Unlike many other combat practitioners, the Japanese samurai of old devoted their whole life to their art and craft. The code by which the samurai lived was called “bushido,” also known as, “way of the warrior”. Bushido began as an unwritten set of rules early in samurai history. One of the first rules was absolute loyalty and devotion to the “daimyo” or master. The samurai’s job was to protect his master at all costs, even at the expense of his own life. As Hogo Shigetoki wrote circa 1300, the master should be obeyed even if he is being unreasonable or in the wrong. Perhaps such blind devotion is what made the samurai so indispensable to those they protected. The samurai was also expected to characterize the ideal man, setting a virtuous example for the classes below him. The Bushido Shoshinshu (Bushido for Beginners) was a comprehensive explanation of rules for all samurai, particularly young samurai. It was written in the Tokugawa period and postulates that the samurai follow a disciplined code of conduct. The samurai was expected to live every day as if it were his last. He therefore did not indulge in unhealthy activities, trivial or petty arguments, avoid his duties or feel attached to material comforts or possessions. In addition to these rules, the samurai was expected to continually house the spirit of combat in his heart and soul. This implied wearing a sword to bath and to bed. In this way, the samurai would never be vulnerable and always ready to defend and attack when necessary. Most samurai followed the bushido code. Evidence of its strict discipline can be seen in the movie “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise. The samurai of old were true martial artists, able to summon courage, strength, determination and a laser-like focus at a moment’s notice. Their life was an inspirational testament to their discipline and devotion.