Toho Blade & Bushido

https://www.bladeandbushido.com/post/the-ultimate-fitness-game-changer-for-mind-body-and-soul

Upon a samurai's passing by, an arrogant and loud commoner brazenly questioned the honor bestowed upon the samurai. For the samurai, honor surpassed life itself. Drawing his katana, he prepared to execute kirisute-gomen, the ancient samurai act of restoring honor through taking a life—a practice synonymous with self-defense in those times. The commoner trembled, overcome with fear at the sudden threat of destruction. As the samurai's opponent faltered, he lowered his sword and let out a sigh of relief. Despite the overwhelming sense of duty and honor that almost drove him to end a life, he recognized the importance of avoiding impulsive actions guided by emotions. His honor was ultimately preserved, while the commoner, though shaken, had gained a valuable lesson in respecting the samurai's code of conduct.

It's necessary to make quick decisions in combat, and this comes from diligent and focused training. Five days of one hour's worth of practice is better than 10 hours of practice in one day.

"The way you do the small things is the way you do everything." - Unknown

🏯🇯🇵 Born in 1489, Bokuden was an iconic samurai and swordsman from the early Sengoku period. He was so skilled that he was referred to as a kensei, or "sword saint." 🗡️

Bokuden was not just a warrior, but also a master strategist and mentor. His victories were not only on the battlefield, but also in the hearts of those he taught. He was known for his unique style of fighting which earned him the reputation of being the most deadly samurai of his day.

But what truly set Bokuden apart was his philosophy on martial arts. Bokuden believed in the principle of "winning without drawing the sword," a testament to his belief in achieving victory through strategy rather than violence. 🕊️ This philosophy is still studied and revered by martial artists around the world today.

Here's an inspiring quote from the man himself: "The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them." 🙏

So, what do you think about Tsukahara Bokuden? Are there any lessons from his life that resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

https://www.bladeandbushido.com/post/why-learning-samurai-swordsmanship-could-save-your-life

Martial arts are not only about brute strength, but also require finesse and technique to master. Learning footwork is essential in this regard. Taisabaki, or body movement, and ashisabaki, or foot movement, are crucial in any martial art form. When executed with precision, these techniques allow the martial artist to dodge and weave around their opponent with ease. Nanba, a famous Japanese martial art form, places particular emphasis on the significance of footwork, as it enables the practitioner to move swiftly and efficiently while striking their opponent. By focusing on perfecting their footwork, martial artists cultivate greater agility, coordination, and balance, making them a formidable force in combat.

One Way To Save Your Life!

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Strive for the best. "If there is anything to do, there is certainly a best way to do it, and the best way is both the most economical and the most graceful." ~ Nitobe

Forms, kata, uniforms, bowing, greetings, discipline... manners. Daily exercise creates sympathy and high regard.

A teacher is a master and never ceases to perfect their art. For this reason, the student must practice without end.

Self pity is not the warrior way. Good or bad, you are where you are because your choices and actions have led you here. If you want something else, get creative, change your plan, execute another path. But don't hold yourself to weakness. This is dishonor.

📜 Minamoto Yosh*tsune, a symbol of valor and cunning, was the younger sibling of Yoritomo. Born in 1159, he emerged as a central figure in the Genpei War, facing adversity from birth due to political strife.
🏹 What sets Yosh*tsune apart is the legend intertwined with his training. According to legend, Yosh*tsune was guided by mythical tengu creatures dwelling in the temple he was hidden in as a child. Masters of the sword and warfare, the tengu honed Yosh*tsune's martial skills into legendary swordsmanship and strategy.
🗺️ The clash between the Minamoto and Taira clans unfolded as Yosh*tsune led daring campaigns. His naval assault at Dan-no-ura turned tides, leading to the Taira clan's downfall.
🌅 Beyond battles, Yosh*tsune's legacy echoes in Japan's cultural fabric, inspiring literature, kabuki, and Noh dramas, allowing his spirit to transcend time.
🔥 However, betrayal darkened his legacy. His brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo, fearing Yosh*tsune's popularity, turned against him. Forced to flee, Yosh*tsune faced tragic ends, a reminder that even legends are not immune to treachery.

There are an elite few in this world whose very presence quietly roars a demand for respect. They've seen real war, real life and real death. They've shed blood and spilled blood. They are quiet spoken, not boastful and have no need nor desire to arrogantly promote their greatness. In their quiet serenity, they exude confidence on a near supernatural level. These are the masters. They are known and yet unknowable. They have achieved through suffering. They are capable of deep compassion but eat Hell for breakfast. They are the ones in whom you trust with your life, and hope never to anger. They are the definition of "dangerous but good."

They have achieved Kigurai.

