Karate Toy

Kensei: Sword Saint

I guess every kid, regardless of where they are from, at one time or another bangs a couple of sticks together and pretends he’s a swordsman.

Back in my ‘hood, I was always Zorro, my buddy Scott was always Robin Hood, and my buddy Larry was always Lancelot. Then Max showed up.

A Japanese boy by way of California, Max came out to play wielding 2 pieces cut from a broomstick. We were amazed. After all, who the heck uses 2 swords? Zorro needs his free hand for his whip, Lancelot his shield, and Robin Hood his bow…this 2 sword thing was blasphemous!

Even worse, Max began to call himself Musashi and insisted on wearing his bathrobe as we trekked through the woods.

Now as a kid you just don’t ask too many questions or for explanations (from other kids at least). We liked Max, so we just accepted his “weirdness”, and went on with our adventures as usual.

Fast forward 15 years to when I made the changeover from Korean Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, to Japanese Karate, Judo, and Jujutsu. And wouldn’t you know it? That very first day, Sensei began class with a quote from “The Book of Five Rings” – The premier text of Japanese philosophy on close-combat written by…Miyamoto Musashi! (I almost shit my pants as I quickly pieced everything together)

Musashi was born in 1584 in the village of Miyamoto in Southern Japan. His father Hirata Munisai was a renowned samurai and considered by many to be the best swordsmen in Japan at the time.

Musashi started his warrior career early in life with a dual against a samurai named Arima Kihei. The samurai had posted an open challenge for any takers and Musashi signed up to fight the warrior.

Musashi’s uncle, hearing that his 13 year old nephew had volunteered to fight to the death ran to prevent the fight. Musashi did not want to back down and entered the ring to fight Kihei armed only with a bokken – a wooden training sword. When the bigger, older, and more experienced samurai charged, Musashi dodged, grabbed, and brutally threw the man to the ground and beat him to death with his stick.

He would go on to win over 60 duals defeating or killing all that came before him in combat regardless of weapon. His challengers would use staffs, swords, and a variety of other weapons while he would use his katana or bokken. While many samurai used only their katanas, Musashi pioneered two-sword combat by using his wakizashi and katana together.
Eventually he would be honored with the rank of Kensei or “Sword Saint” because so many believed his swordsmanship to be perfect. When he later penned his philosophy of combat in “The Book of the Five Rings”, he would attain literary immortality as countless martial artists, scholars, and executives would hang on his every word for generations to come.

Musashi would eventually pass on his valuable knowledge to his sons and students. A skilled artist, poet, architect, and businessman, Musashi felt every day was a day to learn, create, and live to the fullest. And that was his strategy for a good life.

Now what’s pretty funny about Musashi (and why little Japanese boys love him), is that he was about as unconventional a Samurai as you could get.

The man rarely bathed, shaved, or washed his clothes. So good a swordsmen was he, that Musashi eventually completely stopped using a katana and would just use whatever was on hand to beat his opponents to death…a tree branch, a rake, even a boat paddle.

He would use other strange and “dishonorable” tactics as well…Showing up hours late to a dual to anger his prim and proper opponent…Showing up an hour earlier, hiding in the bush, then jumping out and immediately killing the unsuspecting fool who agreed to fight him…using horse stirrups as brass knuckles…and even attacking, running away, attacking, running away, and attacking again!

Scholars still to this day debate on whether Musashi did all these “crazy” things to toy with his opponents, test various strategy, and if these tactics were the very reason no one could beat him not his swordplay.

That’s all well and good for the bookworms, but as “men of action” similar to Musashi, we all know better –

Just like many of the toughest and most dangerous men of today and throughout history, Musashi seemed to take himself none-to-seriously while at home or at the dojo.

But when life and death were on the line, Musashi simply believed that nothing should be left to chance and you must do whatever needs to be done to kill, or be killed yourself.

