User blog comment:Kingjofferyjr/Samurai vs Praetorian Guard/@comment-130.216.30.130-20140727230642

Samurai vs. Praetorian Guard Edges

Polearm: Naginata vs. Hasta

This is a close one due as the Naginata is the longer weapon and is capable of deadly thrusts and slashes, and the Hasta is able to be combined with the Scutum shield for an effective offense-defense combo. But in the end I am going to have to go with the Samurai. The Hasta's iron tip will not penetrate the Samurai's heavy armour and can easily be slashed off by the Naginata. The Roman is also the less armoured and the Samurai could easily target these areas to cripple his opponent. On top of that the Samurai's superior training will come into play here, giving him the edge.

Edge: Samurai

Sword: Katana vs. Gladius & Scutum

Another close one as both swords are of similar length, but once again the Samurai takes it. The Samurai is by far the superior swordsman and duelist, Samurai were well versed in the art of fighting one on one and trained extensively with the Katana to perfect the art of kenjutsu. The Romans were more group fighters; fighting shoulder to shoulder and killing their enemies with quick thrusts, and the Praetorians are no exception. In comparing the weapons themselves both are sturdy weapons and can kill with a thrust or slash but the Samurai's heavy armour will mitigate this. The Praetorian again is only partially armoured with his only real effective defense being his shield, and the Samurai were surprisingly agile despite thier armour as they were trained to fight while wearing it, much like a Knight.

Edge: Samurai

Dagger: Tanto vs. Pugio

This one goes to the Praetorian. The Pugio has the larger blade and much like any dagger can be used to slide between the chinks an an opponents armour. This is where the Roman's lighter gear will become an advantage as he will be able to outmanuver his opponent. and slide his dagger between two armoured plates for lethal damage. He can also hide his dagger behind his shield for a surprise attack. The only advantage I see the Tanto having is being able to be dual-wielded with the Katana, and while this is excellent it is not enough to give him the edge.

Edge: Praetorian

Hand-to-Hand Combat: Jujutsu vs. Greco-Roman Wrestling

While I feel both martial arts are relatively even, both combining brutal tactics and effective holds and throws. The Praetorian takes this as the Samurai's heavy armour will be rather awkward to fight this way in while the Praetorian's amour will not have any major negative effects on his movement. I know I said earlier that the Samurai has trained extensively in his armour to minimise fatigue and restiction of movement but still, think about it would you wear thick heavy armour in a martial arts bout? I know I wouldn't!

Edge: Praetorian

X-Factors

Both have an average of 84 however I think the Samurai has the edge where it counts most: Training, other factors such as strength and speed I feel are subjective as it depends on how you use it, just simply being stronger or faster is not enough; you have to know how to USE them. The Samurai's superior training in my opinion is what grants him the edge here.

Edge: Samurai

Overall:

While I love both of these warriors to death, in my opinion, the Samurai is the deadliest warrior. His Katana and Naginata are versatile and deadly weapons, he has the superior armour and more of it; making it difficult for the Praetorian to land a proper hit. And most importantly the Samurai is the more well trained of the two being a fast and deadly duelist despite his heavy armour. The only real advantages I think the Praetorian has are his size (Praetorians had to be big) and his Scutum Shield. However that simply will not be enough to take down the legendary, lightning-fast dealer-of-death from feudal Japan.

THE WINNER IS: THE SAMURAI