Yamaoka tesshu biography for kids

Yamaoka Tesshu was born in Edo (modern day Tokyo) in 1836.

At the time of his birth, he was known as Ono Tetsutaro.

Yamaoka tesshu biography for kids

Later, he adopted the family name of Yamaoka from his spear instructor, who’s sister he married.

Tesshu was born into a samurai family and began his study of swordsmanship when he was nine years old. Over time Tesshu studied a number of fencing styles and became highly proficient.

When he was twenty-eight, Tesshu was defeated by a swordsman named Asari Gimei and became his student. Although larger and younger, Tesshu could not match his teacher’s mental state.

Yamaoka tesshu biography for kids pictures

During training sessions, Asari was known to force Tesshu all the way to the back of the dojo, then out into the street, knock him to the ground, and then slam the dojo door in his face. Confronted with this challenge, Tesshu increased his efforts in training and meditation continuously.

Even when he was eating or sleep