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Spear (Yari) in Kashima Shinto Ryu 鹿島新当流 (Suyari)


Said to be founded by Tsukahara Bokuden although a sword tradition there dates back a long time.  Much like the Katori system Bokuden was member of, this is a complete school of which spear is a minor part.

A famous Japanese folk tale tells of the young Miyamoto Musashi challenging Bokuden to a duel during a meal. When Musashi struck first, Bokuden parried the sword with the lid of the iron pot he was eating from. In reality the story has no basis in fact, Bokuden had died 13 years before Musashi was born.

Cross-stepping.                              


Wide stance.                               


Low guard taken to face spear.


Thrusting attack levered up.            


Half-sword counter.


The above stills were taken from the following demonstration:



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