Armor+and+Weapons+of+the+Samurai+2


 * __ Weapons & Armor __**

__**Weapons:**__ There many different weapons that the Samurai used, but I'm going to only tell you a few.

 * Yumi: **Before the Tanegashima (Japanese matchlock), the Yumi was the main weapon from the start of Samurai to the Mongol invasions. The Yumi was a long bow that was shot usually from horseback or used behind a Tate. A Tate is a large moveable wooden shield. The Yumi, was an asymmetric composite, bow that was made from wood, bamboo, rattan, and leather.


 * Katana: ** The preferred sword for Samurai was called the Katana. It was usually between 60-73 cm long and was slightly curved. The Katana had many uses besides severing limbs. Some examples are; using the scabbard as a probing device, use the sword guard to gain foot holds, and flinging derbies to stun enemies momentarily before attacking. Before the Katana, a straight blade called the Ninjato was in it's pace. But it has no historical precedent and is probably a modern invention.


 * Naginata: ** The Naginata was a certain type of Japanese sword connected to a pole. The blade was about 30-60cm long (the blade is removable). The pole is about to mans shoulders. The Naginata was also used by foot solders, and warrior monks. One good reason why it was useful was because it was much more effective in charges than swords.


 * Daisho: **The Daisho is a word that means "long and short." It means the Katana and Wakizashi together. The Wakizashi is a 12- 24 in. sword that was used for stabbing enemies, while the Katana was used for slashing. Eventually in the late 1600's the Samurai weren't allowed to wear the Daisho.