1.
Masamoto decided that Jack was to attend the Niten Ichi Ryu Samurai school. What city did they have to travel to to attend this school?
Correct Answer
C. Kyoto
Explanation
Masamoto decided that Jack was to attend the Niten Ichi Ryu Samurai school. The question is asking which city they had to travel to attend this school. The correct answer is Kyoto.
2.
At the samurai school the students learn many skills during a 'stick of time'. What is a 'stick of time'?
Correct Answer
B. The time it takes one incense stick to burn.
Explanation
A 'stick of time' refers to the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. This suggests that at the samurai school, the students learn various skills within the duration it takes for an incense stick to completely burn.
3.
Akiko tells Jack that in Japanese society it is very important to apologise to someone so they 'don't lose face'. What does this mean?
Correct Answer
B. A person feels dishonoured in front of others if you don't apologise.
Explanation
In Japanese society, the concept of "losing face" refers to the feeling of dishonor or humiliation that someone experiences when they are not apologized to. It is not about physical disfigurement or avoiding facing others, but rather about the social consequences of not showing remorse for one's actions. Failing to apologize can lead to a person feeling ashamed or embarrassed in front of others, damaging their reputation and social standing.
4.
Jack and his fellow samurai students spent many hours in the Butokuden. What is the Butokuden?
Correct Answer
C. The Hall of Virtues of War - Masamoto's dojo (training hall)
Explanation
The Butokuden is referred to as the Hall of Virtues of War, which indicates that it is a place specifically designed for training in martial arts. This is further supported by the mention of Jack and his fellow samurai students spending many hours there. The term "dojo" is often used to describe a training hall in Japanese martial arts, and Masamoto's association with the Butokuden suggests that it is his personal dojo. Therefore, the correct answer is The Hall of Virtues of War - Masamoto's dojo (training hall).
5.
Flowering cherry trees (sakura) are important to Japanese because:
Correct Answer
D. They signify the beginning of new life and remind all Japanese to be thankful for what life has brought them.
Explanation
Flowering cherry trees (sakura) are important to Japanese because they signify the beginning of new life and remind all Japanese to be thankful for what life has brought them. This explanation captures the cultural significance of cherry blossoms in Japan. The blooming of cherry trees is seen as a symbol of renewal and the start of spring, representing the cycle of life. It also serves as a reminder for people to appreciate and be grateful for the blessings and experiences that life has bestowed upon them.
6.
What was unusual about SenseiYosa who taught the students how to use the bow and arrow?
Correct Answer
A. Sensei Yosa was a woman.
Explanation
Sensei Yosa being a woman was unusual because traditionally, martial arts instructors were predominantly men. This goes against the stereotype and challenges the gender norms associated with teaching martial arts. It highlights the uniqueness and breaking of societal expectations, making Sensei Yosa's role as a female instructor stand out.
7.
After Jack had been beaten up by Kazuki, Sensei Yamada gave him this advice:
Correct Answer
B. To be walked upon you must be lying down.
Explanation
This answer suggests that in order to be taken advantage of or mistreated by others, one must be in a position of vulnerability or submission. It implies that if one stands up for oneself and refuses to be treated poorly, they will not be walked upon or taken advantage of. It conveys the idea that assertiveness and self-respect are important in preventing oneself from being mistreated.
8.
Kazuki received a punishment from Sensei Yosa after Kazuki had:
Correct Answer
A. Thrown a stone at Jack, causing him to nearly hit someone with an arrow.
Explanation
Kazuki received a punishment from Sensei Yosa because he threw a stone at Jack, which almost caused Jack to hit someone with an arrow. This action shows a lack of respect for the safety and well-being of others, as well as a disregard for the rules and discipline of the martial arts training. Sensei Yosa likely punished Kazuki to teach him the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of his actions.
9.
Jack was taught a valuable lesson about life after he studied the Daruma doll in the Zen class with Sensei Yamada. The lesson that Jack was taught was:
Correct Answer
A. Seven times down, eight times up. No matter how many times you are knocked down, get up and try again.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Seven times down, eight times up. No matter how many times you are knocked down, get up and try again." This answer reflects the lesson that Jack was taught about resilience and perseverance. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even in the face of failure or adversity. By getting up and trying again, one can overcome challenges and ultimately find success.
10.
What was the signal to 'give in' to your opponent during the taijutsu lessons with Sensei Kyuzu?
