You've probably heard of samurai at some point in your life. We are surrounded by their influence in pop and cinematic culture, appearing in countless films, series, anime, etc. The figure of the samurai and his way of life exerts an unparalleled attraction on all those who want to investigate a little more and get closer to studying this legendary figure. In this sense, the legend of the 47 ronin, an epic work of classical Japanese literature, is well known.
There is, however, a risk that our image of them may be somewhat idealized and/or distorted. We must not forget that the reference book "Bushido. The Spirit of Japan" by Inazo Nitobe (which is taken as a starting point for the assessment of the figure of the samurai) is a compilation of oral stories made in the 19th century, so it may contain historical "make-up" made a posteriori with the aim of praising a social figure in decline in that century, especially after the Meiji Revolution of 1868 and the subsequent and definitive prohibition and disappearance of the figure of the samurai when their warrior function was eliminated, they were prohibited from carrying both swords (katana and wakizashi) and the evolution of Japan towards a modern industrial State. As Marcos Sala Ivars explains: “The process of literary mythification of this sociopolitical figure can still be traced today, when the vast majority of publications linked to the samurai world exude an amalgam of nineteenth-century moralistic principles and imperialist patriotism with a base of pseudo-historical feudalism. ”
But how did samurai train? What kind of exercises and disciplines did they practice to achieve such optimal fitness? How did they train their minds to perform at their best? Let's try to answer these questions.
ritual suicide) at the age of thirteen, although they were also allowed to use the longer katana, although it was kept sealed with a cord to prevent it from being drawn. In addition, they would continue to practice the art of drawing the sword throughout their lives.Samurai completed their martial training by travelling across Japan to learn from other schools (dojos) and fighting with them, testing their martial skills as the only way to achieve mastery and prove the worth of their own school. In this sense, perhaps the most famous samurai is Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – 1645) for remaining undefeated in his duels (the exact number is unclear) and being the author of a well-known book that is part of the cultural imagination of the Japanese samurai, “The Book of Five Rings”.
Samurai were not only educated in martial arts, but also included the so-called bun-bu ryodo (culture/strategy and martial arts in one). In this conglomerate of teachings they learned military tactics and philosophy, but also calligraphy and various arts such as flower adornment, incense arts or tea ceremony. Literature was mainly a pastime and philosophy was used as a practical aid in the formation of character, or for the exposition of some kind of military or political problem.
In some cases, the training went further. Shugendo practitioners delved into the esoteric and mystical world, with practices related to the elements of nature such as contemplation and performance of rites through the use of fire or purification of the body using ice water or snow. Strenuous physical exercise, pushing the human body to its limits, is another characteristic of the practitioners of this mystical, ascetic and eremitic doctrine.
And what about women? Samurai women, who also existed, learned to handle weapons, although their activity was oriented towards the total denial of their person as well as their devotion and commitment to their husband, family and domestic sphere.
Young girls were educated to restrain emotions and passions as well as to handle weapons, especially the long-handled sword called nagi-nata, so that they would be able to defend themselves against unexpected situations. With her weapon she protected her personal inviolability with the same zeal that her husband protected that of his lord. The domestic utility of her martial training was directed toward the education of her children and the protection of the family and its honor. Fencing and similar exercises, though rarely of use, could also be made use of in times of need.
As you can see in this approach, the physical and mental training of the samurai is oriented towards a high sense of duty and honor.
In this context, functional training is useless without the proper strengthening of the warrior's will and the vital mandate of defense from his daimyo or feudal lord.
We leave you as an extra a WOD worthy of a samurai:
"47 Ronin"
4 Rounds for Time
12 Burpees
10 Pull- ups
20 Front Rack Walking Lunges 47Kgs (Bar included in weight)
10 kettlebell Snatch each side
47 Double- unders
Check out our "Wod Assassin" t-shirt in our store, if you are one of those who finish their workouts like a true samurai.
Literature
- Sala Ivars, Marcos: Musha shugyo: the warrior's pilgrimage. An approach to the martial training of the Japanese warrior through his travels. Mirai. Japanese Studies. Complutense Editions. ISSN-e: 2531-145X
- Pereda González, Pablo: Book review “Samurai: the warrior’s code”. Asian Martial Arts Journal. Volume 5, No. 1. 2010.
- Nitobe, Inazo: Bushido. The Spirit of Japan. Dojo Editions. Madrid. 2010.
- López-Vera, Jonathan: History of the samurai. Ed. Satori. 2016. ISBN: 978-84-944685-7-5.