"In that terrible battle of Sumano-ura (1184 A.D.), which was one of the most decisive in our history, a samurai overtook an enemy and in single combat had him in the clutch of his gigantic arms. Now the etiquette of war required that on such occasions no blood should be spilt, unless the weaker party proved to be a man of rank or ability equal to that of the stronger. The grim combatant would have the name of the man under him, but he refusing to make it known, his helmet was ruthlessly torn off, when the sight of a juvenile face, fair and beardless, made the astonished knight relax his hold. Helping the youth to his feet, in paternal tones he bade the stripling go: 'Off, young prince, to thy mother's side! The sword of Kumagayé shall never be tarnished by a drop of thy blood. Haste and flee o'er yon pass before thine enemies come in sight!' The young warrior refused to go and begged Kumagayé, for the honor of both, to dispatch him on the spot. Above the (gray-haired) head of the veteran gleams the cold blade, which many a time before has sundered the chords of life, but his stout heart quails; there flashes athwart his mental eye the vision of his own boy, who this selfsame day marched to the sound of a bugle to try his maiden arms; the strong hand of the warrior quivers; again he begs his victim to flee for his life. Finding all his entreaties vain and hearing the approaching steps of his comrades, he exclaims: "If thou art overtaken, thou mayst fall at a less honorable hand than mine. O thou Infinite! Receive his soul!" In an instant the sword flashes in the air, and when it falls, it is red with adolescent blood."

This is the peculiar culmination of the Bushido. Mercy triumphs over judgment, yet discernment is the life-blood of mercy.

The true Way of the martial arts is to train so that these skills are useful at any time and for any thing. All of life is based on struggle and contest. To expect anything else is to increase your own unhappiness.

Accept the inherent struggle of life, and learn to overcome. This is the essence of anti-fragility.

While acknowledging the brutal times in which the samurai lived and operated, one must also be reminded of the deep reverence they held for their collective clan spirit. Tsunetomo reminds his protégé that it is an act of dutiful compassion to point out error and offer advice to correct. But along with that duty is the need to offer that advice with extreme tact and care that the message is heard with effect and not taken as insult. The instructor is to offer correction and discipline along with effectual and true affirmations and in a spirit of friendship. The end goal was camaraderie for the benefit of their lord. One of his timeless quotes is this: "...how can you expect a man to become a better person just through humiliating him?"

Iron sharpens iron but the hammer breaks the sword.

The Kamakura Period which lasted over 700 years was named after the government set up in a tiny seaside village of the same name. This military government was established by Japan's first official Sh**un, Minamoto - no - Yoritomo. A shrewd tactician, Yoritomo crushed the powerful Taira and leveraged allies as well as the emperor to legitimize his rise to power. His final engagement with the Taira came during the sea battle of Dannoura in 1185 which saw the death of the reigning Taira emperor, Antoku. Antoku was seven years old at the time.

Points of interest to research on your own:
• He was forced to marry a woman he didn't love, Masako, in order to secure an alliance with her father.
• He had a secret affair with a nun, Hōjō Masako.
• He was rumored to be a cross-dresser.
• He was known for his violent temper and his ruthlessness in battle.
• He was also a skilled poet and calligrapher.

Imagine being on the battlefield in the blazing sun performing the hardest workout of your life while wearing a metal bucket on your head. This is not an ideal scenario. Naturally you would, in those ancient days, shave the top of your head because hair is hot. Then what remains of your hair is then piled on top of your head in a neat thin line so as to cushion the skull from the before mentioned bucket. Also, nobody wants a heat blister the size of their cranium, much less on their cranium. And there you have it; the reason behind that badass hairstyle. And for all you man-bun wearers, NO, it's not even remotely similar.

Courage is an action.

The undefeated swordsman penned this thought as an introduction to his Book of Five Rings. It is axiom #1 in the mental arsenal of every great warrior. To believe yourself invincible is to guarantee defeat. But to accept yourself as already dead is to greatly increase your odds for victory.

Interpretation of a passage from Yamamoto Tsunetomo's "HAGAKURE."

The Taira clan was one of the most powerful and influential clans in Japanese history. They played a major role in the development of samurai culture and military tactics.

The Taira clan first rose to prominence in the 12th century during the Genpei War. They eventually emerged victorious, but their reign was short-lived. In 1185, they were defeated by the Minamoto clan at the Battle of Dan-no-ura.

Despite their defeat, the Taira clan left a lasting legacy on samurai history. They are credited with developing many of the samurai's most famous weapons and tactics, such as the naginata (halberd) and the kyudo (archery). They also played a major role in the development of the samurai code of conduct, bushido.

The Taira clan may have been defeated, but their legacy continues to live on in samurai history. They are remembered as one of the most powerful and influential clans in Japanese history, and their contributions to samurai culture and military tactics are still studied and practiced today.

The Taira clan's story has been told in many Japanese works of literature, including the epic poem "The Tale of the Heike."

The terms bushi and samurai are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference between the two. Bushi is a general term, while samurai refers to a specific class of warriors who served the Japanese nobility. The term "samurai" is used most often by western foreigners to Japan and probably came from the word "saburau" which is roughly translated as "to serve." As a rule, they were higher born, highly educated and embraced a more strict code of living.

