Samurai

Outline

Thesis Statement: Katana is considered as integral part of the Samurai soul.

I.   Introduction

II. Katana as centerpiece of the samurai
A. Type of Katana
1. Daisho
2. Daito
3. Odachi
B. Name of Katana

III. Training of samurai
A.   Kendo
B. Jujitsu
1. Karate
2. Bushido
C. Meditation

IV. Purpose of Samurai
A.   Serve their Master
1. Protect the clan/kingdom
B. Serve as model for the rest of society

V. Conclusion
Sirapob 1
The Samurai Soul
In the history of Japan, Samurai have been known as the protector of the kingdom and the king. Samurai is a group of people who use sword as their main weapon to fight. The Samurai use a sword which is called katana; it’s a sword with long and thin blade which is made to cut through enemy. Because katana is the main weapon of samurai, they considered their katana as part of their body and soul. They have been taught to take care of their sword like themselves and before they can be called a samurai. They have to go through series of training so that they can be called a samurai. For those who still practice the sword arts, the Samurai sword may not reflect security of land or resources, but does embody security of culture, spirit, and mind (Katana is considered as integral part of Samurai soul).
There are many type of training that a samurai can take, and each of them has their own uniqueness. But the most important type of training for samurai would be Kendo. Kendo is a Japanese style of fencing derived during the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912), from the two-handed sword fighting techniques of the samurai. Today kendo, which means "way of the sword", is practiced with shinai (bamboo swords), and fighters wear protective equipment covering the target areas: the head, wrists, and abdomen. The bogu (protective gear) consists of a men (face mask), a do (breastplate), kote (fencing gloves), and the tare, a kind of apron to protect the stomach and hips. Under the protective...