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Hōzōin In'ei

Monk / Sohei

Japanese Buddhist monk from Nara and founder of the famous crescent-spear school Hozoin-ryu Sojutsu.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1521
Date of Death10/16/1607
Era16th century
Country of OriginJapanJapan
Rank / TitleFounder of Hozoin-ryu
Active Yearsca 1550–1607

Biography

Hōzōin In'ei was abbot of Hōzō-in temple in Nara. He invented the crescent-shaped spear (kamayari) and established Hozoin-ryu Sojutsu, specializing in deflecting and trapping swords.

Associated Martial Arts

Hozoin-ryu SojutsuFounder→

A Japanese school of spear fighting from Nara. Its spear has a cross-shaped head with two side blades, so it not only thrusts but also catches and cuts.