Anyone who knows anything about Japanese culture knows how important the traditions of the Samurai are. However, something a lot of people may not know about is the traditional Japanese swimming that also has a firm place in pantheon of Japanese Martial arts.

Traditional swimming was first thought to have come about during Japan’s feudal 15th and 16th centuries – a time when intimidating samurai swordsmen were a common sight.

This style of swimming was a survival technique – competitors would have to be strong swimmers to stay above water in that heavy armor and used techniques and styles that would help them swim in difficult conditions. After all swimming in a calm, tepid swimming pool is very different experience to trying to swim against a current or in wavy conditions – especially in all that armor. But if a warrior did end up getting thrown in a river or having to cross difficult waters, the traditional swimming training would no doubt give them the kind of strength and skills that would make it easier to survive. Continue Reading

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