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+--- Thread: Samurai (/Thread-Samurai)
Samurai - DriggerTrigger - Mar. 15, 2011
I know this seems odd and random but i want to become a samurai. now, i'm not talking about the kinds you see on TV or in books but the kind that were ideally portayed in seven samurai, and Musashi Miyamato. I know it will take time but does anybody have any ideas as to how and whom i should apprentice under as well as where i should go?
RE: Samurai - 桃太郎 - Mar. 15, 2011
You will be unable to seek a profession to be a samurai, as samurai are considered to be outdated warriors, what with the heavy artillery and whatnot. You may be able to find work at a Japanese theme park for samurai, but the Japanese are quite rigid with their social structure, so unless you're Japanese and pertain some knowledge in the history, it will be hard for you to be able to find work in the field.
Anyway, if you want to pursue becoming a samurai as a hobby, you can always start with martial arts, specifically Kendo and Iaido. Kendo is the sparring aspect of using the sword, and trains you to make lightning-fast judgments as to how you must respond to strikes your opponent deals to you. Iaido is the cool-down aspect of the sword, as you practice drawing techniques with your katana, as well as striking techniques.
Finally, there's Kenjutsu, which is one of the highest forms of the sword. In Kenjutsu, you use a 'live' sword, or a sharpened sword, to cut bamboo rolls. It is a huge event in Japan, and I'm not sure how popular it is in North America, but one scores points by the accuracy of the cut, and how close he or she can cut from the base.
Research on this is your best bet.
RE: Samurai - DriggerTrigger - Mar. 16, 2011
i see. now, where would be the best place to learn in your opinion
RE: Samurai - 桃太郎 - Mar. 17, 2011
It depends on your location. Kenjutsu isn't really offered outside of Japan, since a lot of North Americans may go around and abuse the live sword. Kendo should be easier to find, and Iaido usually compliments it. Some community centers offer it, but do some research; that's your best bet.
RE: Samurai - Khel - Mar. 17, 2011
Those who live by the sword, get shot by those who don't
Pretty much what happened to them.
RE: Samurai - Raijin - Mar. 19, 2011
Indeed that is true... so sad. They should've upgraded to Repeater Crossbows. I would love to learn Kendo.
RE: Samurai - Thresher - Mar. 20, 2011
(Mar. 17, 2011 1:04 AM)桃太郎 Wrote: It depends on your location. Kenjutsu isn't really offered outside of Japan, since a lot of North Americans may go around and abuse the live sword. Kendo should be easier to find, and Iaido usually compliments it. Some community centers offer it, but do some research; that's your best bet.
What makes you say that? North American wouldn abuse a live sword because the average person who owns Japanese swords has a high respect for them, and wouldn't be inclined to preform a criminal act with them, especially if the sword is sharpened.
It is impossible to be a samurai unless you are born into one of the samurai families. You are about 140 years to late for that because...
Quote:The Downfall of the Samurai
The downfall came in 1868 after the end of the Shogunate and upon the beginning of the Meiji Era. The new Emperor Mutsihito, as part of his Reformation Policy, issued the famous ‘Five Articles Oath’ that took away in 1871 all the former privileges accorded to the Samurais as an Elite Class, starting with the abolishment of their historical right of wearing swords. By ordaining that only the newly established Police Force and National Army could henceforth carry weapons, the Samurais were not only divested of the basis of their distinctiveness and importance but also left without a source of revenue. This together with the treaties that were being made with the Imperialistic-minded Western Powers enraged the Samurais and there were many revolts, including the 1877 Satsuma Revolt under Takamori Saigo. However, the day of the chivalrous Samurai was now past and, however brave, their medieval weapons were no match for the new fire-arms of the National Army, and they were quickly suppressed. Eventually, after several such failed insurrections, the Samurai realized the futility of attempting to turn the clock back and became reconciled with the changes in their situation. They accepted the abolishment of their Class and adopted alternative careers in the Military, in Business and in the new Administration that allowed them to play principal roles in the building of a progressive Japan.
If you really still want to do this, learn The code of Bushido, participate in Kendo and Iaido as previously suggested, and then learn to instruct others in these arts. That is the closest you can come to being a modern day samurai.
RE: Samurai - 桃太郎 - Mar. 20, 2011
(Mar. 20, 2011 9:59 PM)Thresher Wrote: What makes you say that? North American wouldn abuse a live sword because the average person who owns Japanese swords has a high respect for them, and wouldn't be inclined to preform a criminal act with them, especially if the sword is sharpened.
It is impossible to be a samurai unless you are born into one of the samurai families. You are about 140 years to late for that because...
The key word is "may", and I may be wrong. I know that not everyone who possesses a Katana will abuse it, but you cannot deny the fact that there are some who do. That, and the Katana is revered as one of the most deadliest melee weapons due to its durability, sharpness, and ease of use.
Perhaps there are Dojos that train students to do Kenjutsu in North America. However, I've yet to see a Kenjutsu Dojo somewhere in North America.
My Japanese friend's parents both come from long lines of samurai, and my mom also comes from samurai lineage as well. I'm half samurai. =P
RE: Samurai - Thresher - Mar. 21, 2011
(Mar. 20, 2011 11:42 PM)桃太郎 Wrote: The key word is "may", and I may be wrong. I know that not everyone who possesses a Katana will abuse it, but you cannot deny the fact that there are some who do. That, and the Katana is revered as one of the most deadliest melee weapons due to its durability, sharpness, and ease of use.
Perhaps there are Dojos that train students to do Kenjutsu in North America. However, I've yet to see a Kenjutsu Dojo somewhere in North America.
My Japanese friend's parents both come from long lines of samurai, and my mom also comes from samurai lineage as well. I'm half samurai. =P
I'm telling you it isn't an issue at all. It's not like sharpened katanas are banned. There would be no increased risk factor.