Samurai Sword

7/28/2019 Samurai Sword

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th8 Code of the Samurais:

The Samurai Sword

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Introduction

Chapter 1: Evolution of Swordsmanship

Chapter 2: Legacy of Samurai Swords

Chapter 3: Samurai Swords: Then and Now

Chapter 4: Types of Samurai Swords

About us

List of Contents

http://www.globalgear.com.au/th8 Code of the Samurais: The Samurai Sword


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The Revenge of Forty Seven Ronin is one of the most famous tales of samurais in the historyof Japan. Ronin is a word that depicts a samurai who became 'master-less' owing to the deathor fall of his master. The tale is an ideal example of the samurai code of honor and portrays agroup of samurais who take revenge of the death of its feudal lord named Asano Naganori.The Ronin avenged their master's honor by ending the life of Kira, who was responsible for

the death of Asano and wereforced to commit suicide formurdering Kira. The tale notonly reminds us of samuraisand their swords but also

symbolizes various codes ofsamurai such as loyalty,sacrifice, persistence, andhonor.

Samurais, the middle andupper echelons of thewarrior class, were knownfor their chivalry andfighting spirit. Rectitude,courage, benevolence,

respect, honesty, honor andloyalty are the seven codesof a true samurai warrior.

thSamurai sword is the 8 code

of samurais that has been an integral part of their journey throughout the history. The word'Samurai' is related to the warrior class of feudal Japan. The word that defines and depictssamurai perfectly is 'sword' because it is one of the main weapons that have come appositewith the class of sword fighters. In modern times, samurai sword has its existence in samuraiteachings as an essential part of Japanese martial arts. In ancient times, samurai warriors usedto wear a long sword (katana) or (tachi) together with a smaller sword for conquering theirenemies and winning wars.

In forthcoming chapters of this e-book, we will discuss the various aspects of samurais andtheir swords.

Introduction



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Evolution of Swordsmanship

The sword has a special place in the history and culture of feudal Japan in the form of samurai.Kenjutsu is the word that describes sword art in Japan adequately. It shows the actual way how asword is drawn from its scabbard, re-sheathed and used for demolishing the enemies. There weremany Koryu or ancient schools in Japan that taught the art of swordsmanship. In Japan, samuraisused to follow the doctrines or moral codes of Bushido, the way of the warrior and these were thecodes that distinguished the samurais from other warriors. These codes include respect,

benevolence, bravery, honesty, loyalty, justice and honor. It was the period between the 9th and20th centuries when Bushido developed profusely. By the end of the 12th century, samurai

became a common word directly associated with the middle and upper groups of the warrior class.

According to the Japanese dictionary ShogakukanKokugo Daijiten, "Bushido is defined as a unique

philosophy (ronri) that spreads through the warriorclass from the Muromachi (chusei) period." InBushid: The Soul of Japan (1899), author NitobeInaz wrote: "...Bushid, then, is the code of moral

principles which the samurai were required orinstructed to observe... More frequently it is a codeunuttered and unwritten... It was an organic growthof decades and centuries of military career."

Bushido Codes1. Rectitude2. Courage3. Benevolence4. Respect5. Honesty6. Loyalty7. Honor

Filial piety, wisdom and care for the aged were

considered as secondary codes for samurais. It wasbelieved that earlier codes used to focus on frugality,faithfulness, mastery of martial arts, and honor tothe death. Death or suicide was considered as a

perfect way to get honor if a samurai failed to uphold his honor.

Asano Naganori, Imagawa Ryoshun, Kato Kiyomasa, Morihei Ueshiba, Sakanoue noTamuramaro, Tadakatsu Honda, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Torii Mototada, Sasaki Kojiro,

Chapter 1



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Yamaga Soko, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Yamaoka Tesshu and Angelus Askari were some shinningnames in the Japanese history of Bushido.

The evolution of samurais and their swordsmanship started with Asuka and Nara periods andcame to a sharp fall during the period of Tokugawa Shogunate. Heian period, Kamakura Bakufu

period, Ashikaga Shogunate, Sengoku period and AzuchiMomoyama period were also anintegral part of rise and fall of swordsmanship of samurais. During Kamakura BakufuShogunate, samurai rose to its apex and made its presence felt in all parts of the feudal Japan.During this period, samurais were given right to wear a katana in public and the right to executecommoners who disrespect them. 'Bushido' and 'Seppuku' were the two common words in thelife of every samurai in ancient times. The latter word belongs to the death or suicide committed

by defeated warriors or disgraced government officials.

