in battle the samurai used many weapons. They were most well known for carrying two swords: one short called a “ shoto or wakizashi“! “And one long called a “ daito or katana”. At first the swords were straight but the samurais changed it when they saw curved swords were stronger! And by the time the swords were done it could very easily cut through a person dressed in armour!

The samurai’ honour was so important to them that they could easily take their lives when in danger! And so they were presented with a “seppuku” knife
(word meaning suicide) and were to proceed to cut open their stomach from left to right!! But it was not done alone one samurai would stand behind the one committing “seppuku” and behead him finishing the job!!!