Free Samurai Articles

- The Way of the Samurai Site Directory -

By Paul 'Batman' O'Brien
B.A., N.C.E.H.S., Dip. Acu., Adv. Dip. OBB, Cert Clin. Med. Pn1, PN-SSR, PN-NCA, M.AFPA, M.ETCMA, M.C.Th.A.

This Free Samurai Articles section is possibly the most important page on Way-of-the-Samurai.com

Here you will find all the Essay's, Articles, Sword Reviews, Guides and more to help you learn all you need to about the way of the samurai, martial arts and Japanese Swords. 

Most of the time the stuff I read on the way of the samurai is either wrong or just dead boring. This isn’t the case here. Each one of these is short and to the point, packed with the highest researched information and the best tips and techniques taken form my experience in training in samurai arts and koryu bujutsu.

Every article has been laid out in its own section in a specific order. One essay and guide flows into the next picking up where the last left off and introducing new concepts or explaining something mentioned in the last one in more detail. Read through them in sequence, or skip to whatever takes your interest. Spend time here learning the every aspect of the way of the samurai. 

Samurai History

Samurai History

  1. The Birth of the Samurai: From Imperial Guards to Warriors of Legend
  2. The Way of Horse and Bow: The Core of Samurai Identity*
  3. Samurai Arms and Armour: Tools of the Trade*
  4. The Sword in Samurai Culture: Reality vs. Myth*
  5. Samurai Battle Tactics: The Science of War*
  6. The Warrior Bond: Organisation and Leadership*
  7. The Rise of the Kamakura Shogunate: Warriors Take Power*
  8. The Culture of War: Samurai Ethics and Values*
  9. The Mongol Invasions: Samurai Face a Foreign Enemy*
  10. The Evolution of the Samurai: Looking Forward*
  11. Becoming Samurai: Training and Education in Medieval Japan*
  12. Warriors of the Capital vs. Provincial Warriors*
  13. Divine Warriors: Religion and Spirituality in Samurai Combat*
  14. The Psychology of the Samurai Warrior*
  15. Women in Samurai Warfare and Culture*
  16. Castles and Fortifications: The Evolution of Samurai Defences*
  17. The Aesthetics of War: Samurai and Visual Culture*
  18. From Battlefield to Courtroom: Samurai as Administrators*
  19. Rituals of Combat: Formal and Informal Protocols*
  20. The Warrior's Diet and Health: Physical Preparation for Combat*
  21. Samurai Rebellion:The Story of Saigō Takamori *
  22. The Meiji Restoration: The End of the Samurai *
  23. The Samurai Tattoo: The Story of Irezumi
  24. Samurai Tattoo Designs: Selecting Your Samurai Style
  25. Samurai Masks: The Face of the Warrior
  26. A Study of Samurai Banners *
  27. Ninja vs. Samurai: The Truth Behind the Myth *
  28. The Legend of the Forty-seven Samurai *
  29. Japanese Warriors: Samurai, Ninja, Militant Monks and More
  30. Super Samurai: Myths, Legends and Masters of the Martial Arts
  31. Oe Masamichi and Iai - A Translated Excerpt from the Koryu Iai No Hondo of Norikazu Iwata Sensei
  32. Is Seiza a Real Samurai Fighting Position - Clearing up Misconceptions
  33. Japan Samurai Soul: A Look at Bushido *
  34. History of the Tanto: Side Arm of the Warrior
  35. Tanto Knives: History of the Tanto Part 2
  36. The Gunpo Jiyoshu and the Ninja Myth
  37. The Shoninki - Lies, Legend and Lunacy
  38. The Bansenshukai - A Period Fantasy Document
  39. The Ninpiden - As Legitimate as a Kill Bill Hattori Hanzo Blade
  40. Miyamoto Musashi: A Life in Arms -The Facts Behind the Legend. A Review
  41. Musashi Miyamoto - The Origin of the Legend
  42. Age Of Samurai Battle for Japan Review

