Profiles Index

History of the Shaolin Monks
The monks of China's Shaolin Monastery are known for their fighting prowess, particularly in their own Shaolin style of kung fu. Learn more about this ancient monastery and its inhabitants.

History of the Samurai
Profile of the samurai, medieval Japan's warrior class. Includes information about the history of the samurai, samurai swords, other samurai weapons, samurai armor and samurai culture.

History of the Ninja
Spider-like figures in black scuttling over roof-tops in the dark, blades gleaming in their hands... These are the ninja of movies and comic books, but what is the historical reality behind the pop culture icon of The Ninja?