Heroes in History: Kensei

[Note: Please watch through to the end. I worked quite hard on this ending meme compilation and I'd love for ya'll to enjoy it too].
Kensei, the vanguard of the samurai. Many call him the most balanced warrior, while others call him the most broken. Whatever you believe, it's clear that he's a cut above the other samurai in terms of personality, gear, and presence. But who is he based on? In this video I will explain not only the likely influence for Kensei, but also the brief history of the Shogunate and how it rose up to bring the samurai to power over the Emperor of Japan.
Big shout out to The Major N for the line translation clips I used.
Please remember to subscribe, comment, and like the video! I read every comment, and subs always help the channel!
Discord: / discord

[@estaticethan1752]

Tbh, the voice lines of the Male Kensei made it sound like he's more wise and serious. While the Female Kensei is a more serious ruler.

[@jorgenflorgen8676]

"Take this fight more seriously" Proceeds to pull a bow out of his ass

[@belzenl0x365]

@@jorgenflorgen8676 Lmaooo

[@Kenzaljenners000]

@@jorgenflorgen8676 female kensei: By power of japans Karens

[@Fulgrim-_x]

Historicaly they were not any female Daimyo . Japan rullers "Emperor , Shogun , Daimyo and even common samurai were very strict abaut female rolle in their sociaty and the only few that managed any military tittle were the Ona Bugeisha "Nobushi" in for honor and they were all Married womens of daimyos or high ranked samurai. In the japonese clans if the daymio dies his tittle is pased away to his male son , if he dont have a son then his tittle is pased away either to a brother , cousin or even general if necesary never to his wife or daughter. Daughters were forced to marry with important samurai figure heads to increase the clan power and influenze. For Honor is full of fantasy characters and misleaded details like Orochi wich is the pop culture samurai of today , shinobi wich in reality were not the tipical turtle ninja pop culture made , they could be anyone from a farmer to a prostitute and they were primary common spyes or tieves not assasins with super combat skills , Jorm is a joke pure fantasy same as Hitokiri wich indeed existed 4 of them in fact but they were assasins fighting to regain the Emperor power from the Shogunate in a period called" Bakumatsu" , not psychos with bloodlust they were generals and samurais and yes highly skilled and famous. And the list of for Honor fantasy go on and on.

[@thenorthstarsamurai]

Women ☕️

[@havel4385]

i loved that gladiator in the footage that had the trident just hovering in the air to the side. great video, that just makes it funnier.

[@ethanpeeples6187]

Still in the game btw shits ridiculous they havent fixed that

[@luizfellipe3291]

I think the perfect ''exemple" (stereotypical image) of a samaurai For Honor could have would be a Kensei wielding a Katana. We do have Orochi, but his fighting style (as his trailer suggests) resembles more of a mixture between a samurai and the pop culture image of the ninja

[@eagle162]

I'm kind of glad they didn't do that because Samurai prior to the edo period did often use longer blades, the blade length people associate with katanas today was the result of law restrictions( some schools still teach with long Katanas tho) and even with Orochi if remember correctly his Katana is a bit longer than what people usually think. So it's actually more historical that way.

[@GeistDrachen]

@@eagle162 actually orochi's katana seems to vary in length with some blades tapering to the tip and others not. I think his sword can be a katana or the longer O katana.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

@@eagle162 To add, the nodachi was outlawed to be wielded in public peaceful areas. It became regulated to only battlefield.

[@GeistDrachen]

I always pictured Date Masamune to be similar to Kensei. Sure he's no Daimyo, but playing Kensei always made me think of him.

[@bullpup586]

Date Masamune was certainly a daimyo. The Date clan dominated the North of Japan, and he pushed heavily to expand Date influence. Daimyo only means great name, and the fact that he was a Shugo (military governor) and we know his name well today only solidifies the title. Also, fun fact, the Date clan has special Nodachi infantry in Total War: Shogun 2. So keep thinking of him when you play Kensei. He fits perfectly (I made mine based on Honda Tadakatsu, personally)

[@GeistDrachen]

@@bullpup586 oh absolutely, I'm definitely making a Date Kensei

[@bullpup586]

@@GeistDrachen Hell yeah. Hope they give Kensei a real, true to scale version of his ornament. There's some decent ones, but the glorious giant crescent needs to be added, then that'd be my second load out for sure I'd also kill for a Shingen one, but his son Katsuyori's ornament is on Orochi, so I'm running that one there

[@GeistDrachen]

@@bullpup586 the closest to Masamune's crest is this golden curve one with a circle in the middle.

