The study of the old ways is many times seen as pointless by most people who have never taken the time to grasp the great benefits of studying Samurai martial art systems such as Iaido, Iaijutsu, Kendo and Batto Do. Each art is very particular and takes many years to perfect. In this resource section we will examine the process of learning for the Samurai arts as well as gain an understanding into the mind of the Samurai and their culture called Bushido.

The Samurai were a class of Bushi, or warriors, that could be seen as politicians, artists, poets, scholars and military men. Many people do not realize the great depths of the Samurai as such which is a shame. Most Samurai even studied floral arranging called Ikebana as well. The entire maximum for the Samurai was the constant pursuit of perfection daily in their lives...not just once in awhile but every waking moment. They lived to dies a beautiful death and took in every breath of life into their mind, body and soul. They lived a very complex, yet simple way of life not adhering to material possessions save one...their Katana.

The Katana was the soul of the Samurai. This sword was meticulously crafted and designed to stand up to the harshest treatment in battle. It never left the Samurai's side and was carried everywhere, ready to be released at a moment's notice. The Katana was so important to the Samurai that it was even brought into the birthing chamber when his wife was giving birth to their children. The modern arts of the Samurai include the study of the sword which is broken down into various Ryu, or systems.

The Sword Arts - Studying each one completes the circle

The study of the sword is much more than simply picking one up and cutting things with it. The goal is perfection even the most minute detail from posture all the way to the mindset of the student. These arts are broken down as listed below:

• Iaido - this is the study of various methods in which to draw the Katana. Students learn from both seated and standing positions. Iaido has many short forms called Kata that must be mastered to move up in rank levels.

• Iaijutsu / Kenjutsu - is the study of combative methods with the Katana. Some methods of Iaido are implemented as well but the Kata are much longer and more complicated than in Iaido. In these arts students will train with the bokken (wooden katana) heavily and learn application drills against an opponent.

• Kendo - this is the modern sport version where to combatants face off and attempt to score a perfect cut on each other.

• Chanbara - even more modern than Kendo Chanbara includes the use of a padded foam swords but the focus and goal is the same as Kendo.

• Aikijutsu - the unarmed method of dealing with battlefield attacks.

Samurai Arts Resources and Downloads

Below we have included some of the resources developed to assist students with our Samurai arts studies classes. Each section should be explored and understood if one is participating in the Samurai arts studies program at the Budokan Dojo.

Complete Aiki Niten Ryu Curriculum

Parts of the Katana - Image 1    Image 2   Image 3

Iaido Cutting Diagram

Kneeling Torei (Bowing)

Standing Torei (Bowing)

Pre World War II Video of Samurai