Michael Smathers
Michael is an avid student of history with a focus on medieval Japan. He also practices traditional martial arts in his spare time and enjoys reading and learning about the history and mythology of different cultures.
Articles by Michael Smathers
The Secret Okinawan Weapons That Outsmarted the SamuraiAlthough Okinawan Kobudo brings to mind unarmed karate practice, weapons were also used by the residents of the islands based on what they had available.
6 Traditional Japanese Instruments From Shakuhachi to ShamisenMusical instruments are used to create a variety of sounds to evoke emotions. Japanese instruments frequently emulate the sounds of nature.
Musical instruments are used to create a variety of sounds to evoke emotions. Japanese instruments frequently emulate the sounds of nature.
What Exactly Is Qi? Life Energy in Chinese Medicine & Martial ArtsThe elusive concept of qi in Chinese martial arts and medicine refers to an unseen “life energy.” Is there anything to it?
The elusive concept of qi in Chinese martial arts and medicine refers to an unseen “life energy.” Is there anything to it?
The Real Story of the Legendary Ninja Hattori HanzoThe shinobi are legendary in Japanese history for their skills in subterfuge and stealth; one name, in particular, rings out when discussing ninjas: Hattori Hanzo.
The shinobi are legendary in Japanese history for their skills in subterfuge and stealth; one name, in particular, rings out when discussing ninjas: Hattori Hanzo.
Which Is the “Better” Sword? Katana vs LongswordThe katana and longsword have been the subject of endless debates about which sword is “better.” Let’s break the question down more carefully.
The katana and longsword have been the subject of endless debates about which sword is “better.” Let’s break the question down more carefully.
How Medieval Japan’s Fusion of Buddhism and Shinto Created Shinbutsu-ShugoJapan has been Buddhist throughout most of its history, but before Buddhism there was Shinto. Merging these beliefs created Shinbutsu-Shugo, the religion of Medieval Japan.
The 6 Foundational Shinto MythsThe mythologies of the world each have their own creation myths. These are the foundational myths of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan.
The mythologies of the world each have their own creation myths. These are the foundational myths of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan.
Tracing the Roots of Shaolin Kung Fu Back to Ancient ChinaThe Shaolin Temple is practically synonymous with martial arts; from the five iconic animal styles to the various weapon systems and modern wushu.
7 Warrior Women (Onna-Bugeisha) of Feudal JapanWomen had more power in feudal Japan than one might expect. These warrior women took part in history-defining events on the battlefield and off.
Women had more power in feudal Japan than one might expect. These warrior women took part in history-defining events on the battlefield and off.
The Rise of the Minamoto: Japan’s First ShogunateThe samurai, through most of Japan’s history, were the ruling warrior class. But that wasn’t always so. Discover how Japan transitioned under the Minamoto.
HEMA: The Modern Study of Historical European Martial ArtsHEMA is often used as an example of experimental archaeology. Practicing with the guidance of old manuscripts, modern scholars have recreated lost sword art.
HEMA is often used as an example of experimental archaeology. Practicing with the guidance of old manuscripts, modern scholars have recreated lost sword art.
Kenjutsu: Discover Centuries of Japanese Fencing TraditionKenjutsu, the fighting method of samurai swordsmanship, has remained almost intact for centuries through hundreds of different schools.
Kenjutsu, the fighting method of samurai swordsmanship, has remained almost intact for centuries through hundreds of different schools.