Contrary to popular belief the sword was not the main weapon of medieval Japan. Polearms and bows where the main weapons and swords usually had the role of a back up weapon. The term yari became more widespread around the year 1334, but the widespread use of spears increased only after it became common to recruit commoners during the Ōnin War (1467-1477). This occured during the Moromachi Period when full-scale war became commonplace in Japan. Earlier, there were bushi warriors who specialised in spears, but the naginata was by far the more popular polearm. Japanese spears are almost without exception close-combat weapons not generally used for throwing. Various lengths of yari exist and the shape of the blade varies dramatically. During the mid 16th century, long nagae yari spears became common, ranging from 4.5 to 6 metres in length and being designed for fighting in formation. Come learn basic techniques of sojutsu or spear fighting from the Kukishinden ryu as tought in the Bujinkan Dojo. The techniques are practised slowly with training partners mainly using soft weapons.
Teacher Erick Ellison Bujinkan Sakura Dojo www.bujin.fi
Sign up in advance next to Ropecon info or at the location, max 20 people.