Shinto and Its Derivatives Shinto, which literally means “the Way of the gods”, is the indigenous folk religion of Japan,reflecting animistic and shamanistic views of life that had long existed there. It is generallybelieved that ancient Shinto started…
Aikido and Master Morihei Ueshiba Aikido was created some 80 years ago by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), usually called “Kaiso” (the Founder). He created Aikido after many years of physical training in the Japanese classical martial arts of…
It is said that Budo masters are not judged by the number of students that they have but by the number of masters that they produce. Ueshiba Morihei, O-Sensei, certainly produced many. Outstanding researcher Stanley Pranin interviewed a…
For those interested in the history of Japanese martial arts another fine book is ARMED MARTIAL ARTS OF JAPAN: SWORDSMANSHIP AND ARCHERY by G. Cameron Hurst. The publisher included a good introduction: “This unique history of Japanese armed…
Doing Aikido does not make you a samurai. However, Aikido is a Budo that incorporates the best of the samurai tradition and omits the elements that are no longer desirable. For those interested in the history of the…
I started Aikido training in 1975 just as I was completing my M.A. While I had learned a lot about the history of Europe and North America, I was not well versed in the history of other parts…
Here are some further and final comments from ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE SAMURAI. You are welcome to borrow my copy of the book if cannot find one to buy. During the 16th century western sea powers tried…
[The second samurai clan to control Japan extensively was the Ashikaga, 1336-1573. The Ashikaga lived in the Kyoto suburb of Muromachi to keep an eye on the Emperor, but soon fell prey to the luxurious life of the…
[Samurai armour was generally made of strips (lamellae) of iron laced together with deerskin or silk. The iron strips were coated with lacquer to prevent rusting.] A wide range of colours was used for lacing. By far the…
If you are keen on the history of Japan during the period of warrior rule (c. 1200 –1850), there are many good books available. Here is one example of a well researched and beautifully illustrated study of one…
