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Heian Period Samurai

Early Japanese Warriors

Early Heian-era samurai who created mounted archery Yabusame and heavy-armored grappling Yoroi Kumiuchi.

Quick Facts

Date of BirthRaný Middle Ages
Date of Death12. století
Era8th–12th century
Country of OriginJapanJapan
Rank / TitlePioneers of Yabusame & Yoroi Kumiuchi
Active Years0794–1185

Biography

Heian period samurai established Japan's warrior elite. Dressed in O-yoroi armor, they perfected longbow archery on horseback (Yabusame) and dagger grappling (Yoroi Kumiuchi).

Associated Martial Arts

YabusameNotable figure→

Japanese mounted archery: three targets shot from a galloping horse. Minamoto no Yoritomo gave it its ceremonial form at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in 1187.