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Samurai

What is Samurai?

The term "Samurai" refers to the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. The samurai were known for their strict code of conduct, known as Bushido, which emphasized virtues such as loyalty, honor, and discipline. They were skilled warriors, often proficient in martial arts, swordsmanship, archery, and horseback riding. The samurai played a significant role in Japanese history, particularly during the feudal period, and their influence can still be seen in Japanese culture today.

Related Article: Kenjutsu: The Japanese Swordsmanship Art of the Samurai

This emphasis on the philosophy, or worldview, of aikido often makes understanding the art difficult for the beginning student. On one level, the student of aikido must adopt a worldview that accepts violence and attacks. On the other hand, aikido does not meet like with like—aikido does not retaliate with more violence and attacks.
Phong Thong Dang

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Other Glossary terms

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Sangka sparring is a training method in Filipino martial arts that sharpens a practitioner’s defensive skills, focusing on blocking and deflecting strikes in a live, interactive setting.
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Tatami are traditional Japanese mats made from woven rush straw, often used in homes, temples, and other cultural spaces. Nowadays they are widely used in martial arts dojos.
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In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "krabong" refers to a staff or long wooden stick used as a weapon.
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Jin Ji Du Li (金鸡独立), also known as the Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.
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The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword that is often paired with the katana, forming a daishō (literally "big-little"), which is the symbol of the samurai's status and honor.
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Non-Telegraphic Punch
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Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and self-defense. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil during the 16th century as a way to disguise their training for self-defense and rebellion.
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Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.
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Goju-Ryu is a style of Karate that originated in Okinawa, Japan.
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A palm sap, also known as a palm sap glove or palm sap weapon, is a self-defense tool designed to be worn in the palm of the hand.
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The full-throw repetition drill in judo where tori completes the throw and uke lands. Develops commitment, follow-through, and uke's ukemi under cooperative, controlled conditions before resistance is introduced in randori.
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Seiryoku Zenyo is a fundamental principle in Judo, developed by its founder, Jigoro Kano.
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Ashibumi is a fundamental step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
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The cestus (plural: cesti) is an ancient form of hand protection used by boxers in ancient Greece and Rome.
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Freestyle Sambo is a variant of Sambo that combines elements of traditional Sambo with additional techniques and rules, often influenced by other grappling arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and wrestling.
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