The Samurai’s Toothpick: A Forgotten Lesson for Modern Martial Artists

There was a saying in old Japan: Bushi wa kuwanedo taka-yoji. Roughly translated, it means, “When he’s hungry, the samurai uses a toothpick.”

There are layers of meaning to this. Understanding them gives us insight into the warrior culture that's had such a direct effect on the martial arts we practice today.

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