Sōjutsu: Combat Stories – 10
-by Ishita Mondal
–Reading Time – 4 min Approx
There’s a famous saying called “A well-aimed spear is worth three.” Whenever it comes to martial arts, weapon plays a vital role. Among all weapon types, a spear is a popular one for its multiple benefits. The sleek, swift weapon can help you target your opponent from a distance and attack.
The spear, along with the techniques of throwing it, is an indispensable part of Japanese mythology. And it is not limited to mythology only. Japanese martial arts have a special connection with this weapon. Sōjutsu, being one of the most popular Japanese martial art forms, use a spear as a primary weapon. The word Sōjutsu means ‘the art of spear.’ Here we will discuss the details of this excellent martial art from coming straight from the Japanese lands.
The article includes a complete overview of the martial art form. From how it began to how it is played today, everything will be discussed. Also, do not miss the dessert of some of the interesting facts about the game at the end.
Sōjutsu- What is it and How it Began:
Also known as Yari Jutsu, Sōjutsu is a martial art form that originated in Japan which is based on spear fighting. The spear used in the game is called yari. The traditional martial art form practiced throughout the feudal era in Japan included yari as one of their primary weapons. It was cost-effective to produce and did not require much training to learn it.
According to Japanese mythology, the islands of Japan were created with the saltwater drops of the spear called Ame-no-Nuhoko, an ancient type of spear.
The Spear and How the Game is Practiced:
Most of the time, the spear used in the game of sojutsu is a long metal blade used to attack the opponent. The traditional yari was made of a wooden shaft with a vertical metal blade attached to the top. About yari, the famous author Musashi Miyamoto has said in his Book of Five Rings that the weapon naginata is considered inferior to the yari. While naginata is defensive, yari can help you to attack first. Well, Musashi has also said that, like naginata, yari is not ideal for confined places.
Usually, two types of sojutsu techniques are popular. One is on horseback, and another one is on foot. If you are fighting on foot, you can attack the opponents with the spear even if that person is armed with naginata or other weapons. It is said that sojutsu is the best way to fight a mounted opponent.
The sojutsu techniques include several different kinds of fighting styles. While on one hand, you can find defensive blocks; on the other hand, you will find attacks like thrusts and slashing. Piercing and downward strikes are popular among all of the techniques used in the game.
Previously, sojutsu techniques were a useful technique for the samurai foot soldiers. The experts taught them the basic techniques and later let them use rigid, sharpened bamboo poles for practicing the sessions. Although the sword was a popular weapon for fighting, many of the soldiers used spears instead of swords. Sojutsu was practiced to improve their proficiency at war.
The most crucial part of the game is finding the gaps in the opponent Samurai’s armor. Once the weak spot is found, the attacker attack there with the spear.
In Modern Days:
The game of sojutsu and the use of yari became highly popular after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. In later days, the Japanese modified the tops of the spears as per their requirements. Some new styles are developed to make them compatible with on-foot games. And some are designed for fighting from horseback. Although it was practiced in nearly 450 schools in ancient days, it is rarely found in recent days. However, nowadays, it is practiced in several Japanese Bujutsu Ryu and Ninjutsu schools.
Quick Facts about the Martial Art Form:
So, you have got an overview of sojutsu. Before we end our discussion, let’s look at some of the essential points about the game.
- Sojutsu was popular from 1274 to 1281 A.D.
- Yari was often designed with more than one point on top.
- The actual blades used in the yari are made of tamahagane steel.
- Well-crafted spears help to develop a high level of strength.
- The yari is generally made of hardwood covered in bamboo coverings.
The Bottom Line: The Game of Spear:
Regardless of the popularity of kendo or other Japanese martial art forms, this traditional spear game can never be outdated. With a wide range of exciting techniques and well-developed types of spears, sojutsu is a game that can develop your strength as a martial art performer. Whether you are on foot or horseback, you can practice it. It makes you capable enough to fight against a well-armed opponent. Such an interesting game it is! Although it is not widely practiced now, we hope someday it will regain its popularity and become one of the most-practiced Japanese martial art forms.
-by Ishita Mondal
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