The Samurai

A different kind of hit-man from early modern Japan, the legendary samurai honors a Japanese warrior code, Bushidō, which is a code of all codes when it comes to martial arts. Honor until death, is just one of the morals as a stricken lifestyle under the same code. A code of moral principals that isn’t written or spoken must be mastered in order to be regarded as samurai. The samurai way of life was born from Neo Confucianism, and also with influences from Shinto and Zen Buddhism. A peaceful way of life where only violence exists from tempered wisdom. Originating from a military regime as ranked civilians, samurai’s became middle and upper echelons of the warrior class by the end of the 12th century. A samurai is usually a ranked member of a clan that has a Lord, which were military trained officers of strategic expertise. Many clans were born; engaged in many battles during their existence between the 12th and 19th century. There were two types of samurai’s; the first were military type recruits similar to an Army. The second were usually on horseback riding solo or in small groups. Samurai’s took great pride in severing the heads of their enemies during combat. Especially from a worthy enemy or Lord, the head was like a trophy to take back home to mom. The samurai would comb the severed heads hair and darken its teeth with a gel called ohaguro, because having white teeth was a sign of distinction. Masters in Japanese martial arts, most samurai’s learn martial arts at a young age and it becomes a life journey. Mastering the use of the katana (sword), was very common among other weapons from that era. After a certain period within their existence, the wearing of the katana together with a smaller sword, became their symbol. Today the samurai has become very popular in America, especially in entertainment and film. Idolized by aspiring martial artist due to their way of being; the way of the warrior; the Bushidō code.

Below Are the Eight Virtues of Bushidō

• RIGHTEOUSNESS
• HONOR
• RESPECT
• DUTY AND LOYALTY
• HEROIC COURAGE
• BENEVOLENCE, COMPASSION
• SELF CONTROL
• HONESTY