Sometimes when you watch a samurai movie you could be forgiven for thinking everyone in mediaeval Japan was a master swordsman automatically, like it was in the water or something. But no, you had to study and train hard to get good, and the real masters could be found in a dojo dedicated to the […]
Tag: samurai

Japanese Sword School
Sometimes when you watch a samurai movie you could be forgiven for thinking everyone in mediaeval Japan was a master swordsman automatically, like it was in the water or something. But no, you had to study and train hard to get good, and the real masters could be found in a dojo dedicated to the […]

Ronin: Hold the Bridge!
Japan in the 16th century was a bad time to be a farmer. The wars for control of the country had lasted for generations, and local samurai rulers oppressed the peasant classes ruthlessly. But perhaps this village would be different, as a plucky band of rebels deployed to try to fight off the samurai lord […]

28mm Samurai miniatures review
So, I’ve painted up a load of Samurai and assorted other medieval Japanese bods lately and thought I’d give a quick rundown on some of the miniatures I’ve used and compare them. I’ve always loved the period, and had a load of miniatures in my lead pile intending to play more of Osprey’s excellent skirmish […]

Ronin Warbands: Bushi and Ikko Ikki
Health warning: if you like your historical wargames to played with a completely straight face and 100% historical accuracy, look away now because the theme for these mini armies might just make you chuck a thrombo.

Ronin Rules Review
Osprey have been knocking out a great series of small skirmish games over the last few years. Turning their hand to everything from secret agents and steampunk to pirates and robots, it would be a glaring omission if they didn’t have a samurai game. Luckily they do: it’s Ronin.