Benkei

Musashibo Benkei was a legendary sohei (warrior monk) who served Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He is often simply referred to as "Benkei" or "Musashibo Benkei", or the title of "Yoshitsune's Right Arm". He was said to be a large man, taller than 2m (~6.5 ft), which was unbelievablly large for a Japanese person in those days. During his youth he joined the Yamabushi, a group of mountain monks, but he left to become a robber. Legend says he posted himself on the Gojo bridge in Kyoto, to challenge pedestrians and rob them of their sword. On his 1000th duel, Benkei was defeated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a son of the warlord Minamoto no Yoshitomo. Following his defeat, Benkei became the first follower of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.