Samurai's Armory, and Training
By Abram Moudi
What is a Samurai?
A samurai is a member of a powerful military caste in Japan especially a member of the class of military retainers and daimyos. They rose to power in the 12th century. The Samurai would dominate the Japanese government and society until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 that led to abolition of the feudal system.
Samurai's Armor
What did the Samurai's armor look like,what was it made out of and what were its benefits?
The samurais' armor was big and covered almost most all of the body. They had very scary masks to scare the enemy. The Cuirass, which is the armor of the upper body helped samurais for weather proofing. Steel, Leather, and Wood were typically for the protective plating. Those were composed of many small sections laced together using a leather or silk cord. Benefits of the samurai's armor was it was very flexible and gave the wearer a wide range of movement. Even though it was quite heavy it was a good thing because it would have fatigued the soldier even if he was very conditioned.
What a Samurai's Armor Says About Him
Samurai's Mask
Scares the enemies on the battle field.
Samurai's Cuirass
The cuirass is the upper body of the samurai's armor.
Samurais' full armor
Very strong and can withstand arrows being shot and swords trying to stab the soldier.
How did the Samurai's Train?
The samurai had a discipline system which was called Bushido. For Mental Preparation, samurai would often meditate so they could prepare for the rigorous service of war. For Physical Conditioning, the samurai would prove their physical toughness by battling the natural elements. For example, they would be standing nude in deep snow or sitting beneath ice-cold waterfalls. In addition, they would also voluntarily go without food, water,or sleep to harden themselves against deprivation. Also, heavy drinking was a pastime so they can help build endurance and be vigor. Lastly, for Weapon Work, they would use wooden swords against each other then would use sharp swords against dummies made out of wood or straw. Samurai would of then practice this on slaves or prisoners.
How to Train Like a Samurai
Mental Prepartion
Meditating was often encouraged and was always practiced by samurai to prepare for the rigorous feeling of war.
Practicing fighting opponents
They would use sticks made out of wood and would fight other samurai for practice against enemies.
Weapon Work
They would practice with their weapons on dummies made out of cotton.
What made the Samurai so powerful?
Mastery in weapons made samurai so powerful. They mastered swords,arrows, and a few guns that were traded by the Europeans. During the Heian Period, the emperor' army broke up and the emperor's power over the people became less. Even though the emperor was still in power, large clans that were known as samurai came from Kyoto and took over the positions of ministers and their relatives became magistrates.
Decline of the Samurai
During the Tokugawa Era, samurai became bureaucrats and wasn't having any warfare or violence and started losing their purpose of fighting. In the end the samurai was abolished in 1877 as Japan was pursuing a more Westernized army. These actions did not please the Samurai and started overthrowing the government under the leadership of Saigo Takamori. As Japan became more westernized and gaining more guns the rebellion was crushed and started making a goal of modernization.
Significance to Japan
The samurai was significant to Japan because they were warriors that masters in their filed and knew how to do their job. They were masters in weaponry and was one of the most dangerous soldiers on the battle field.
Connection
A connection I have with samurai is that although they are very skilled and strong, they still have a kind side and a way of peace.
Outline
- Samurai is an ancient warrior of ancient Japan
- Samurai was founded in the 12th century in the Heian Period
- Cuirass, is the upper body of the samurai's armor
- Would have scary masks to scare away the enemy in the face of death
- One of the most dangerous figures in ancient Japan
- Masters in weaponry
- Significant by being best in their field and being "guardians" of Japan
- Would have very hard and brutal training
- Would meditate a lot
- Would practice with other samurai with wooden sticks
- Declined by Japan becoming more Westernized(modern)
- Rebelled but lost severely
- The Samurai ended in 1877