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WABUKAN Arsenal · Spears and polearms · Japan

Yari

The straight-headed Japanese spear. In the civil-war era it was the main weapon of foot soldiers, more important on the battlefield than the sword.

Yari
Yari WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

槍 · su-yari; jūmonji-yari; kuda-yari

Origin and history

Spears were used in Japan from early times, but the yari became the main infantry weapon in the Sengoku period (15th–16th c.), when massed ashigaru formations carried very long pikes. The art of the spear is called sōjutsu; a few koryū schools, such as Hōzōin-ryū, still teach it.

Martial arts that use it

Kenjutsu

Construction

A straight blade from a few centimetres to over a metre, with a long tang set into a hardwood shaft that could exceed 4 m for infantry pikes. Variants include the cross-shaped jūmonji-yari and the kuda-yari, which slides through a metal tube.

Basic techniques

Training

Polearm training begins with handling: sliding the hands along the shaft, turning the weapon end to end and keeping distance. Thrusts, sweeps and blocks are drilled solo, then in prearranged forms with a partner using wooden versions with padded or blunt tips.

Safety

Long weapons need room: check the ceiling and the space behind you, and warn partners before turning the weapon. Inspect wooden shafts for cracks and splinters and replace them rather than repair them.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

The “Seven Spears of Shizugatake” (1583) were seven young retainers of Toyotomi Hideyoshi celebrated for their deeds in that battle.

More weapons

Qiang (spear) Guandao Monk’s spade Ge (dagger-axe) Halberd Taiaha

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Yari
  2. Wikipedia — Sōjutsu