Japanese & European Swords: A Comparison of Values Frank Hedin – Game of Go – 12/3/03
Introduction & Overview Who was a Samurai? What the Medieval European knight carried What the Japanese Samurai Carried The design of the swords
Samurai Spirituality Three vital characteristics Kamakura Era Zen Buddhism –Detachment –Self Discipline –Responsiveness Bushido Code – “Way of the Warrior” –Seppuku –fearlessness
Values Obedience to a cause VS. individuality Ritualistic –Battles Conquest Honor Pride In One’s Craftsmanship –Construction of swords –Ignorance by the West
Sources Cited Clements, John. "The Medieval European Knight vs. The Feudal Japanese Samurai." The Association of Renaissance Martial Arts. 18 Nov Dutch, Steven. "Japan, its History, Values, and Technology." 22 May University of Greenbay: Natural and Applied Sciences. 18 Nov Irvine, Gregory. The Japanese Sword: The Soul of the Samurai. Weatherhill, "Japanese Swords and Sword Arts." 11 May Nov "Japanguide.com: History - Samurai." Japanguide.com. 18 Nov Jones, Mark. "Helpful Information about Japanese Samurai Swords." Comtech Research. 15 Nov Kyle, Kristen. "The Last Warrior: Samurai Culture." Nov Kyle, Kristen. "The Last Warrior: Swords and Swordfighting." Nov "What is Bushido?" Shotokai Karate Budo. 18 Nov Yumoto, John M. The Samurai Sword: A Handbook. New York: Charles E. Tuttle, 1958.