[@isengarde9490]

2:15 I see Jedi existed even back in the days of swords and spears.

[@philbattiste9649]

One could argue the reason Kensei carry the nodachi is because historically, there were three ways to carry such a large sword: on your back, in your hand, or have a servant carry it for you. Prestigious samurai or daimyo could garner fame as a sword saint with the weapon, while also having the resources to not make it overly cumbersome or unwieldy.

[@eagle162]

That's not true you can carry it on your waist, there's even some school's existing today that teaches iai/ battōjutsu with it, there's even some techniques on how you draw it from your back.

[@hectorvizsla87]

I loved this Heroes in History, maybe the Kensei wasn’t the most mysterious character to identify but it was great how you introduced his role in the For Honor lore as a daimyo. Also for a next HiH you could bring the Tiandi, at least I don’t know much about him. Take care all!

[@Astrea946]

I loved the fact they mention ayu was a daiymo before becomeing empress

[@eagle162]

I did found something interesting on the Japanese Wiki about nodachi it mentions two particular clans that use corps of troops that were equipped with large swords to fight name rikishi(力士隊). Besides that however there were several samurai that were famous wielders of nodachi like Makara Naotaka his sword is still in a museum, as well as schools that were founded during the sengoku peirod, you can actually can used nodachi on your waist artwork of the Time Shows people using it like that, schools that use nodachi teach iaijutsu/battojutsu with it. Examples with be Shin Muso Hayashizaki Ryu,Jigen-ryu and kage ryu. Kage ryu has a good 3 part article where can read about the school, type in "Kage 1 - Hyoho" About it's use against horses that mostly comes from stuff like anime, manga, Etc currently there's no real evidence suggests that, actually on the Koryu Reddit page a person that studies kage ryu along with talking with senior students never found any mentions of techniques against horses, outside of Japan places the ming dynasty often mentions nodachi wielded by Pirates eventually adopting the sword created the wodao.

[@silentwarrior3]

If anybody wants to learn more Japan around this time of its history, i highly recommend a channel called The Shogunate for historically accurate information!

[@rust9542]

That Raider you fought was pain...

[@RavenKnightYT]

Right?! Gah, he annoyed me.

[@aSloppySandwich]

Just what i needed while i toked up. Thanks raven.

[@AgentXA564]

Personally, I'd have given the kensei a nagamaki. Nagamaki were Nobunaga's favorite weapon and either Kenshin or Shingen (can't remember which) had a bodyguard armed with nagamaki. So, I think it would be the more fitting greatsword.

[@hunter-bros8543]

Hunter-S:I couldn't agree with you more

[@samuraijackoff5354]

Honestly ubi could make it a visual weapon than just replacing his nodachi.

[@hanoli7933]

the nodachi suits him, and the nagamaki is moe of a anti cavalry weapon while the Nodachi is a battlefield weapom

[@AgentXA564]

@@hanoli7933 The nodachi is primarily an anti cavalry weapon. The nagamaki is basically a version of the nodachi that is easier to control.

[@nooneishere123]

I’ve been waiting for this video for sooo long! Thank you for this, keep up the good work.

[@chrislaid214]

They're definitely Daimyo but in the game's storyline it was necessary for these Daimyo to train as sword saints hence they were called Kensei instead

[@predatorspidergaming]

Love the ending Raven, much love! 🖤

[@thevibedoctorphd]

I forgot how well thr Last Wish music from d2 fits with for honor

[@estaticethan1752]

2:18 Okay, what just happened there with the glitch Glad and their trident?

[@Skyleader-pn4pm]

Oh, you don't know ? That glitch have been appearing more and more, i had met a few glad all have the same bug recently, its really distracting but again, what do you expect from a Ubisoft game ?

[@ahhhsothisishowyouchangean162]

@@Skyleader-pn4pm ahahahah, same same, maybe not too often but at least once a day. It’s very annoying because you look at the blade to parry and now you can’t..

[@ethanpeeples6187]

Its still in the game.

[@22trawocs]

Super cool HiH (first one btw). Can’t wait to watch more! Also, meme compilation 🔥🔥🔥

[@sthea8486]

Was waiting for this , Kensei is my favorite hero and main in the game !

