Kohshyu Yoshida - The Samurai Sword: Spirit, Strategy, Techniques

About the Author

KOHSHYU YOSHIDA was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. That period in Japan was what Kohshyu calls hero trendy. By hero trendy, he refers to the proliferation of entertainment focused on showing heroes who had a good heart and compassion. He believes that entertainment is a powerful tool that can be used to pass along positive ideas and values. He was greatly influenced by that entertainment trend. The positive attitudes toward the future that the Japanese had at that time were passed along to their children. But now it seems we rarely see those heroes or their values. What he sees in movies and on TV are drugs and killing with no emotional conflict.

At age ten, Kohshyu decided to be an action hero in filmsa positive role model to inspire others. Since then he has focused on training himself in sports and martial arts. At age fourteen, he took a test to enter Japans top action movie star school and was accepted as the youngest of one hundred students. He has worked in the entertainment industry in Japan and the United States.

Kohshyu has always dedicated himself to his goal of inspiring and touching other peoples lives. That motivation has taken him to a greater level as an entertainer, martial artist, and human being. He starred as the Red Ranger on the popular childrens TV show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers . At the same time he choreographed the very successful Power Rangers worldwide live tour that started at Universal Studios in 1994. In addition, he has made many live appearances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, giving hope and courage to those children who fight to survive disease and other difficulties.

Kohshyu has studied martial arts from all over the world and now teaches martial arts in Los Angeles. As a teacher, his primary goal is to mold his students hearts honing their physical abilities is a secondary concern.

Kohshyus film work includes Blade , starring Wesley Snipes. More recently, he appeared in The Last Samurai , starring Tom Cruise. The Last Samurai was a particularly gratifying experience for him as he is a descendant of samurai warriors, and his family heritage has roots in samurai lineage. His ancestor was - Zen Kurou Atsu Toshi (Heikes Samurai) whose name means Virtue and Ninth Man. AtsuToshi means a man who has a kind heart and magnificent talent and knowledge to help volunteer action around the world. Atsu Toshi was the founder of the familys village, around 800 years ago, and Kohshyus relatives still live there today. His family-crest, established 900 years ago, shows the hawk-feather protecting the butterfly. The butterfly is the symbol of a royal family. The hawk feather is the symbol of a warrior in Japanese history, and also means God-crest in southern Japan. A legendary story from ancient times tells of a samurai lord who dreamed that he received a God-horse and hawk-feather crest from the universe. That is why a shrine used the feather as its symbol.

In addition, Kohshyus great-great-grandfather, Wakaji (meaning Youth and Healing) was a remarkable ronin in 19th century Japan, which is the same time period as that in the film The Last Samurai. Wakaji was famous for inventing a sword hidden inside a walking stick, which he used to protect and save many peoples lives.

Kohshyu was named after the historical 19th-century last samurai, Takamori Saigou himself. Takamori was the Japanese hero on whose life the film was based.

In its December 1, 2003, edition, the Los Angeles Times published a feature story on Kohshyu. Other American and Japanese magazines, newspapers, and television programs have also done stories on Kohshyu based on his biography and heritage.

Kohshyu believes that if the samurai heart is re-established in todays world, it will be of benefit to all. If we can become better individuals, that will create a better world. He calls this discipline the Democratic Samurai .

A lack of mental discipline often defeats many people. Kohshyu wishes to share the ancient samurai school of thought to condition himself and others to make stronger minds.

Kohshyu is committed to working in both Light and Shadow. Light represents real life. And Shadow represents the illusion that is entertainment. Despite the fantasy elements of entertainment, Kohshyu believes that it can pass along positive messages for our benefit.