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. ^[1] Established by Hirayama Gyozo, the concept is based on earlier Chinese traditions, such as Eighteen Arms of Wushu. ^{[2] [3]}

Eighteen arts

The Eighteen Arts consist of a mixture of native Japanese and imported Chinese martial art techniques and tactics. Within each art, various Ryū developed, with different methods of performing that particular art. ^[4] 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. ^[5] 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. ^{[6][ page needed]}
18. Ninjutsu, espionage.^{[ citation needed]}

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  3. Sōjutsu
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  4. Kenjutsu
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  5. Suijutsu
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  6. Iaijutsu
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  7. Tantojutsu
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  8. Jittejutsu
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  9. Shurikenjutsu
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  10. Fukumibarijutsu
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  11. Naginatajutsu
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  12. Hōjutsu
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  13. Hojōjutsu
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  14. Yawara
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  15. Bōjutsu
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  16. Kusarigamajutsu
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  17. Mōjirijutsu
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  18. Ninjutsu

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. ^[7]

References