What were Edo-period messengers using Namba walking called?
Chapter 1

The science of interval walking

Chapter 2

The samurai stride of Namba Aruki

Chapter 3

The myth of the 10,000 steps

Chapter 4

Shinrin-yoku and mindful walking

YOUR GOAL

Master of The Japanese walking method

Ch 2 · The samurai stride of Namba Aruki
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Samurai Shuffle
BETA

diego Play Samurai Shuffle and learn the traditional Japanese walking method of Namba Aruki. Master the unique samurai stride in this educational game.

Aug 3

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diego Namba Aruki

Move your same arm and leg together, keep your core steady and your sword perfectly still.

Aug 3

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diego Protecting your joints with ancient walking biomechanics

Aug 3

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How Edo period messengers walked without fatigue

diego Discover the traditional Japanese walking method used by Edo period messengers to travel long distances quickly without getting tired.

Aug 3

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Fun Fact

Mud-free walking: Edo-period walkers used Namba Aruki to avoid splashing mud onto the backs of their traditional kimono trousers (hakama) while walking on unpaved streets.

Aug 3

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Glossary
namba aruki (noun)
A traditional Japanese gait where the arm and leg on the same side move forward in unison. During the Edo period, Japanese warriors used this gait to keep their swords stable while traveling.

Aug 3

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Gossip

Would you try Namba walking?

Aug 3

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Quiz

How does Namba Aruki affect the twisting of the human spine compared to Western walking?

Aug 3

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Quiz

What traditional Japanese clothing item was protected from mud splashes by Namba walking?

Aug 3

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Quiz

Which limbs move forward together in the traditional Japanese Namba Aruki walking style?

Aug 3

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Quiz

Why did samurai warriors specifically benefit from walking in the Namba style?

Aug 3

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Quiz

Which modern Japanese martial arts still incorporate Namba Aruki footwork today?

Aug 3

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Quiz

What type of traditional Japanese footwear made Namba walking highly practical on dirt roads?

Aug 3

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Quiz

During which historical Japanese era was Namba Aruki the dominant way of walking?

Aug 3

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Quiz

What were the traditional Edo-period express messengers who used Namba walking called?

Aug 3