18 May 2025

A Night of Samurai Spirit: Judo Academy Hosts Japanese Sword Master Robert Boyd

As part of our ongoing cultural education at the Judo Academy, students experienced a remarkable event this Friday, diving deep into the world of the Samurai with none other than Robert Boyd, a 4th Dan Iaido practitioner, Japanese weapon expert, and proud Glaswegian.

The event, themed around this month’s academic focus on the Samurai era, forms a vital part of our Judo Academy curriculum, where students not only train in martial arts but also explore the history, traditions, and philosophy of Japan—culminating in a life-changing tour of Japan. This year marks our 5th cohort, continuing a legacy of meaningful cross-cultural learning.

Who is Robert Boyd?

Robert is a long-standing friend of the Academy, introduced through the Order of the Scottish Samurai, and has demonstrated alongside our team at various cultural events. His wealth of knowledge, passion for Iaido, and signature Glasgow humour brought the world of the Samurai to life for our students.

Key Highlights from the Event

• The Evolution of the Samurai: From farmers defending their homes to becoming powerful leaders in feudal Japan.
• Bushido – The Code of the Warrior: An exploration of the discipline, honour, and moral code that defined the Samurai class.
• Grim Realities of War: Tales of warriors taking trophies—ears, moustaches, and heads—as payment. Hearing these stories in Robert’s strong Glasgow accent made it all the more surreal.
• Legendary Swords:
  • A short katana from 1524, built for fighting in the low-ceilinged interiors of Japanese castles.
  • Robert’s own custom-forged katana, expertly crafted using a combination of hard and soft steel for strength and flexibility.

A Finishing Touch of Elegance

To top it all off, Robert presented the dojo with a beautiful piece of custom Japanese calligraphy, gifted from a close friend and now proudly displayed in our new training hall. A perfect symbol of respect, culture, and martial spirit, it brought the evening to a graceful close.

Learning Through Friendship & Culture

Beyond the swords and stories, the real lesson came from Robert’s dedication to mastery and his passion for cultural exchange. His visit underscored the importance of learning from other martial arts disciplines, the value of respect, and how friendships in the martial arts world can bridge countries and cultures.

We’re incredibly grateful to Robert for his generosity and wisdom. Events like this embody what the Judo Academystands for: education through experience, respect through knowledge, and friendship through martial arts.

Where martial arts meets history, and friendships are forged sharper than steel.

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