Rome vs Japan

[Narukami]

being a student and instructor of kenjutsu and aikijujutsu and rather well studied on feudal japan, and the tactics and capabilities of samurai and bushi, i must insist that the samurai would eat a legion alive, their bows were monstrous and powerful, their swords sharper (you really have no idea unless you've cut with one, master nakamura cut through 5 goza, that's the density of 5 human bodies!!!), longer and stronger and their fluidity and skill of movement and fearlessness of death unimaginable, inconceivable even to a western mind. the samurai were trained from about age 7 and by the time most were 12/13 they were facing hardened adult killers successfully on the battle field, not all samurai were of horse rank, so they are not dependent on cavalry tactics, and their work with the yari and naginata (spears and pole arms) is something to behold. I've got mad love for Rome and the legion but i think the samurai would out maneuver and massacre a what honestly was a rather rigid fighting schism concerning the legion, however there would no doubt be heavy losses fort he samurai

Jason,

Good points all.

I note that you are a recent addition to our forum -- welcome!

I also note that you are trained in kenjutsu, as opposed to kendo, which leads me to wonder if you have trained with or are familiar with Donn F Draeger? I took a course from him at the UH and one of the first points he made was the distinction between Martial Arts and Martial Ways. Few realize the distinction even exists let alone understand its significance. I salute you.

Generally I agree with your points. It was said that Tamijima was so skilled with the naginata that he could knock arrows out of the air. Likewise, the fearlessness of the bushi is truly remarkable.

However, I do think that when it comes to rigid tactical thinking the samurai could be just as guilty as the Romans. The battle of Nagashimo comes readily to mind.

Again welcome to our forum. Your study of the past, and your experiences in the present, will no doubt add great depth to our discussions.

(It has been more years than I care to remember since I was last at Ft. Hood, but I doubt it has changed one bit. :wink: )

Narukami