Samurai training with weapons

Samurais, the champions of martial arts, were trained with a variety of weapons, but it was thesword that had a special place in their practicing, fighting and way of life. When it came totraining, samurais were ordered to use wooden swords to learn techniques and skill of using asword. The process or art of using wooden swords for training was known as kendo. It is still

popular in various samurai schools and is practiced today to learn skills and principles ofsamurai. Samurais were the only people who had permission to carry swords in public and war

places.

There are some myths that the samurai fighters used to test their new swords by performing 16unique cuts systematically on the body of their be-headed victims.

Early Samurai Weapons

Early samurais were archers who used long bows called 'yumi', during their fights. They alsoused swords but mainly for finishing off their wounded enemies. The samurai started usingswords as their main weapons after Japan was invaded by Mangol. Samurai warriors used tocarry two long and short swords together called daisho. It was the katana and wakizashi that madea diasho. Katana is a curved blade with a length of 24 inches and was ideally perfect for slashingwhereas the wakizashi with a length of 12-24 inches was prominently used for the purpose of

stabbing. In the late 16th century, non-samurai were forbidden to wear the daisho.

Current Status of the 8th Code

Data on Japanese history show that there were about 13,000 swordsmiths who contributed in themaking of two million samurai swords just before the Meiji restoration in 1868. Before the WorldWar II, there were about million swords and 1/3 rd of them were daito. After the Meijirestoration, samurai swords were manufactured in sword factories under the supervision of theJapanese government. It is said that there are about 100,000 swords in Japan and 300,000 in theUnited States. Today, more daito, buke-zukuri, shin-gunto, and kyu-gunto types of samuraiswords are found in the United States than Japan.



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Legacy of Samurai Swords

The Samurai sword is a powerful and eye-catching weapon without which a samurai isconsidered incomplete and incompetent... The sword is called the soul of the Samurai. Portrayalof samurai swords has a special place in movies and literature. That is why samurais have been a

popular topic for films and books not only in Japan but around the world as well. Samurai has abig effect on Jidaigekii, a genre of film, television and theatre in Japan, which paints the way oflives of the samurais, farmers, sword smiths and merchants.

Japanese Literature

The oldest known evidence of samurais in Japanese literature belongs to Kojiki, the oldestchronicle in Japan, where an interesting incident is narrated by the son of Emperor Keiko on usingand admiring sword by Japanese warriors. Another Japanese history text called 'Shoku Nihongi',797 AD has some content related to the use of the term "bushi" in Japanese literature. Anotherchronicle called 'The Heike Monogatari' shows conflict and struggle between samurai clans forcontrol of power in Japan. In the similar way a letter called 'The Message of Master Gokurakuji'stresses on the importance of loyalty to one's master. Historian Carl Steenstrup also puts a light onthe development of bushido in his writings.

17th to 19th

c e n t u r i e sw e r e t h egolden periodfor samuraisa n d t h e i r depiction inh i s t o r y .M i y a m o t oMusashi's 'GoRin No Sho'a n d

"Dokkodo" belong to samurai warriors. '47 Ronin' was one of themost popular stories penned during this period that later inspiredvarious movie directors and screenplay and story writers.

'Power Rangers Samurai' was one of the famous television showsaired on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons. The show was completely inspired by the way of theSamurai.

Chapter 2



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Japanese Cinema

The common theme of almost all samurai films revolves around samurai warriors, swordfighting, historical setting and code of honor. It also defines martial arts, skills of samuraiwarriors, their ongoing life and undeterred loyalty to their masters. Earlier samurai movies werehighly based on period drama, but the trend changed sharply when it was replaced by the actiongenre after the Second World War. Martial arts, death and violence were the common themes inall the movies that were made after the world war.

Zatoichi, Crimson Bat, Kyoshiro Nemuri, Miyamoto Musashi, Lone Wolf and Cub, Sanjuro/TheRonin with No Name are some of the popular characters in samurai movies who have become

immortal as great samurai warriors.

Akira Kurosawa is one of the most famed directors for portraying samurais in the Japanesecinema with legendary movies such as 'Seven Samurai', 'Rashomon', 'Throne of Blood' and

'Yojimbo.' Masaki Kobayashi directed the films 'Harakiri' and 'Samurai Rebellion.' Both cynicalfilms were based on flawed loyalty to the clan. Kihachi Okamoto portraits violence in a particularfashion in his renowned films titled 'Samurai Assassin', 'Kill!' and 'Sword of Doom.' HideoGosha's creation 'Three Outlaw Samurai' paints the struggle between traditional and modernistthoughtanti-feudalism.

