In spite of drastic changes through which samurai life passed, one thing remained constant—the rigid discipline and training it took to become a samurai. Whether the end result was a warrior, a bureaucrat, or an artist, a samurai was expected to excel. This does not mean all samurai lived up to expectations, of course, but the tradition of dedication to one's calling was always present.

Where and by what means a samurai warrior was educated and trained depended upon the time period in question, since educational opportunities increased through time. During all times, however, the extent and quality depended upon family status, and a great gulf separated high and low ranks. Sons of elite samurai attended special institutes or temples and had tutors to educate them in classical studies and the martial arts.

If sons in lower-class families attended school...