Hozoin-ryu
Hozoin-ryu Takada-ha Sojutsu is a school of spearmanship with a history of more than 460 years.
It was founded by the monk Kakuzenbo Inei for Hozoin, a branch temple of Kofukuji. The teachings of Hozoin-ryu were passed down to renowned spear master Takada Matabei Yoshitsugu, and continue to this day under Junzo Ichiya, the 21st head of the school.
Hozoin-ryu is characterized by the use of the kamayari, a ¡°forked spear¡± featuring a cross-shaped head, which was devised by Inei.
Says Headmaster Ichiya, ¡°In training, an ordinary straight spear called a suyari is also used, and this use of two types of spear is what makes Hozoin-ryu ²õ¨Âá³Ü³Ù²õ³Ü (spear-fighting art) unique. Practice is done in pairs, with one person holding a suyari and the other a kamayari. There are various offensive and defensive techniques, including thrusts, takedowns, shearing attacks, pushing attacks and disarming tactics.¡±
The kamayari was so versatile it was praised in poetry: ¡°Thrust: It is a spear. Sweep: It is a pole sword. Pull: It is a sickle. Whatever the case, it never fails to hit the target.¡± Due to the weapon¡¯s ease and freedom of use, Hozoin-ryu was adopted by most feudal clans in the Edo Period (1603-1868), and became the most widely adopted martial-arts school across Japan.
Inei studied Yagyu Shinkage-ryu with Yagyu Sekishusai under the tutelage of Kamiizumi Ise no Kami, and it is possible to find commonality between his teachings and those of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. Both the etsugen (smiling eyes) teaching of Hozoin-ryu and the katsunin-ken (life-giving sword) concept of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu aim to force the opponent to move first so that he can then be overcome.
Based on excerpts from the book ¡°Budo: Japanese Martial Arts,¡± published by Nikko Graphic Arts Co., Ltd. The new addition to the ¡°I Know Japan¡± photobook series, the book delves into the tradition, spirit and authentic beauty of four of the most distinctive schools of Japanese martial arts, with stunning visuals and in-depth coverage. Available in English, French and German. Hardcover, 108 pages. For purchase, visit nga-publication.com.
For more insight into Japan¡¯s culture, arts and lifestyle, visit .
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.