History of Sōjutsu

Описание: History of Sōjutsu (槍術)
Sōjutsu, meaning “the art of the spear,” is one of Japan’s oldest and most practical battlefield martial arts. It focuses on the use of the yari (槍), the Japanese spear, which became one of the most dominant weapons on the battlefield during Japan’s feudal era.

1. Early Origins (Before 10th Century)

Spears existed in Japan since the Yayoi period (300 BCE – 300 CE), originally simple thrusting spears.

Early warfare was dominated by bows and swords, so spear techniques were not yet formalized.

The earliest forms of spear use were influenced by continental Asia, especially China and Korea.

2. Classical Development (Heian to Kamakura, 10th–14th Century)

As samurai warfare evolved from horseback archery to more infantry-based fighting, the spear grew in importance.

Samurai began carrying shorter spears during close combat.

Techniques started to become codified within early warrior clans.

3. Golden Age of the Spear (Muromachi to Sengoku Period, 14th–16th Century)
This is the period in which sōjutsu became a dominant martial art in Japan.
Rise of the Yari in Warfare

The yari became the primary weapon of samurai foot soldiers (ashigaru).

Long spears (sometimes 3–6 meters) allowed for mass formations, similar to European pike tactics.

Commanders like Oda Nobunaga famously used spear formations (yari ashigaru) with devastating effectiveness.

Importance in Battlefield Fighting

Faster to train than archery or swordsmanship.

Longer reach than a katana, giving tactical advantage.

Often used in combination with naginata and later firearms.

Famous Sojutsu Schools Founded During This Era
Several koryū (old martial arts schools) emerged and still exist today:

Owari Kan-ryū

Hozoin-ryū Takada-ha — famous for its cross-shaped spear (jumonji-yari).

Kukishin-ryū

Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū (includes spear as part of its curriculum)

These schools developed sophisticated curricula with techniques for thrusting, sweeping, hooking, and manipulating spear length.

4. Edo Period (1603–1868): From Battlefield Art to Classical Martial Tradition
With peace established under the Tokugawa shogunate:

The spear declined in practical military use.

Sōjutsu was preserved as a classical martial art (koryū) for samurai training.

It became part of the curriculum in many martial schools but was no longer used in active warfare.

Techniques became more formalized, focusing on kata and preservation of tradition.

5. Meiji Restoration to Modern Era (1868–Present)

After the samurai class was abolished, spear combat was no longer relevant militarily.

Many sōjutsu schools closed, but some survived through dedicated lineages.

Today, sōjutsu is practiced primarily within koryū bujutsu, not in modern budō like kendo or judo.

Modern Practice

Typically practiced with wooden spears.

Focuses on kata, historical preservation, and weapon handling.

Schools like Hozoin-ryū continue demonstrations and instruction in Japan.

Why Sōjutsu Was Important

It shaped samurai warfare for centuries.

It established mass infantry tactics used in civil wars.

It contributed to the evolution of other Japanese weapons arts.

Summary
Sōjutsu, the Japanese art of the spear, evolved from simple battlefield necessity to a refined martial discipline. It reached its peak during the Sengoku period, becoming the most widely used weapon art in Japan, and survives today mainly through traditional koryū lineages dedicated to preserving ancient samurai techniques.