Bugei jūhappan

The Bugei jūhappan (武芸十八般 "Eighteen Kinds Of Martial Arts") is a selection of combat techniques and martial arts used by the samurai of Tokugawa-era Japan. Established by Hirayama Gyozo, the concept is based on earlier Chinese traditions, such as Eighteen Arms of Wushu.

Eighteen arts

The Eighteen Arts consist of native Japanese martial arts techniques and tactics. Within each art, various Ryū developed, with different methods of performing that particular art. Certain Ryū, in turn, influenced the martial arts that were included in the list, Asayama Ichiden-ryū, Kukishin-ryū, Shinden-Fudo-ryū and Tagaki Yoshin-ryū. The exact list varies, but is commonly held to include:

1. Kyūjutsu, archery.
2. Bajutsu, horseriding.
3. Sōjutsu, fighting with a yari (spear).
4. Kenjutsu, fencing.
5. Suieijutsu, swimming in armour.
6. Iaijutsu, sword-drawing.
7. Tantōjutsu, knife-fighting.
8. Juttejutsu, fighting with a jutte (truncheon).
9. Shurikenjutsu, throwing shuriken.
10. Fukumibarijutsu, needle-spitting.
11. Naginatajutsu, fighting with a polearm, usually a naginata.
12. Hōjutsu, shooting (with firearms).
13. Hojōjutsu, tying up an opponent.
14. Yawara, grappling and fighting unarmed.
15. Bōjutsu, fighting with a bō (staff).
16. Kusarigamajutsu, fighting with a chain-and-sickle.
17. Mōjirijutsu, fighting with a barbed staff.
18. Ninjutsu, espionage.

Other arts that were often included in the list are:

• Chikujōjutsu, fortifying a castle against siege.
• Yabusame, mounted archery.
• Yadomejutsu, deflecting flying arrows.
• Saiminjutsu, hypnotism.

References