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everything-you-need-to-know-about-samurai-and-bushido
Now, fighting competitions are universal across all nations. But still, the Japanese spar way differently than Americans, or Europeans. They can also be put in parallel with Chinese fighters, but if you look closely enough, they are using opposing styles to them. It’s no wonder that this high-working, socially-oriented country is one of the best in producing MMA fighters, and boxers alike.
Why is that the case? The hard-work ethic that’s instilled in the Far East nation definitely plays a part. They are taught discipline, respect, and martial arts from a young age. It’s an honor to represent your country in a brawl for them, and the youngest kids strive to be the best to prove to both themselves and others that they are worthy. Are they so different from everyone else? For sure. Results speak for themselves, and we will discuss how their roots influence the nation.
One can argue they the Japanese are the most sophisticated nation when it comes to war. After all, that’s where most Martial Arts evolved, including the most deadly and practical methods. Enclosed for over two thousand years, the country was constantly tearing itself apart, and violently protecting itself from any external force. The swordsmen that this nation produced are the most legendary ones in the entire world, and its military has been one of the toughest all throughout history.
Martial arts there don’t just mean a fighting practice, it’s a way of life for many people since the age of the Samurai. When the warrior class emerged in medieval Japan, so did many of the fighting traditions. Most of the modern and now archaic styles can be traced back to this period in the state when war and internal turmoil were higher than ever.
Who Were They
A samurai wasn’t just a soldier, they were the elite forces in the country. The best of the best, a samurai could take down a whole brigade of less-skilled armed men. Their most distinctive features are their iconic weapons, mainly Katanas, a special extremely sharp sword, and their full-body armor, which was made to protect from this very sword (o-yoroi). As it was frequent for Samurai to confront each other, they had no choice but to become the very best fighters, or else they would die at the Katana of their enemy.
They went through the most rigorous training programs in human history, perhaps only matched or mirrored by those of the Spartans. They were the most resolute and trained force of their feudal leaders, and were both feared and admired all over the country.
Now that the age of Samurai is long gone, as the class was abolished more than a hundred years ago, their legacy lives on in people’s cultural identity and way of life. No one is carrying a sword around town anymore, but to adhere to the old Bushido code of conduct is one of the highest virtues, even in present-day Japan.
Present Day
Some of the most accomplished people in the 21st century are following that code, and attribute their success partly to the strict rules. This includes a prominent Boxing fighter, Naoya Inoue, who is swiftly climbing the ladders of top Boxers all over the world. If you are curious about why he is so masterful, and why do the Japanese call him “Monster”, check out an article on the local website jkakutogi.com. It explains where he is heading right now, and how he got where he is. It’s a quick read with a few buttons translation in your browser. I didn’t know you could do that either before. We live and learn.
Final Say
Bushido doesn’t only apply to warriors and boxers. In the modern era, it has started to signify the hard-work ethic of its nation, their dedication to serving others, and humble living. Few are able to replicate the success of Japan, and that’s no wonder anymore. They are the most brutal people when it comes to the workplace, and it is starting to backfire against the nation.
Still, in our day and age, one can apply the code of Bushido to the individual, and then see results both in our personal lives and with a more broadened adoption, on a population level. It highlights the virtues one must strive for in life, such as telling the truth, protecting others, and helping those in need. These are all things we are lacking in this new millennia. To learn more about the role of Bushido in modern Japan, click here.