[@cheesecrusaders577]

The unblockable triple lights were painful to watch but other than that good job

[@themidfacekiller617]

Funnily enough in story mode, the Daimyo, much similar to actual history, did not hesitate to fight one another except for Ayu the Kensei and the unnamed Shugoki who was killed by Apollyon. Ranja the Kensei was incredibly egotistic and believed herself above many to the point where she thought she "deserved" the title of Empress, leading to her incredibly easy duel in the Myre. Kizan the Shugoki was a greedy and over indulgent Kensei who took from his servants even when they were low on supplies and suffering from tragedy, which was what led to his demise. Dokuja (another kensei), much like a lot of Daimyo, didn't fight much and rather left the problems to his servants and underlings, which was what drove Ayu to place what she called a "coward" in what I like to refer to as "the time out corner of doom." Lastly, there is Seijuro the Orochi and temporary Emperor. Seijuro was originally ruthless and horribly blinded by his desire to be remembered and strong. Much unlike his fellow Daimyo (excluding Ayu), he survived his encounter by being spared despite having the personality to kill all other Daimyo in a civil war even if it puts him at a disadvantage when he would theoretically hunt down Apollyon. The feudal age was bloody and unapologetic much like For Honor itself.

[@themidfacekiller617]

And yes, I know he mentioned the in game Daimyo. That is not what I am talking about.

[@thomasweini9960]

I love how your talking about kenseis being these masters of their craft while you get just lightspammed by a raider - FOR HONOR THINGS

[@RavenKnightYT]

I love how people care more about my bad playing rather than the actual point of the video.

[@thomasweini9960]

@@RavenKnightYT 😂i actually love your infos just some funny thing i noticed. I love history and to get to know who these heroes where in history is so dope. Your such an underrated channel hope you keep growing. Also love your writing and narriorating or whatever its called

[@quandariusquanglebangle9634]

That face when the "sword saint" Lightspams you and spams dodge attacks

[@ChonkyMochaCat]

Nice, hope you can do orochi next 😄

[@GeistDrachen]

Im excited for that too

[@TheFrogEnjoyer]

Hope you do Tiandi next

[@hectorvizsla87]

That’s a very good idea.

[@signor_zuzzu]

Yo that gladiator is a magician

[@acutegynast3326]

wacthing heros of history always shines my day or night.

[@ikeabeancan]

Damn haven't played FH in a hot minute, but I was literally playing Ghost of Tsushima almost all day. Nice video, keep it up my friend Also, that gladiator wasn't good As a glad guy, I can tell his mixup isn't infinite and he is, therefore, dumb and icky and should be shamed

[@ahhhsothisishowyouchangean162]

Alternate title:history of the famous warring ages of japan with for honor clips playing on background

[@laserlights9684]

In the game they are daimyo. The story mode has you forcefully kill the others to leave 1 remaining

[@Asto0031]

Love the videos bro

[@nacho_ava5323]

Much awaited 🙏

[@deltazulu2848]

I would love to see a fight with Kensei, Orochi, Aramusha and Nobushi take on a single Kyoshin. A collection of different Samurai and skilled fighters united against a lone master swordsman.

[@b6175-h7o]

Kensei has an execution called daimyo’s verdict

[@liaogregor4047]

Sure, Daimyo wearing the fk wooden armor. Only the chimera one makes it better

[@SlimeyZockt]

hold on. Is that "shell of what once was" from destiny? Damn, didnt think i'd find this music here

[@logeyperogi1805]

The most embarrassing fact about Kensei (in game) The fact that I’m only rep 2 with Kensei, yet I’m still more likely to throw a heavy than a rep 70 Kensei

[@manhunter433]

In short Kensei(Daimyo) are the Samurai Lords leading the various Samurai Clans in for Honor.

[@sungodra1226]

Ironically, after some of the more recent armor sets orochi got (and also their marching fire armor) they’re actually better equipped than the Kensei.

[@ravenbloodwing5303]

So I was watching and on the grounds as to why there are Daimyo who aren't Kensei, I think I have a good answer for it. It comes to prefered fighting styles. If you meet someone on the street, and they are showing off kick boxxing, it just shows that they like it and most likely prefer it. However that doesn't mean they don't know something like judo. So while all Daimyo are trained as Kensei, maybe some prefer the fighting style of the Orochi or Shugoki.

