"By placing yourself on the border of life and death, idle thoughts disappear, purity of action is achieved, and a strong sense of peace is felt in the heart. It's in this state that one's true self can be glimpsed, and it's through comprehending this "self", that one can use it as the base from which to begin and create one’s humanity."
–– Katsuse Yoshimitsu Kagehiro, 15th Soke of Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo

Above image © 2014 Brent Stirton. Legacy of the Samurai. Getty Images