Practice being anti-fragile.

Still a work in progress but the floor is officially ready for students.

Inactivity disturbs me.

Been busy working on this floating dojo floor. Hoping to have it completed soon.

Sagara Kyuma was a samurai whose devotion to his lord was unmatched, a man who served with his heart and soul, as if his very being was intertwined with that of his master's. His unwavering dedication was a testament to his strength of character, and he was truly one in a thousand.

But fate had other plans for Sagara Kyuma. In the seventh year of Enpo, a conference was called, and his lord was put on trial for some grievous crime. The outcome was not in his favor, and the verdict was death. It was decided that Sagara Kyuma would take his master's place and commit seppuku, a noble act of self-sacrifice to atone for his master's transgressions.

So great was this samurai's honor that he rented a nearby teahouse, invited all the scoundrels of the region and partied the days and nights away. This show was an attempt to convince the local populace that his act of seppuku was to pay for his own dishonor and thereby salvage the honor of the daimyo. He drank and laughed and reveled in debauchery, all the while knowing that his own death was imminent. It was a grand spectacle, a show of his unbreakable honor and a final act of loyalty to his lord.

Nabeshima Mitsushige, the daimyo in question, later outlawed the practice of retainers following their masters in death. Some believe this was due to his guilt and sorrow over Sagara Kyuma's sacrifice. Another favored retainer of Nabeshima Mitsushige was Yamamoto Tsunetomo. When Nabeshima died, rather than follow him in death, Yamamoto Tsunetomo penned the "Hagakure."

It's possible had Sagara Kyuma been less honorable, we may never have had the "Hagakure."

Work on the personal in-home basement dojo has officially begun. Not much to look at yet, but in the beginning, nothing is.

Only the shimin were allowed to wear two swords and carry a first name as well as a family name. Among the shimin, the shoguns and daimyo lords were the most prominent members.

Behold, the legendary Tamahagane steel! This traditional Japanese steel is a material of great renown, used for centuries to create awe-inspiring swords and knives that are the envy of all.

Forged through an arduous process of smelting iron sand and charcoal in a fiery, blazing clay furnace known as the tatara, Tamahagane steel is a masterpiece of human skill and resilience. The process demands the utmost dedication and precision, as craftsmen strive to achieve the perfect composition of carbon and iron that creates a wondrous, mottled pattern throughout the steel.

Truly deserving of its name, Tamahagane steel is a jewel among metals, with a breathtaking appearance that sparkles and glimmers like the sun on the sea. This incredible material is not just a feast for the eyes, as it possesses a remarkable strength and durability that make it the perfect choice for crafting magnificent, unbeatable blades.

Through the centuries, Tamahagane steel has been the stuff of legend, inspiring awe and admiration in all who behold it. Its reputation has spread far and wide, capturing the imagination of blacksmiths, warriors, and collectors alike.

The art of creating Tamahagane steel is an integral part of the epic tale of Japanese history and culture, a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of the Japanese people. It is a material that fills the heart with excitement and wonder, a shining example of the power and beauty of the human spirit.

15-21 of the 21 Rules on "The Way of Self-Reliance."
In this final set of rules for the Wandering Warrior, a debated paradox amongst the elite warrior class emerges - the Way is found in death. Fear causes hesitation. Hesitation greatly increases the chance for failure. So, it can be argued that fear of death can, in fact, hasten it. And there's the paradox. If you fear death, then you will die, so if you don't want to die, stop fearing death.

With respect to honor, the point of an altercation should be for some higher purpose than merely preserving ego, personal or as a community. The point of an altercation should be accomplishment of the mission, even if it means a discerning death. Therein is honor found. Keep in mind the warrior class prides itself in honorable deaths, but highly prizes victorious LIVING warriors. Training is expensive after all.

8-14 of the 21 Rules on "The Way of Self-Reliance."
In this second set of rules for what is often translated as "The Way of Walking Alone" we see that Musashi's philosophy, although collectively one of serene simplicity, was demanding on the heart and mind and required a deliberate discipline resulting in complete focus on the martial arts.

1-7 of the 21 Rules on "The Way of Self-Reliance."
After at least 3 military battles and over 60 personal duels, the great sword master and celebrated samurai of the Hosokawa, Myamoto Musashi realized he was close to death. Having been in seclusion for most of his later years, he wanted to leave some words of instruction and encouragement for his disciples. He sat down and wrote a list of rules to help future generations embrace what is theirs alone. Musashi died one week later quietly at home, a swordsman with no equal.

Myamoto Musashi, (b.1584 - d.1645) is considered the definitive Samurai warrior. Author of the famous "Book of Five Rings," which details strategy on winning conflict using spirit, awareness and discipline rather than relying solely on physical conditioning and technical prowess, by his own admission, never had a teacher.

In his first duel, he fought and defeated swordsman Arima Kihei when he was only thirteen years old. He lived the rest of his life undefeated.