Hōzōin-ryu Takada-ha Sōjutsu
The way of the cross-shaped spear born from Nara’s warrior monks.
What is Sōjutsu
Sōjutsu (spear technique) is one of Japan’s oldest martial arts, developed for the realities of battlefield combat. The spear, with its reach and versatility, was a crucial weapon during the age of the samurai. Over time, each school evolved its own methods of handling, movement, and philosophy.
While some traditional martial arts emphasise inner calm and formality, sōjutsu is characterised by its practical movement, fluid footwork, and the balance between attack and defence — a martial discipline born from the need to survive in close combat.
About Hōzōin-ryū Takada-ha Sōjutsu
Hōzōin-ryū Sōjutsu, one of Japan’s renowned martial traditions, was founded in Nara about 470 years ago by Hōzōin Kakuzenbō In’ei (1521–1607), a Buddhist monk of Kōfuku-ji Temple. Inspired by the reflection of the crescent moon on Sarusawa Pond, In’ei created the distinctive cross-shaped spear (jūmonji yari)—a weapon capable of thrusting, sweeping, and hooking in fluid motion.
This innovation made the Hōzōin style famous throughout Japan, captured in the saying:
“Thrust like a spear, sweep like a naginata, pull like a sickle — in any move, it never fails.”
During the Edo period, Hōzōin-ryū became Japan’s most influential spear school. Though it faced decline after the Meiji Restoration, it was revived in 1976 in Nara through the efforts of devoted practitioners, including Justice Ishida Kazuto.
Today, training continues in Nara, Nagoya, Tokyo, and overseas in Hamburg, Toronto, and Florida, preserving the art while sharing its spirit around the world.
What You Will Experience
Guided by a master of Hōzōin-ryū Takada-ha, you will learn the basic movements of the traditional spear art from Nara.
Through simple yet powerful exercises, you’ll experience how focus, balance, and controlled energy come together — the essence of a martial discipline once practised by warrior monks.
Key Points
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Private or small-group instruction
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English interpretation available
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No prior experience required
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All materials provided
Practical information
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Duration approx. 2 hours
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No special clothing required
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Advance booking required
Meet the instructor
Manabu Komakita
22nd Head Representative, Hōzōin-ryū Takada-ha Sōjutsu
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1976, Manabu Komakita began practising kendo during his school years.
He entered Hōzōin-ryū Takada-ha Sōjutsu in 2001 and was successively awarded the Mokuroku (scroll of transmission), Menkyo (license), and Menkyo Kaiden (full transmission) ranks.
In 2020, he succeeded as the 22nd head representative of the Hōzōin-ryū Takada-ha lineage.
He continues to dedicate himself to the preservation and teaching of the art, ensuring that the centuries-old spirit and techniques of Hōzōin-ryū are passed on to future generations.