Impact of Samurai cinema on the Western world

It is not only Japan that made remarkable and unforgettable movies based of samurais and theirculture, lifestyle, living, fighting, struggle, feud, victory, sorrow and death. There are a lot of

blockbuster movies, remade or inspired by the Japanese cinema, crafted by renowned directors ofHollywood.



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Sergio Leone's 'A Fistful of Dollars' and Walter Hill's 'Last Man Standing' were the two successfulremakes of 1961's period drama 'Yojimbo' by Akira Kurosawa. 1954 Japanese period adventuredrama film 'Seven Samurai' has been remade as 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'Battle Beyond theStars.' Another movie 'Blind Fury' starring Rutger Hauer narrates the story of a blind swordsmanliving in the modern US.

2003 American epic drama film 'The Last Samurai' by Edward Zwick, starring Tom Cruise is themost recent work of Hollywood on samurais where a French officer Jules Brunet helps Japanesesamurai in rebellion against the Emperor. z



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Samurai Sword: Then and Now

There are four major periods in the history of the samurai sword that is curved, tempered, singlebladed and made of steel. These periods can be classified as ancient sword period, old swordperiod, new sword period and modern sword period.

Ancient Sword (Chokuto or Ken) Period (Until 900 A. D.): Ancient samurai swords weremainly crafted by smiths from Japan, Korea or China. These swords were made of steel, but they

had a faulty tempering. Ancient Japanese swords from the Naraperiod were known for their straight blades. Yamato, Mutsu and

San-in were considered as the main centers for manufacturingswords in this period. It was believed that samurai swords madein Japan were imitation of Chinese blades. Made in Chinasamurai swords were expensive. That was the only reason theywere carried by high ranking officers only. Plainly speaking, theswords in the period were used for stabbing.

Old Sword (Koto) Period (900 to 1530 AD): It was actually atransitory period for the old swords in terms of shape and size.The period took a new form under the rise of a new samurai classthat emerged owing to contemporary power struggle and thedisintegration of peaceful civil administration. In the era of warsfor power, the samurai adopted the sword for the purpose ofcombat and replaced other common weapons such as bows andarrows, halberd, and swords with faulty tempering. It was the

period when the sword become an everyday weapon andreplaced straight swords with a single-bladed sword. Thestandard samurai-sword style of the period is still relevant in the

present time. Yasutasuna, a smith in Hoki, was supposed to be thefirst smith who began forging excellent samurai swords. It was the time for the manufacturing of

perfect swords. Specific years of the period were known for the most renowned swordsmiths inthe Japanese history.

The Five Schools of smiths used to produce about 80% of all swords made in this period. The FiveSchools of smiths were from five different provinces of Japan that include Bizen, Yamashiro,Yamato, Soshu, and Mino. The schools had their own traditional as well as distinctive ways ofmaking splendid swords. Suke, Jo, Daijo and Kami were some of the prestigious titles that weregiven to skilled smiths during the period.

The Bizen School: The province of Bizen was considered the first place where the art of swordmaking was produced. It is also believed that the school was founded by Tomoanri (c. 1100).Fukuoka, Yoshioka, Osafune, Yoshii, and Omiya were some of popular branches of the schoolthat had some leading smiths. http://www.

Chapter 3



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Types of Samurai Sword

"It is not a Samurai who selects the sword; it is the Sword thatselects the Samurai"

A samurai sword is considered as the best sword due toits magnificent level of weaponry. Its exceptionalfunctions and magnificent art of using make it both

beautiful and deadly. Generally, the value of a sword

depends on the quality of its edges called kissaki. It wasthe old sword period when a Japanese smith namedAmakuni Yasutsuna invented the samurai sword. Thereare several types of Japanese samurai swords that can beclassified on the basis of size, field of application andmethod of manufacture. Mentioned below are some ofthe common and popular types of swords that still exist.These include:

Katana: It is the longest type of sword made byswordsmiths during the 15th and 16th centuries.The most commonly preferred sword wasideally perfect for outdoor combat in past times.The sword has a blade which is over 24 inches inlength. Being one of the longest types of swords,a katana sword requires functioning of bothhands when it comes to operating it. It was used

by samurai fighters for close outdoor battles. Itis nothing but facing up blade and efficient usethat make it a perfect choice for sword fighters.

