Samurai Page
Hi there! Welcome to my Samurai Page! Here I'd like to provide a brief summary of the history and legacy of the Samurai. I'll also have some links and pictures!
Brief History
The Samurai/Bushi were the warrior class of Japan beginning roughly in the 12th Century to the mid-1800's. Their name comes from the word "Samurau", which means "to serve". They were the military retainers of their respective daimyo's (feudal lords). The samurai formed a distinct class, wearing two swords as a symbol of their caste, and following a code of conduct known as bushido.
Naginata Cavalry
Himeji Castle, is considered the most beautiful castle in japan. It is nicknamed the "White Heron Castle" because of it's shape and color, which is said to resemble a heron.
Family Crests (Kamon)
Click on the insignia to learn about these major clans. Also, visit www.kamon.com to see more.
Akechi Clan Mouri Clan
Oda Clan
Takeda Clan Tokugawa Clan
Oono family
(my grandmother's)
Sugahara Crest (my family's)
The characters below are" Fuu Rin Ka Zan", which means Wind, Forest, Fire Mountain. This was Takeda Shingen's banner. It meant " Be swift as the wind, silent as the forest, fierce as fire, and immobile as the mountain. Weapons
The Samurai had many weapons at their disposal ranging from arrows to the "Katana" sword. Here are a few of the weapons used during the age of the Samurai:

Katana:  The principle weapon of the samurai was their swords. Each                     samurai typically carried two swords. The O-gatana/katana/                      Tachi, was the large, killing Sword. The wakizashi/tachi, was                    the smaller,  dagger-like sword used in seppuku.

Naginata: These  pole-arms were used to slash at enemies.                                                                                                                           Spears: Spears were the main weapons of the foot troops used in battle.

Bow and Arrow: Used to kill enemies at a distance.
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