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 Sword-Drawing Art of Iaijutsu That Samurai Warriors Used Against Their FoesThe samurai bore the katana as their everyday carry sword. They created a sophisticated martial art devoted to drawing and readying the weapon: Iaijutsu.
How Samurai Castles Were Designed to Withstand Sieges and SpiesLearn about the layouts, security measures, and some of the most famous examples of Japanese castles.
Learn about the layouts, security measures, and some of the most famous examples of Japanese castles.
Is the Katana Really Special? Similar Swords Around the WorldThe katana has captured the imaginations of writers, artists, and would-be martial artists the world over. Cultures everywhere have produced similar weapons of equal quality.
The katana has captured the imaginations of writers, artists, and would-be martial artists the world over. Cultures everywhere have produced similar weapons of equal quality.
Katana vs. Saber: A Closer Look at Two Iconic BladesThe katana is seen as an example of the supreme cutting sword, but it is far from the only one.
The katana is seen as an example of the supreme cutting sword, but it is far from the only one.
Medieval Knights vs Samurai Warriors: How Two Elite Warrior Classes Rose, Ruled, and FellTwo societies on opposite sides of the world produced two of the most renowned warrior-noble social classes. Here's how knights and samurai compare.
Two societies on opposite sides of the world produced two of the most renowned warrior-noble social classes. Here's how knights and samurai compare.
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 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.
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.
Japan 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.