Childhood and Samurai Training Exhibition Small Samurai began practicing fencing with wooden swords at the age of three, and were given a real weapon, a mamorigatana sword for self-defense, between the ages of five and seven. When they reached adulthood, many good jobs as police officers, soldiers, or priests were not available to them because of their status, so they became ronin.
The term "samurai" means "holder of the sword". In reality, many common people without official title fought as samurai in war time. But the word has come to mean only those who were true warriors, who served at the pleasure of the daimyo (lords).
In order for a boy to become a samurai, his father must be granted land by a daimyo, which can then be cultivated by the family. The younger son does not have this advantage; instead, he must find employment within the realm, usually as an assistant to another samurai. If he is able to rise through the ranks, he may eventually become a solo warrior, but never holds land himself.
Even if there is no job available for him, an unemployed samurai will often join a lord's army in order to be paid regularly. This does not mean that he will be allowed to fight on the front line though, since the need might not arise.
A person must be at least 18 years old to purchase a sword. Samurai and other curved swords are permitted "AS LONG AS" they are crafted by hand using traditional methods. These swords are more expensive than their straight-bladed counterparts and require expert care to maintain their quality and value.
The owner of a handmade sword has the right to sell it provided that it is done so in a recognized shop. The sale of such swords without license does not involve illegal activity, but it cannot be considered ethical behavior either. Anyone who buys such a sword with the intention of resaleing it at a profit is committing theft.
People buy custom-made swords for a variety of reasons. Some do it as a hobby while others want to show off their love for certain movies or video games. But no matter why you buy one, please remember that these swords are not toys and should be treated with respect.
Illegal activities involving swords include hunting people down and killing them with them as well as performing acts of violence with them. Handmade swords are also used in crimes against property because they are worth much money. For example, someone might steal a sword from a museum or store display and then sell it online for a large price.
Owning a sword is a legal activity.
There are no minimum or maximum ages to participate in warfare. In general, a young samurai's first combat occurred while they were in their early teens, approximately 15 years old (opportunities permitting). Older participants often took part in special assignments or missions. Samurais could remain in service until they died or were otherwise removed from the workforce.
The typical lifespan of a samurai was around 50 years old. This was because many deaths by sword were common during this time period.
It is estimated that there were about 24,000 samurai in Japan when the country entered into an agreement with France in 1853 to give up its armed forces. This was one of the conditions required by the United States before it would receive Japanese goods after the Battle of Ishibashi-gawa.
In today's world, the term "samurai" is used to describe people who maintain a traditional Japanese lifestyle or culture. This includes artists, musicians, chefs, etc. There are many groups all over the world who try to preserve the history of the samurai era by wearing clothing or using techniques that help them stay safe and effective while fighting off enemies.
During medieval times, there were very few options for employment other than being a samurai. However, today's world offers many different opportunities for career choices.
A samurai warrior's hard training begins as a toddler. The Samurai school was a one-of-a-kind synthesis of physical training, Chinese studies, poetry, and spiritual discipline. The youthful soldiers learned Kendo ("the Way of the Sword"), the samurai moral code, as well as Zen Buddhism. They practiced shooting with bamboo guns at targets on distant hillsides. Later, when they were older, they practiced with real swords.
Children were taken from their parents and raised by "sensei" (teachers), who trained them in martial arts from an early age. When they reached puberty, the boys were given their own masters, who taught them combat skills and philosophy. The girls were taught how to take care of themselves and their children, manage a household, and prepare meals.
During their free time, the young warriors played games such as Go (which is still played today for entertainment purposes) or went on adventures with their friends.
In order to be accepted into one of these schools, a candidate had to prove his or her skill by decapitating a chicken on the spot. This act, called "negoritsuchi", showed that the boy was not afraid to kill something innocent. The head of the chicken was then sent to his or her master to show that the student knew what he or she was doing.
Sensei would choose only two students from which to make their soldiers.