About the Author

For more information on Chris “Lt. X” Pizzo former soldier, cancer survivor, mercenary, barroom bouncer, educator, and hand-to-hand combat instructor, and his incredible FREE Accelerated Battlefield Combatives close-combat learning system, visit http://www.TopSecretTraining.com

Igor Krutogolov’s Karate Band (Toy Orchestra) “Tango” Live

SPOT PLUSH TALKING KARATE DOG CHEW & TOSS DOG TOY FETCH $12.99

Disney’s Goofy in Karate suit 2.5″ pvc toy figure, a cool hard to find piece! $5.99

CHUCK NORRIS Karate Kommandos 80s Toy NINJA WARRIOR $14.58

TOY STORY 1 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR KARATE CHOP ACTION FIGURE MOC MIP THINKWAY ORIGINAL $14.99

CHUCK NORRIS KARATE KOMMANDOS 1986 WEAPON ACCESSORY SET MIB UNUSED NOS HG TOYS $74.99

DISNEY’S TOY STORY–KARATE BUZZ LIGHTYEAR FIGURE (NEW) $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Bear Soft Toy Keychain in Black Shirt $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Bear Soft Toy Keychain in Uniform $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Lion Soft Toy Keychain in Black Shirt $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Lion Soft Toy Keychain in Uniform $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Lion Soft Toy Keychain in White Shirt $9.99

Asian Karate Fed. Panda Soft Toy Keychain in Uniform $9.99

Karate Panda Soft Toy Keychain in Black Shirt $9.99

Karate Panda Soft Toy Keychain in White Shirt $9.99

Tokaido Monkey Soft Toy Keychain in Karate Uniform $9.99

THE GREEN HORNET, KATO PHOTO, BRUCE LEE. toy, book, karate, judo, dvd, cd, jkd $6.99

Smurfs karate judo smurf rare vintage Peyo 1981 original 80’s toy ninja figure $4.99

DISNEY TOY STORY 3 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR POSEABLE KARATE NEW $32.99

Troll Force Mighty Heroes Black Ninja Hero w Sword 1992 Toys ‘N Things Karate $14.99

2008 KUNG FU PANDA MASTER SHIFU RACCOON PLUSH STUFFED ANIMAL KARATE TOY $9.99

1989 ToyBiz DC Comics Super Heroes Robin with Karate Chop Action Toy Figure NOC $16.00

Disney Toy Story Karate Choppin’ Buzz Lightyear NEW $15.99

Toy Story Figure Karate Choppin’ Buzz Lightyear $18.99

New, Disneys Toy Story, Karate Action Buzz Lightyear $29.99

1986 Chuck Norris Karate Commandos Zipper Clip 2 Pack Pak HG Toys NEW $19.99

Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Karate Poseable Figure $49.99

Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Karate Choppin’ FIGURE $49.99

Lot of 3 Vintage Dakin GARFIELD Plush KARATE SAFARI Outfit LAMB Stuffed Toy $49.95

DISNEY/TOY STORY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR WITH KARATE CHOP ACTION MOC $9.99

TOY STORY SHOOTIN WOODY, KARATE CHOP BUZZ & REX SINGLE $10.50

KARATE DEFENDERS MARTIAL ARTS TOY WEAPONS LOT NINJA BATTLE AXE KAMA KNIFE 1980′S $86.50

Vintage Petite LJN Toys Karate Kutie Doll Clothes Still In Package $9.00

SPIDER-MAN AND FRIENDS KARATE CHOP NINJA MARVEL SPIDERMAN 2004 TOY BIZ RARE $7.95

Domo Kun 9″ plush Judo Karate Martial Uniform Doll Toy White Black Red $10.99

Domo Kun 9″ plush Judo Karate Martial Uniform Doll Toy White Black Red $10.99

Domo Kun 9″ plush Judo Karate Martial Uniform Doll Toy White Black Red $10.99

CARTOON NETWORK HONG KONG PHOOEY FOOEY~KARATE DOG~MASK~PLUSH STUFFED DOLL TOY $14.99

THE PINK PANTHER KARATE CHOP ACTION FIGURE FREE SHIPPING TOY 4 INCH BURGER KING $5.69

Power Rangers Karate Kickin Pink Kimberly Factory Sealed Unopened toy 1994. RARE $13.00

ROBIN action figure Karate Chop toy biz, 1989 OOP RARE LOWEST PRICE $9.00

SPONGE BOB KARATE PLUSH DOLL/TOY/COLLECTOR 8″ $6.00

1986 Remco Toys The Karate Kid – Sato $70.00

“DISNEY TOY STORY 3 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR 12″ KARATE ACTION” $38.69

RARE HONG KONG PHOOEY PLUSH TOY KARATE DOG CARTOON NETWORK JANITOR MARTIAL ARTS $12.99

BATFINK LARGE 12 INCH KARATE SOFT TOY $1.56

Ethical Karate Dog Multi-Sound Plush 8-Inch Dog Toy $21.65

TOY STORY KARATE CHOP BUZ LIGHTYEAR ACTION FIGURE MOC $24.99

New Madeline 15 Karate Taekwondo Judo Ragdoll Rag Doll Outfit Clothes TOY Plush $29.99

