Polearm Fighting, Techniques of the Samurai

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Course Description

Learn the basic fighting principles, techniques and tactics of the stick, staff, spear and Halberd of the Samurai warrior.

Polearm Fighting, Techniques of the Samurai is a course designed to help beginners to advanced students and enthusiasts of Japanese martial arts who are interested in expanding their knowledge in pole arm weaponry.

When you take this course, you will be provided with the appropriate training methodology to expand your skill and refine your technique. Here is a brief overview of the weapon styles taught in this course.

Bōjutstu, 棒術
Bōjutsu literally meaning “Stick technique” is best described as a method used to defeat/trick wielders of other weapons. It has special striking techniques that allow the Bō to feign quickly and re-direct its aim; a special method of “twirling” (Bōjfurigata) designed to confuse opponents and keep them at bay, alongside a large assortment of strikes and thrusts. Aspects of the Bōjutsu are gleaned from two other weapons, naginata and the spear.

Hanbōjutsu, 半棒術
The Hanbō of Kukishin-ryū is used to parry, strike, crush, choke and stab. It integrates with taijutsu as well. The hanbō is most directly related to the spear and staff, however these influences are superficial. It is safe to say that although the spear was in fact the origin of the hanbō itself, it truly plied its techniques from the sword. Ukon Kuriyama is thought to have created and introduced the hanbō techniques to Kukishin-ryū during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Legend has it that he was well known for his skill with the short spear. Kuriyama participated in the Battle of Nagashino on May 4, 1575, on the side of Nobunaga Oda. While fighting against general Katsuhisa Tangonokami Suzuki, Kuriyama’s spear was cut in half. Kuriyama kept on fighting with the cleft spear and eventually defeated Suzuki. Then it is said that he continued into battle, overwhelming the enemies’ swords and thoroughly beating them down. From this legend, it is believed that the Hanbō was officially included in Kukishin-ryū during the early Edō era.

Jōjutsu, 杖術
The staff art is similar to bōjutsu, and is strongly focused upon defense against the Japanese sword. The jō is a short staff with a smaller diameter than than the rōkushakubō (6 shaku bō), measuring usually about 5 feet long. The martial art of jōjutsu was the province of professional warriors, so it was usually not used by travelers to ward off aggressive bandits or swordsmen, as one might expect. As well, jōjutsu can find much of it’s curricula origins drawn from the necessities of security and law enforcement.

Sōjutsu, 槍術
The Kukishin-ryū spear has a total length of 270 cm. The 36 cm to 45 cm spearhead is connected to the shaft by long tang and supported externally along the staff with wire. The yari has three shard edges that create a triangular bar. These edge join together at the tip of the weapon. It is used to parry, slash, stab, strike and to unbalance opponents.

The spear techniques in Kukishin-ryū integrate a myriad of complex variations and nuances and this is perhaps the most difficult weapon in the curricula to learn. It has a number of targets which can be reached from both long and short distances and at each distance, a slight divergence in the way the weapon is used is needed in order to make it effective. This makes it one of the most complicated and complex weapons, depending entirely on distance and timing for the wielder to use it correctly.

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