Correct Answer
A. Tap your thigh or the floor with your hand.
Explanation
During the taijutsu lessons with Sensei Kyuzu, the signal to 'give in' to your opponent was to tap your thigh or the floor with your hand. This action would indicate surrender or submission, signaling that you are no longer able to continue the fight or defend yourself. It is a non-verbal way of communicating your acknowledgment of defeat to your opponent.
11.
Jack experienced a vision that he didn't understand and he asked Sensei Yamada to help him make sense of it. In Jack's vision he saw:
Correct Answer
B. A butterfly with iridescent blue wings avoiding being attacked by a red demon.
Explanation
The butterfly with iridescent blue wings avoiding being attacked by a red demon is the most significant symbol in Jack's vision. The butterfly represents transformation, growth, and freedom, while the red demon symbolizes danger, aggression, or negative influences. The fact that the butterfly is able to avoid being attacked suggests that Jack has the ability to overcome challenges and navigate through difficult situations in his life. It may also indicate that he has the power to protect himself from negative forces and find inner peace.
12.
Kazuki and his friends set upon Jack when he is outside the samurai school enjoying the Hanami party. What was the Hanami party?
Correct Answer
D. The flower viewing party.
Explanation
The Hanami party refers to the flower viewing party. During this event, people gather to admire and appreciate the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms or other flowers. It is a traditional Japanese custom that takes place during the spring season when the flowers are in full bloom. Participants often have picnics under the cherry trees and enjoy the scenic beauty while celebrating the arrival of spring.
13.
After the fight at the Hanami party a Taryu jiai (competition) between the two samurai schools was agreed to by Masamoto and -
Correct Answer
B. Kamakura
Explanation
The correct answer is Kamakura. After the fight at the Hanami party, Masamoto and Kamakura agreed to a Taryu jiai, a competition between the two samurai schools.
14.
Jack learnt the ancient martial arts technique Cho-geri (Butterfly Kick) from:
Correct Answer
B. Sensei Yamada
Explanation
Jack learnt the ancient martial arts technique Cho-geri (Butterfly Kick) from Sensei Yamada.
15.
During the Taryu jiai Jack used the Cho-geri kick to defeat who?
Correct Answer
C. Raiden
Explanation
Jack was dressed in a blue jacket and his opponent was dressed in red - the butterfly and the demon.
16.
After drawing the kenjutsu match with Yamoto the result of the Taryu jiai was to be decided by Jack and Yamoto racing to the Sound of Feathers Waterfall to:
Correct Answer
A. Be first to gather the famous Jade Sword.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Be first to gather the famous Jade Sword." This is because the question states that the Taryu jiai result was to be decided by Jack and Yamoto racing to the Sound of Feathers Waterfall. Therefore, the objective of the race was to gather the famous Jade Sword, as mentioned in the question. The other options, such as climbing the rockface, bringing back water, or finding the secret to peace, are not mentioned as objectives of the race.
17.
When Jack saw Dokugan Ryu enter the Nijo castle, why did no-one else notice him?
Correct Answer
C. The Gion Matsuri festival was on and everyone was busy watching the fireworks near the Imperial palace.
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that no one else noticed Dokugan Ryu because everyone was busy watching the fireworks near the Imperial palace during the Gion Matsuri festival. This implies that their attention was diverted and they were not focused on their surroundings, allowing Dokugan Ryu to enter the Nijo castle unnoticed.
18.
Before Jack and his friends received gifts from Masamoto he explained that Dokugan Ryu had:
Correct Answer
A. Been sent to poison the daimyo Takatomi.
Explanation
The correct answer is that Dokugan Ryu had been sent to poison the daimyo Takatomi. This is evident from the statement that Masamoto explained this before Jack and his friends received gifts from him.
19.
When Jack received the swords from Masamoto he reminded Jack of that being a samurai meant upholding the seven principles of Bushido. Which principle below is not a part of the principles of Bushido?
Correct Answer
D. Love
20.
Sensei Yamada told Jack that he just begun to learn the Way of the Warrior and that he also had to learn the Way of the Sword known as:
Correct Answer
C. Kendo
Explanation
Sensei Yamada informed Jack that he had just started learning the Way of the Warrior and that he also needed to learn the Way of the Sword, which is known as Kendo. Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on using a bamboo sword called a shinai. It emphasizes discipline, respect, and the development of one's character. It involves various techniques and strategies for attacking and defending, making it a comprehensive training in swordsmanship.