Gavin Blair has been writing about Japan for more than two decades. His work has appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Christian Science Monitor, South China Morning Post, LA Times, The Times, Guardian, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Independent, Global Post, and many more. He has reported for France 24 TV, Voice of America, CBC, BBC, and NHK World, among others. Blair is the co-author of Japan in 100 Words: From Anime to Zen published by Tuttle. He has trained in karate for 35 years, which is what first brought him to Japan, and also practices Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded Kendo World, the first English- language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.