Samurai (SMR or SMRI) is a rare promoted class of powerful, short-range swordsmen. Thus far, all members of this class have joined promoted (except in Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon, where Musashi can be promoted to Swordmaster), so there is no corresponding unpromoted class.
Description
Samurai are wandering warriors who search for worthy causes to serve. Honor is the rule by which they live.
Both Samurai that have appeared in the series thus far are humans, and presumably the class is human only.
Strategy
Samurai are slow-moving characters with high Attack and Defense, and thus should be used as front-line fighters. Do not let more vulnerable members forge ahead of them without very good reason, as the samurai will have a hard time catching up and will be unable to protect them.
Don't be afraid to let your samurai be attacked; they can take the hits easily, and their slow movement and short range generally means that they will rarely have the chance to strike before the enemy does.