[@presofcamelot]

*"Nobu Nobu!"* -Some diamiyo idk

[@youreverydaynergigante1001]

Hopefully soon we can get a hero in history for shugoki, cuz I mean there has to be more inspiration for the fat man then a sumo wrestler with a giant stick(the kanabo)

[@KenpachiM3]

great video! but I hardly think ubi devs make this level of research for their characters and lore, which is disappointing really! I bet next character will be shallow just like the game's campaign! I wish Ubisoft would update the single player campaign lore missions and controls to be on pair with the MP

[@ChillyReaper]

That's two vanguards down. Two more to go. Edit: Three Vanguards down. Not two.

[@RavenKnightYT]

Three actually. :) I did warmonger, warden, and kensei

[@ChillyReaper]

@@RavenKnightYT Whoops. My bad.

[@fergemerge5050]

The odachi or nodachi was used by selective Lords but it was predominately used whilst on horseback

[@paypachase5750]

I saw that unblockable light spam. You devil

[@yoosperson9753]

2:30 what with that guy over there ?

[@Jordan-subj]

Great video. I almost reflexively downvoted when you used the unblockable feat and light spammed that poor gladiator to death lol.

[@RavenKnightYT]

I usually don’t resort to that. But he had fooled me earlier in the match. He’d acted like he’d give me 1v1 fights and not get involved (watch my first encounter with him at the beginning of the vid for evidence), but then he quickly turned that around and ganked me while my back was turned. So I let him taste the music.

[@Yourtimeis]

@@RavenKnightYT you did what must be done the gank is real

[@gustavtrads5622]

In the haion period the daimyo was called Shugo

[@Od3nn755]

If you play the story, it shows the kensei as being daimyo so you’re not wrong, and I knew. Just wanted to watch this video lol

[@hanishreddy2088]

The nodachi reminds me of sasaki kojiro

[@jadensomerville8856]

It’s about time 😀

[@joeligmacandace9356]

But how historical is his dodge attack?

[@nooneishere123]

It probably is a real move in Odachi sparring tbh

[@shalashaska69420]

i wish kensei had the katana instead of the bigass sword

[@teupaiocabalo3893]

I always thought the OROCHI was the stereotypical samurai, because full armor and a katana were used only by the very last samurai. For me the orochi is the modern samurai whilst the kensei is more of a classic samurai aka a horseman in the battlefield not infantry like the orochi - that's why the kensei carries a nodachi which were only really used on horseback but even then classic samurai were actually bowmen on horses and they mostly battled with spears like every other warrior in history...

[@firepheonix2530]

What color are you using?

[@jamesfranco8584]

I love Japanese culture good video bro

[@kingpoxy2289]

Zanhu was more of a late chinese warlord because of their armor there sword and their fighting style it seems that tiandi is a defender kind of force

[@RavenKnightYT]

This is Kensei's video. I talk about Zhanhu and Tiandi in another video.

[@kingpoxy2289]

@RavenKnightYT alright I was just saying because the idea of zhanhu seems like a Chinese warlord to me thats it

[@Quija_Bored]

Let me 1v1 ur kensei i parry ur lights

[@RavenKnightYT]

I’m sure you could. And if that’s the crucial information you took from this video, you have my sympathies.

[@Quija_Bored]

@@RavenKnightYT woahh shots fired lol

[@bulldowozer5858]

Damn, Samurai in the 17th centruy probably never got to use their second Amendment 😢

[@eagle162]

Even in the edo period They got their chances.

[@noahlam887]

let's go

[@funkytownjedi]

🔥🔥🔥🤴🏾😁

[@eliudnjai]

They nufted them in real life Dem 😅

[@IntoTheUnknownPhotography]

Neil deGrasse Tyson?!?!

[@elshebactm6769]

🤠👍🏿

[@ravensiege3045]

Sup

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

:)

[@toastythebarbarian798]

I thought this was a Lore Channel SMH

[@saueqietrollageposting1477]

It tackles both history and lore, but mostly history.

[@indiemayhem5566]

another small note is that some of kenseis starting armor set (morioka set specifically) is the only one of the original characters to have that gold trim,which while probably unintentional makes sense,even a poorer daimyo could afford more ornate armor than the normal samurai