My kneecap is permanently slightly misplaced because a green belt (when I was blue) pulled a prank on me and pulled the target milliseconds before impact while we were practicing front kicks (consequent 40 front kicks on each leg). The little brat waited until I was so committed to the blow I could not pull the kick no matter what. The foot found air, and all the force of the impact went to the kneecap and popped it out of place.

The dojo master kicked the particular green belt out. :mad:

It's lucky I could continue my training nonetheless. ;)

I'm not too familiar with Samurai and some of those Samurai code or swordfight. But I do know that if you want to get inspiration on Samurai story, I wouldn't recommend you to search resources or inspiration from animes and mangas from 70's onwards.

You can check the classic mangas and artworks with serious and boring storyline (Before 50's) and literature. Studying the classics can actually earn you bonus knowledge on the setting and lifestyle of ancient Japanese culture. The reason is that the older Japanese artists had more accurate perception on the ancient Samurai lifestyles and they were not influenced by the trend of other popular media. You can search some classic Japanese drama or movie on Samurai. Those are good references too.

Yojimbo is probably one of the good references on late 19th or early 20th century samurai, except the subs may probably suck.

Eunice P
Yojimbois probably one of the good references on late 19th or early 20th century samurai, except the subs may probably suck.

classic Kurosawa film about a Ronin.
A must watch.
Was the basis for for many Western films made.

Along with the Honor, there was always some bastard out there plotting a betrayal for his own benefit.

That's another theme or plot element you could include as well. It's pretty predominant in the early half of my own book.

Along with the question of whats more important?

Honoring orders and laws that are morally corrupt? Or choosing to honor what you know to be right most.


There are thousands of differant things you can do with it. Just depends on what type of story your looking to make.

also along the idea of honor, I think having a master worthy to have the allegiance of a samurai would be fresh. The corrupt master or leader theme seems too common, in my opinion.

Yojimbo!! it's one of my favorite movies of all time! :O
I wish the time period was a little earlier, though in that movie.

Im surprised theres lots of martial artists (or have previous experience) here.

Makes me wanna go back to that MMA gym.

But first, I gotta fix my finances. Eventually it will since my expenses are smaller than my income. Though when I get back I might need at least 1 month of intense training (just drills and exercises, no full contact sparring yet) just to get me back in shape. I do exercise myself but I think its only enough to slow down the weight gaining process (THE FAT!!!).

One thing you may want to do is view some Kurasawa movies. Great reference.

What samurai manga/anime have you seen/read, Knuckles?

Hey, I'm a martial artist too! XD

Mlai: Well, I've read Samurai Spirits, a little of Usagi Yojimbo (if you count that as a samurai story :P ), I've seen a little bit of Ruroni Kenshin. As for movies, the only one I've really seen was Yojimbo. I've heard of Seven Samurai, but I never got a chance to see it.

I think that's all I can remember.

That is not much at all...

The good thing is that you won't be influenced. The bad thing is that you could be doing something you think is totally original, but has actually been done before by some classic.

Well I'm kinda aware of some of the cliches (like the wandering samurai, the badass samurai that never dies, etc), so I will try to stay away from writing stories like that.

Hey, I'm a martial artist too! XD

what MA style ? How many years exp?

kyupol

Hey, I'm a martial artist too! XD

what MA style ? How many years exp?

I do Tae-kwon-do (old style ITF) but my teacher has taught us a wide variety of other styles in addition like Wing Chun, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Goju-Ryu, Shotokan just to name a few (most masters would usually frown on the fact that we get so much taught to us, but he's a renegade LOL). I started when I was 12 and got up to yellow belt but had to stop due to school and parents unable to pay for it, so I started up again in 2005 and have been in it since. I'm currenlty recommended black and take my test for 1st Dan in February 2008