Samurai Philosophy

  1. How to Tie a Sageo & It's Importance for Iaido
  2. Why Buy A Shinken- Balancing Your Life on a Blade Edge
  3. What is Koryu Bujutsu- Defining a Life Through The Science of War
  4. Translating the Texts of the Masters
  5. Samurai Magic - Are You Secretly Practicing Samurai Magic?
  6. Hagakure - A Review of Alexander Bennett's Translation
  7. Is Seiza a Real Samurai Fighting Position - Clearing up Misconceptions
  8. The Martial Mindset - Developing the Habit of Discipline
  9. The Samurai Reading List - Get Started on these crucial samurai texts
  10. Miyamoto Musashi Quotes: AKA Musashi Isn't Your Life Coach
  11. Entering the Dojo: Life Lessons From the Martial Arts #1
  12. Naming and Knowing: Life Lessons From the Martial Arts #2
  13. Kiryoku - Direct Unwavering Focus: Life Lessons From the Martial Arts #3

Samurai Sword Reviews

Sword Reviews

Iaito

Martial Arts Katana and Shinken

Tanto - Japanese Daggers

Movie Replica's & Live Blades

Wooden Weapons

  • Benkei Bokken (NineCircles.co.uk)
  • Custom Isu Wood Bokken (Tozandos)
  • Custom White Oak Niten Ryu Daisho (Tozandos)
  • Red Oak Bokken (Ki Martial arts)
  • Suburi Bokken (Ki Martial Arts)
  • White Oak Bokuto (Ki Martial Arts)
  • White Oak Tanto (Ki Martial Arts)

Clothing

Martial Arts

  1. Martial Arts History - The Evolution of Combat
  2. Ancient Japanese Martial Arts: Part 2 of the Japanese martial arts history series, focusing on Koryū*
  3. History of Japanese martial arts: Part 3 of the Japanese martial arts history series, focusing on Modern Arts *
  4. What is Koryu Bujutsu- Defining a Life Through The Science of War
  5. Japanese Martial Arts Terms: A quick reference glossary *
  6. Japanese Martial Arts Styles: From Aikido and Araki-ryū to Karate and Yoshin-ryū. *
  7. Japanese Ancient Martial Arts: A basic directory of koryū styles *
  8. List of Japanese martial arts: Both Ancient Koryu and Modern Gendai Budō *
  9. Japanese Martial Arts: A beginner's guide Japanese Martial Arts Weapons: A visual guide to the tool of combat *