Wazikashi: It is another form of samuraiswords that are short and are tucked in the side

of the arm. The sword is about 1/3rd shorter than the katana. The sword has a length between 12 to24 inches. This type of samurai sword is worn and usedin indoor environment. It is nothing but convenientmaneuverability of the sword that makes it a good optionfor indoor use.

Tanto: It is like a small knife or dagger which is used likea Wakizashi. The sword is known for its single edged ordouble edges.

Chapter 4



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Although Katna, Tanto and Wazikashi are considered as three main types of samurai swords, yetthere are also some other popular types of swords used by samurai fighters for different purposes.

Daisho: It is common term that is given to the pair of two swords named the Katana and theWazikashi. Being longer in size, the katana is considered as the main sword whereas the wazikashiis assumed as the backup sword.

Tachi: It is the biggest type of a katana with a bigger curve and it is worn with the edge of the bladefacing down. The sword was generally worn bysamurai fighters when they mounted on horses.

Kodachi: It is small or short tachi sword that isbetween a dagger and a long sword. It had about59 cm length during the Edo period. Compared toa wakizashi sword, kodachi is more curved andeasy to handle.

Daito: It is a popular Japanese sword that has a length of over 24 inches. In terms of size of thesword, a katana is also like a daito. On the other hand a double edge Katana is a double edge sword.

This type of sword is not produced generally as it impractical.

Iaito or Mogito: This type of sword iscommonly used for the practice of iaido. Thesword is like a katana with unsharpened edges.It is nothing but unsharpened edges of thesword that makes it a great sword for practice

purpose.

Odachi: It is a common term given to a sword that is larger than a katana and is handled by twohands. The thing that makes the sword not preferred is its awkward appearance and size.

Nodachi: It is also a term that is given to a sword that is larger than a katana and is handled by twohands.



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O Katana: This type of sword is found a little longer than a katana but smaller than an odachi or anodachi sword. This sword was used only by the samuraisof higher ranks. Another thing that makes this sword idealfor samurais is its length that is hard to copy.

Ninja-to: It is a compact and lightweight sword that canput into clothes. Ninjato is a straight sword and is differentfrom a katana on the basis of its design. It is an optionalsword to katana.

Classifications of Samurai Swords by length:

Samurai swords can also be classified by the length of theblade. Shaku is the traditional unit of measurementcommonly used to measure samurai swords that arehandmade. One shaku is about 30.3 cm or 11.93 inches inlength. The length of a blade is determined by measuring itin a straight line across the back from the tip to the munemachi (the point where the blade and tangmeet).

Tanto, shoto and daito are three main divisions of Japanese blade length. Their measurements are:

Tanto (knife or dagger) 1 shaku or lessShoto (short sword) 1-2 shakuDaito (long sword) 2 shaku or moreShoto is an example of wakizashi and kodachi swords whereas daito is a category of katana andtachi..Parts of Samurai Sword

Fuchi-kashira: Ring-like pieces of soft metal at the grip of the sword that helps a samurai warriorhold the handle firmly.

The tsuka: It is the handle of the sword that makes its grip convenient.

Menuki: It is a pair of ornaments that is placed under the bindings of the handle. The ornamentswere the symbol of animals or mythical creatures that depict the tradition of the samurai era.

Sageo: It is the silk or cotton wrapping used to wrap the handle and secure the scabbard of thesword.

The nakago: It is the tang of the blade covered by the tsuka. It not only supports the entire sword

but also prevent it from falling and dropping.



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Tsuba: It is the guard that prevents the hand from being slipped to the edge of the sword. It isplaced at the end of the handle. That is why it renders more control of the sword.

Seppa: It is a metal washer that fills the gap between tsuba and habaki. It also keeps both of themtight together.

The habaki: It is a small, square metal collar to encircle the base of the blade. It fits over the bladeand the handle to protect the saya from dust and rain.

Nagasa: It is known as a complete blade.

Sori: It is the curvature of the blade developed after a differential quenching and hammering.

Mune: It is the unsharpened back edge of the blade of the sword.

Shinogi: It is the ridgeline at the blade of the sword.

Mono-uchi: It is the cutting section of the sword that is found between the kissaki and thenakauyi.The kissaki: It is the tip most portion of the sword that determines the value of the sword.

The scabbard: It is the cover of the sword made of honoki wood.



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