Did Samurai Really Test Their Swords On People?

Few samurai stories are as disturbing, controversial, or fascinating as the claim that warriors once tested their swords on real people. You may have heard stories about samurai slicing through criminals to prove a blade's sharpness or testing a sword's quality in ways that sound almost impossible t…

The Truth About Ninja Weapons: 7 Myths Debunked

Ninja weapons have been surrounded by myths for decades. According to movies, comic books, and video games, ninjas carried endless throwing stars, perfectly straight swords strapped across their backs, and enough hidden gadgets to take down an army. Some stories make ninja weapons seem almost magica…

Why Ninjas Wore Split-Toe Shoes (And Whether They Actually Helped)

If you have ever seen a ninja costume, martial arts movie, or Japanese martial arts demonstration, you have probably noticed the strange split-toe shoes that ninjas are often shown wearing. Known as tabi boots or split-toe ninja shoes, they have a look that stands out immediately. Some people assume…

The Biggest Myths About Samurai Swords

Samurai swords have been surrounded by myths for centuries. Depending on who you ask, a katana can slice through steel, cut a person clean in half with almost no effort, or outperform every other sword ever made. Movies, anime, video games, and even martial arts folklore have helped turn the samurai…