*= coming soon

Iaido 

  1. What is Iaidō? - An Introduction to the Japanese Art of Drawing the Sword
  2. The Rich History of Iaidō: From Battlefield to Dojo*
  3. Getting Started with Iaidō: What You Need to Know*
  4. The Basic Techniques of Iaidō: A Beginner's Guide*
  5. Understanding Iaidō Equipment: From Wooden Swords to Shinken*
  6. The Major Schools of Iaidō: Traditions and Differences*
  7. The Language of Iaidō: Essential Japanese Terms for Beginners*
  8. The Art of Etiquette in Iaidō: Understanding Reishiki*
  9. The Aesthetics of Iaidō: Beauty in Martial Movement*
  10. Solo Practice in Iaidō: Making the Most of Individual Training*
  11. Sparring Practice in Iaidō: The Power of Partner Practice*
  12. The Philosophy Behind Iaidō: More Than Just Sword Drawing*
  13. Iaidō and Physical Wellness: Benefits Beyond the Sword*
  14. The Mental Dimension of Iaidō: Cultivating Focus and Presence*
  15. Continuing Your Iaidō Journey: Beyond the Basics*
  16. Iaidō and Modern Life: Applying Ancient Wisdom Today*
  17. The Spiritual Journey of Iaidō: Beyond Technique*
  18. Women in Iaidō: A Tradition of Inclusion*
  19. Iaidō for Older Beginners: It's Never Too Late to Start*
  20. The Relationship Between Iaidō and Other Japanese Sword Arts*
  21. The Omori-ryu: First Steps in Traditional Iaidō*
  22. Eishin Ryu Iaidō: A Specific Examination of the Eishin (Chudan) Forms of my style*
  23. Battojutsu: A distinct form of swordsmanship, understanding the differences*
  24. Japanese Fencing: Kendo, Ona-ha Itto Ryū, Yagyu Shinkage Ryū, Katori Shinto Ryū and Iai with its numerous schools, and an overview of their key differences and commonalities. *
  25. Iai sword - My top tips on buying an Iaito - and where to go.*
  26. Japanese Sword Arts - An overview of the various styles*
  27. The Iaido dojo - My First Experience of Iai
  28. A Brief History of Iai in Ireland* 
  29. Embu: Experience Japan Day 2010*
  30. An Irish Man’s Musha Shugyo: Training with the Masters at the University of Derby, Buxton*
  31. The Highest Degree of Swordsmanship: The UCD Japanese Sword Open Seminar*
  32. Irish Iaidōka at The First Open: Traditional Japanese Budo and Cultural Workshop in Ardingly College*
  33. Making the Cut: The Kenseikai Dublin Dojo Journey*
  34. Learning Lethality: The 3rd All-Ireland Japanese Sword Seminar*
  35. New Shodan in Samurai Swordsmanship for Ireland*
  36. Iaidō Taikai: Ireland Recognised for its Fighting Spirit at the Masaume Taikai
  37. Who Needs Sleep When You Have Budo*
  38. The BKA and the Phantom Terror*
  39. O'Brien is Winner at This Year's Masamune Taikai
  40. Samurai Swordsmanship Makes Irish History: Ireland at the 2016 EIC*
  41. Art of the Japanese Sword: The Sparring of Iai*
  42. The Lifesaving Step: A Review of the Myoken Dojo Iaido Handbook*
  43. Soul of the Samurai: Living the Warrior Way*
  44. 8 Swords for Dublin*
  45. The Swallow’s Flight*
  46. Grading Galore For Ireland*
  47. The Irish Onna-bugeisha*
  48. Iai Strategy - a discussion of the key concepts of combat*
  49. Iai obi, Hakama and keikogi - The clothing of Samurai Swordsmanship - and Instructional Video Guide*
  50. The Iai FAQ - all your swordsmanship questions answered
  51. Iai kata - An introduction to the core of swordsmanship*
  52. Free Iai e-book - an exclusive free guide to Samurai Swordsmanship*
  53. The Dublin Iaido Seminar: Peter West Sensei makes Irish Iaido History
  54. The Finnish Iaido Seminar 2025 Review
  55. What is Iaido? - The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship
  56. An Introduction to Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryū (originally published in Irish Fighter Magazine)
  57. The Iaido FAQ- A Q & A for the Beginner 

*= coming soon

Jodo

  1. The Way of the Staff: An Introduction to Jodo for Beginners*
  2. The Fascinating Origin Story of Jodo: How a Defeat Led to Enlightenment*
  3. The Hidden Benefits of Jodo Training: More Than Just Self-Defence*
  4. Getting Started with Jodo: Your First Steps on the Path*
  5. The Language of Jodo: Essential Terms and Concepts for Beginners*
  6. The Fundamental Techniques of Jodo: Building Blocks of Mastery*
  7. The Philosophy Behind Jodo: Walking the Warrior's Path in Modern Times*
  8. Jodo and Iaido: The Perfect Martial Arts Partnership*
  9. The Journey Forward: Progression and Growth in Jodo*
  10. Joining the Global Jodo Community: Have Stick Will Travel*
  11. The Sacred Dimensions of Jodo: Spiritual Elements in Training*
  12. Jodo Etiquette: Navigating Traditional Dojo Culture with Confidence*
  13. The Jo as Teacher: What Your Wooden Staff Can Teach You*
  14. The Rhythm of Jodo: Understanding Timing and Flow*
  15. Jodo for Every Body: Adaptations and Modifications for All Practitioners*
  16. The Art of Ukemi: Being a Good Training Partner in Jodo*
  17. Jodo Through the Seasons: Year-Round Training Considerations*
  18. The Mental Game of Jodo: Developing Focus and Presence*
  19. Jodo on the Go: Maintaining Practice When Away from the Dojo*
  20. Beyond Technique: The Cultural Context of Jodo*
  21. The BKA and the Phantom Terror: My First Jodo Grading
  22. O'Brien and Kennedy Make Irish Martial Arts History*
  23. Sticking it to the Irish: A Jodo Grading
  24. Gradings Galore*
  25. Walking Stick to the Way of the Stick: My Journey from Multiple Sclerosis to Winning Medals at my First European Jodo Championship.*
  26. Jodo Warm-up: Stick Gymnastics from Japan*

