Afro Samurai

The Samurai were a fearless, brutal and powerful force of fighting warriors, who came to rule Japan for over 600 years, from the middle of the 12th century. they are revered in Japanese history, their code of honor and their swordmanship have become world-famous, and their exploits created many of the greatest stories and legends in japan. The word Samurai comes from the Japanese verb "to serve". It was first used to describe the personal servants of the rich and powerful landowners of 8th century Japan. Some of these landowners were aristocrats, noblemen who had left the royal court in Kyoto, the capital, to seek there fortunes. Many small farmers depended on the landowners for their living, and loyal bonds developed between master and servant. Gradually a network of clans or "families" grew, each with its landowner and followers. The government of the country was no longer in control, and law and order was kept by the clans. The clans armed themselves to protect their own land and people, and so the warrior class of Samurai grew. This elite fighting class was to later effectively rule and govern the country until the late 19th century. Eventually due to heavy western interfearions and internal politics the Samurai class was dissolved and the Emperor restored to full power in 1868, ending a legacy that had lasted for over seven hundred years. However the Samurai legacy still lives on in the minds and sprits of many and it is for that reason that I have decided to make this web site, dedicated to all those who have gone before me who believed in the Samurai way.