NES The Karate Kid (Nintendo, 1987) by LJN Toys $4.99

TOY STORY MISB 12″ Karate Action BUZZ LIGHTYEAR figure $29.99

Batman 5″ action figure Karate Chop ROBIN toy biz, 1989 $6.38

Toy Story 3 – Deluxe Figure – Karate Choppin Buzz $24.30

Toy Story – Basic Action Figure – Karate Choppin Buzz $18.42

MELLY & ME LITTLE NINJAS KARATE SOFT TOY PATTERN $17.01

KARATE CHOPPIN’ BUZZ LIGHTYEAR Disney Toy Story Figure $19.99

NEW Bruce Lee Nunchakus Action Kung fu/Karate Figure Toy Key Chain Charm #B $4.50

Plush KARATE DOG Toy Doll SQUEEZE IT AND IT MAKES KARATE NOISES! 7″ $8.07

Disney Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Karate Action 12 in New $26.95

VINTAGE SOMA 1988 KARATE BOY RUBBER FIGURE TOY $8.99

Toy Story 3 Karate Chopping BUZZ LIGHTYEAR – 7″ Figure $17.99

DISNEY’S TOY STORY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR KARATE CHOP MONMC $29.99

MCDONALDS BUILD-A-BEAR KARATE PAWLETTE COUFUR TOY-NEW! $12.50

12″ Kohls Cares Po Panda Kung Fu Karate Plush Soft Toy Stuffed Animal $17.99

Robin DC Comics Superheroes Action Figure with Karate Chop Action Toy Biz NIB $29.95

Disney Toy Story Karate Chopping Buzz Lightyear Figure $25.00

NEW Bruce Lee Nunchakus Action Kung fu/Karate Figure Toy Key Chain Charm #C $4.50

NEW Bruce Lee Nunchakus Action Kung fu/Karate Figure Toy Key Chain Charm #E $4.50

Spongebob Squarepants Sandy Cheeks Karate Spongebob Figures Toy New Poseable $23.57

Buzz Lightyear Karate Action Poseable Action Figure Thinkway Toys Disney NIB $35.95

1989 ToyBiz “Robin” with Karate Chop Action Toy Figure- New in Box $15.00

10″ DOMO KUN DomoKun Karate Brown/White Plush Doll Toys Anime Collect Gifts NWT $11.99

Toy Story Poseable Karate Action Buzz Lightyear 12″ Tal $47.99

12″ DOMO KUN DomoKun Karate Brown/White Plush Doll Toys Anime Collect Gifts NWT $12.95

DISNEY TOY STORY 3 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR FIGURE KARATE ACTION UNUSED NEAR MINT IN BOX $28.00

12″ Build A Bear WWF Karate Panda Bear Plush Toy 2003 $49.99

IDEAL TOYS KARATE PLUSH PANDA DOLL 14″ TALL VGC $9.95

5 LEGO KARATE Minifigures Lot Toys Martial Arts Masters Self Defense Minifigs $19.99

VINTAGE GARFIELD KARATE GARFIELD PLUSH TOY DAKIN $21.22

KIDROBOT STREET FIGHTER RYU GREY KARATE DESIGNER ART TOY DUNNY ARCADE ANIME $19.99

KIDROBOT STREET FIGHTER RYU WHITE KARATE DESIGNER ART TOY DUNNY ARCADE ANIME $19.99

TABE ACTION FIGURE TOY vtg 80’s CHUCK NORRIS KARATE KOMMANDOS SUMO WRESTLER $14.99

Disney Pixar Toy Story Karate Choppin Buzz Lightyear $14.99

HANNA BARBERA HONG KONG PHOOEY KARATE DOG PLUSH TOY FACTORY NWT $24.99

TOY STORY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR KARATE ACTION SPACE RANGER $42.44

Sponge Bob & Sandy Cheeks Karate Choppers Toy SPONGEBOB $29.99

NEW Bruce Lee Nunchakus Action Kung fu/Karate Figure Toy Key Chain Charm #D $4.50

1990s TIGER KARATE KING ELECTRONIC HANDHELD ARCADE VIDEO GAME FIGHTING LCD TOY $15.96

Ethical Karate Dog Multi Sound Plush 8 Inch Dog Toy New Plush Animals Stuffed $14.25