Intermediate/Advanced Student Articles

  1. The Physical Manifestation of Your Martial Readiness:The Kamae of ZNKR Jōdō *
  2. Understanding Yaya Hanmi and Ma Hanmi in Jōdo *
  3. Principles and Core Lessons in ZNKR Jōdo Kata *
  4. The Role and Types of Kiai in Jōdo *
  5. The Purpose and Meaning of Jōdo *
  6. The Paradoxical Heart of Jōdo *
  7. Harmonising with Opposition in Jōdo: A Deeper Exploration *
  8. Beyond Physical Technique: The Deeper Meaning *
  9. Walking the Path: Understanding Footwork in Japanese Stick Fighting *
  10. The Language of Posture: What Kamae Reveals in Japanese Martial Arts *
  11. The Jō Versus the Sword: Advantages of the 'Lesser' Weapon *
  12. Modern Applications of the Principles Learned from Jō Training *
  13. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Philosophical Principles in Jōdo Techniques *
  14. How Seigan ("Right in the Eyes") Demonstrates Psychological Control *
  15. The Concept of Seme (Pressure) and Its Life Applications *
  16. Ran Ai ("Harmony in Chaos") as a Metaphor for Handling Life's Challenges *
  17. How Physical Technique Becomes a Path to Character Development *
  18. The Philosophy of Embodied Wisdom *

The Vital Points of Jodo Series

  1. Tendō (天倒) *
  2. Uto (烏兎) *
  3. Komekami (こめかみ – Temples) *
  4. Suigetsu (水月) *
  5. Inazuma (稲妻) *
  6. Kinteki (金的) *
  7. Mukaihizune (向脛) *
  8. Kurofushi (黒節) *
  9. Kōri (甲利) *
  10. Kote *
  11. Shimomi *
  12. Murasame *
  13. Hitorinaka *
  14. Matsukaze *
  15. Hichū *
  16. Senakamonsho *

*= coming soon

Kenjutsu

  1. Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu - The Sword Style of Miyamoto Musashi
  2. Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu Summer 2014 Keiko - Learning the Style of Legends
  3. Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu 霞神道流剣術 - Sword Style of Musō Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi (夢想 權之助 勝吉)

*= coming soon

Tantō/Knife Fighting

HEMA and Koryu

*= coming soon

Samurai Strength Training

From the Archives

  • Joe Canning - Modern Gladiators: A History of Kickboxing
  • The Iaido dojo - My First Experience of Iai
  • Token Taikai 2014- A display of remarkable swords and fittings and even more remarkable lectures
  • Iaidō Taikai: Ireland Recognised for its Fighting Spirit at the Masaume Taikai
  • Shinogi and Niku - The Ridgeline and Meat of the Blade Explained
  • Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu Summer 2014 Keiko - Learning the Style of Legends
  • Embu: Experience Japan Day 2010*
  • An Irish Man’s Musha Shugyo: Training with the Masters at the University of Derby, Buxton*
  • The Highest Degree of Swordsmanship: The UCD Japanese Sword Open Seminar*
  • Irish Iaidōka at The First Open: Traditional Japanese Budo and Cultural Workshop in Ardingly College*
  • Making the Cut: The Kenseikai Dublin Dojo Journey*
  • Learning Lethality: The 3rd All-Ireland Japanese Sword Seminar*
  • New Shodan in Samurai Swordsmanship for Ireland*
  • Iaidō Taikai: Ireland Recognised for its Fighting Spirit at the Masaume Taikai
  • Who Needs Sleep When You Have Budo*
  • The BKA and the Phantom Terror*
  • O'Brien is Winner at This Year's Masamune Taikai*
  • Samurai Swordsmanship Makes Irish History: Ireland at the 2016 EIC*
  • Art of the Japanese Sword: The Sparring of Iai*
  • The Lifesaving Step: A Review of the Myoken Dojo Iaido Handbook*
  • Soul of the Samurai: Living the Warrior Way*
  • 8 Swords for Dublin*
  • The Swallow’s Flight*
  • Grading Galore For Ireland*
  • The Irish Onna-bugeisha*
  • Belfast Brings the Budo*
  • Jodo: A National Treasure Martial Art*

*= coming soon

Frauds & Fakes

Books and Products

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