One thing you will have to have is the Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi. He is probably the greatest Samurai to live, though the majority of his life was spent as a Ronin. What that means is, he was born of the Samurai class, but did not pledge fealty to a lord until late in his life. The common definition of Ronin is a bandit, but it was a samurai that either had poor to no employable skills, or one that felt no lord was worthy of his skill. (Musashi felt he was a student of the Way for a very long time)
The book was written for, and left as a guide to his student, Jotaro. It is failry complex, and takes much contemplation to appreciate and understand. It will not serve as a how to guide, but you will need it to fully appreciate each goal you attain within the art. I'd start at a Kendo school. I wouldn't even try to learn it, unless you can find a Japanese teacher, and that is no guarantee the teacher can guide you to the Way.
I would give Hagakure a read. It's written about bushido from the early 1700 context.
Also to address the Go rin no sho(book of five rings) suggestions; it is a great book on what it means to be a martial artist, strategies, tactics, techniques, and mindset. However it doesn't really address how to live as a samurai, martial artist, or as a person in general. I think Dokkodo is much better list written by Musashi for that context. And conveniently it's in a simple list form.
Of course you can learn the Japanese sword arts.
As for the Bushido code, you will find aspects of it have been appropriated in to the modern era however in it's complete form it is no longer relevant. Many martial artists may study it, but it is no longer taught within schools to the extent it was when it was a defining ideal
There is also a vast difference between the aspect of honour as most people understand and it's true nature within Bushido.
There is no greater honour for a Samurai than to serve his master and do so without question. So if your lord asked you to slaughter a village of unarmed women and children, by the white knight standard we see this act as being dishonourable, however by the simple act of obeying your lord it is by definition of the code, honourable.
This ideal is most prevalent in the term, "Make your mind like a sword", not in cutting to the truth of the matter but in eliminating worldly thought and dedicate your mind as you have your sword, to your lord.
Stabbing someone in the back or secret assassination also seems dishonourable when speaking about Samurai, but again, under order is honourable.
It is a treatise of the warrior servant caste after all and was hard placed during times of peace.
I spoke in detail about Bushido with our former headmaster and was quick to explain that the virtues can be applied to the modern era, but in service to your self improvement and personal morals, but with the end of the servant caste so went the way of the true Bushido code, something that is not exactly bad in some ways as long as it not forgotten completely.
We have to think for ourselves these days, we are responsible for our own decisions and face the consequences
Many Japanese politicians also like to comment that the youth of the country should embrace the code in their life and service to society, but not in it's true sense.
I am sure your time in the army has already taught you the virtues in a sense. Loyalty, honour, respect, courage etc The structure the military is created on greatly mirror the code in most aspects. rather than service to a lord you serve your country, but are still afforded a sense of individuality and sense of self, something not openly considered in the original Bushido.
You will need:
1. A horse
2. A suit of armor
3. A Daimyo. (So you can pledge total allegiance)
4. A servant (to help you get into your armor, tend your horse, etc.)
5. A battlefield weapon. Naginata, spear, bow... The sword was not a primary battlefield weapon.
6. Copies of the great Japanese and Chinese classics. A proper Samurai was well-educated.
7. A tea set. You had best be able to perform the honorable tea ceremony.. The other Samurai will sneer at you.
8. A taste for rice.
Robert, please excuse the morons, for they know not anything... and I really mean - they have no skills nor training.
If you are serious about this, there are several organizations in the US dedicated to what you're looking for.
During your searches, use terms like iaijutsu, kenjutsu, kyujutsu and include the term "dojo".
Jas key mentioned Hagakure and Gorinnosho(book of five rings). These are good books. Look for works by Dave Lowry and Thomas Cleary.
I hope this helps.
Take up kendo and iaido.
Read about the samurai.
Your local library or bookshop.
Also, don't capitalize every word you type, it makes you look like a retard.
Practise with a butter knife and work your way up!
I am A Former US Army Veteran wanting to Live By The Way of The Sword And The Code Of Bushido.. I Wish to Learn The Honorable Art Of Samurai Swordsmanship... Any Ideas Where To Start?
