Repetitive sequences of movements that ingrained muscle memory. Through thousands of repetitions, the technique moved from the conscious mind into the subconscious.
Archery was often considered more prestigious than swordsmanship. Samurai were master horse-archers, capable of hitting targets at full gallop. Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice
The ability to stay calm and centered amidst the chaos of a life-or-death struggle. 2. The Physical Practice: More Than Just Swords Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice
The foundation of every strike was Bushido (The Way of the Warrior). This wasn't just a code of honor; it was a psychological framework for combat. Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice
To understand these arts is to look past the steel and into the soul of the practitioner. 1. The Philosophy: Bushido and the "Death" of the Ego