[Ragabash]

Well, wasn't in feudal Japan, can't tell the measures of myth and reality, but I do kendo for some time, so as far as I have heard from some good sources (people who trained in Tokyo police dojo and trained with the imperial guard), that the whole all attack/no defense philosophy does stand. And from a practical standpoint: if you don't attack and try to defend - you're a goner.

And the archer bit, not familiar with that part, the armor idea seems plausible, will try to check it out if an opportunity occurs.