TOY STORY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR KARATE ACTION POSEABLE12 IN KARATE ACTION & MOVE HEAD $39.44

Toy Story/Buzz LightYear Karate Choppin’ 5″ Action Toy! $12.99

X TOYS 2000 KARATE ELVIS PRESLEY ACTION FIGURE + ORIGNAL BOX NIB CHILD’S TOY $19.99

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo GREASE Karate Kid TOY STORY 3 FRIENDS MOVIE EW #1108 $3.59

Buzz Lightyear Toy Story Action Figures Figurines Toys 12″ Inches Karate Chop $12.55

KARATE ACTION BUZZ LIGHTYEAR Toy Story Figure 2009 $49.99

Toy Story 6 inch Mega Action Figure – Turbo Karate Chop $19.99

GUMBY PLUSH STUFFED FOAM TOY IN KARATE GEAR $10.00

BJ TOYS KARATE DOG 17” PLUSH $8.50

DOMO KUN DOMONATION 7″ TOY DOLL KARATE JUDO DOJO PLUSH $14.74

DOMO KUN DOMONATION 7″ TOY DOLL KARATE JUDO DOJO PLUSH $13.72

LEGO 8684 Series 2 mini figure #14 KARATE MASTER toy Complete minifigure judo $4.85

Fred & Friends Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters $5.45 Fred & Friends Ninjabread Men is an innovatively designed cookie cutter set. The 3 different cutters are in classic ninja attack poses. Baked they are extremely funny and lend themselves to imaginative decoration possibilities. There’s even a gingerbread cookie recipe on the back of the box!…

Gama-Go Cock Blocker Bottle Stopper $2.86 The Cock Blocker is a bottle stopper extraordinaire. It elegantly preserves your wine, spirit, soda or other open-topped bottle beverage while looking cool too. It is dish-washer safe and makes for a sophisticated addition to any decor. Package contents: one Cock Blocker bottle stopper….

Martial Arts Cake Topper $5.75 Create a Karate cake with these cake toppers….

Uncle Nino (2pc) (W/Dvd) (Digc) [Blu-ray] $6.99 Features include: •MPAA Rating: PG•Format: Blu-Ray•Runtime: 110 minutes…

Lot of (12) Mutant ~ Rubber Ducks ~ Ninja Party Fun Favors $5.82 This set of 12 rubber duckys are each dressed as a super hero character. You’ll receive a mixed set of 12 of the 6 styles pictured. Each ducky measures approx. 2″ x 2″. They do not squeak but do have a hole in their beak for squirting water. They do not float upright. These make great little decor pieces for your dessert or hors d’oeuvre trays at parties. Great to hand out to your guests as party …

Black Belt Birthday Jointed Birthday Banner $3.35 Hang this Happy Birthday banner message at your Martial Arts party, has a Martial Arts figure in the middle. The lettering and Martial Artist match the colors and design of the our line of Black Belt party supplies. No assembly required. Simply open the package and hang up on your wall or in your doorway. Banner is 7 feet long….

Miyagi Dojo Headband Includes one head band….

Disney Advanced Talking Buzz Lightyear Action Figure — 12” $22.99 Advanced Talking Buzz Lightyear Your favorite Space Ranger will command lots of excited smiles with all his new features. This Advanced Talking Buzz Lightyear Action Figure, featuring the real voice of Buzz Lightyear, is in a very talkative mood and has lots of new moves. Features Press button to hear 15 different phrases featuring the real voice of Buzz Lightyear including: ”No back talk! I have…

LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: The Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Plushy Rescue (works with LeapPad & Leapster Explorer) $14.49 Learn addition, more than/less than, problem solving and animal facts as you build your karate skills and avoid Zookeeper Alice!- Use mathematics skills to earn LeapWorld tokens that help you uncover secret Penguins vacation photos.- Develop your logic skills by assembling tricky puzzles to overcome gorilla-sized obstacles.- Learn facts about endangered animals and listen to the sounds they make.-…

LEGO Minifigures Series 2 Collection (One Random Minifigure) $0.80 Which mystery minifigure will you get? Discover 1 of 16 individual minifigures in each sealed mystery bag! Each LEGO? minifigure is inspired by movies sports history or everyday life. Your mystery minifigure might be one of the following: Life Guard Karate Master Explorer Disco Dude Witch Weight Lifter Vampire Traffic Cop Surfer Spartan Warrior Skier Ringmaster Pop Star Pharaoh Mime or Mariachi. E…