Sojutsu

(Japanese spear method)

By Masaaki Hatsumi

34th Grandmaster of the Togakure Ryu

The exact origin of spear technique will probably never be known, but perhaps one origin comes from the Mongol invasion of Japan where the Japanese tactic of single combat almost cost them their country in the face of the Mongol tactic of a mass engagement. During these battles, hordes of Chinese warriors, conscripted by the Mongols for the invasions, met their fate at the hands of skilled bushi wielding razor sharp swords. The Chinese, however, were formidable Spearmen. As a result, a new interest in the spear arose among the bushi.

Japanese Spear is mostly a two handed weapon designed for piercing or stabbing attacks to exposed areas between the plates of the Samurai armour. Spears were rarely thrown. Long wooden shafts were tipped with a straight double-edged or triple edged blades. There were other varied types of Yari as well. These took up the characteristics from the spear and hook or sickle weapons. These types of Yari are called Kamayari.

As well as being used as stabbing or piercing weapons Kamayari could also be used for a variety of other purposes. The hooked end could be extended up over the tree limb, castle wall, or a ship's side becoming a climbing tool. Traditionally Japanese fireman in the Edo era used the Kamayari to pull down the eaves of a burning building ,to help stop the fire spreading to nearby buildings.

As a fighting weapon, the straight edge could be used to stab, cut or pierce the opponent, while the hooked section of the blade could be used to snare clothing or hook limbs. Perhaps another simple use is when the opponent is below you. The Kamayari could be lowered blade first, past the opponent and catching them in a the neck from below.

Another important part of the Yari is the opposite end of the shaft, which contained a weight to counterbalance the blade which was called an ishizuki. This allowed the opposite end of the spear to be thrown at the opponent with considerable weight. In a recent archaeological excavation of a medieval Japanese battlefield, one of the most common causes of death was from a fractured temporal bone (which is located at the side of the head) which is believed to have been caused by the ishizuki striking in to the head.

Below are some quotes from Hatsumi Sensei's So Jutsu book:

"When soldiers would battle with an opponent who was protected by armour and helmet, a spear gave them an advantage compared to a sword. It was difficult for a sword to a deeply pierce an opponent protected with a helmet and armour, but a spear could penetrate through the armour and strike the opponent down, or trip his legs. With a spear it was easy to stab between the gaps in the armour. So, the soldiers soon realised that the spear was 10 times more effective than the sword".

" According to Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu: it originated with a native of Shinmon Izumo called Izumo Yoshiteru during the Eikyu period. During the Seicho era, Shinmon Kokanja Yoshikane started the Kushin Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Swordmanship, and Sojutsu. This is the first reference regarding this ryu that can be found. Mizuhara Kuro Yoshinari was a lord of Mutsu Mizuhara Castle and he is rumored to have been a descendant of Yoshitsune. Around the year Kankyu 7 (1197), he was reputed to be an authority of Dakentaijutsu, Bajutsu (horsemanship), Sojutsu, Swordmanship, etc. etc. He also excelled in the lai (art of drawing the sword) of Shinden Fudo Ryu, and his sword could not be seen by the naked eye. There are other records in the Amatsu Tatara Kushin Hibun which is said to have two scrolls on secret views of the sword and the spear......"

Showa 59, Jan 21st Written with blessings on the Day of the Tigers snowing outside.

Haku ryu Hiso: Record of the Secret Spear

This is not only speaking for Sojutsu but as a general rule regarding the way to defeat an enemy: in manner you must be disciplined, in technique you must be precise, with power you must have adaptability, success requires inner spirit, to achieve the absolute requires unification. In general the method of Sojutsu is based on logic which shows a weakness when expectations are applied to it. Taijutsu should be moving freely, Crisscrossing like a flying bird, charging with courage, retreating silently. A person with this attitude can charge and attack the enemy with correct timing. You should not be afraid of the enemy. If you find fear in his face you should charge and fight. This is the essence of the Secret Spear and Sword.

Hisojutsu: Record of Secret Spear Technique A person who practices Sojutsu should not lead an irregular daily schedule. He should neither eat too much nor should he eat too little. As a general rule, in battle always keep the mind on winning. If one keeps going with this spirit he can win even a crucial fight, maintaining a fighting spirit throughout techniques. One should change techniques variously, keeping the enemy guessing while maintaining a calm mind; to win one must first have the spirit to win. If, looking in the opponent's eyes one sees fear there, then one will manifest the same fear in oneself. By taking the opponent in too casual a manner one runs the risk of losing the battle, and by fearing the enemy unnecessarily one will not win the battle either. Both ways will lose the fight. One must keep the mind focused and the body prepared. In this well balanced state one is in the proper condition to fight."

ENDS

Supplied by the The Bujinkan Meehan Dojo.