[Kaga Onsenkyo] The Ancient Martial Art 'Fuden-ryu Sojutsu' Passed Down in the Castle Town of Daishoji
In Daishoji, Kaga City, it is now possible to observe and experience the ancient martial art 'Fuden-ryu Sojutsu' at Enuma Shrine.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
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At Enuma Shrine, located in the castle town of Daishoji, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the ancient martial art 'Daishoji-han-den Fuden-ryu Sojutsu', passed down since the first year of Hoei (1704), is still being preserved. This spear art, which uses a long-handled plain spear measuring one jo and two shaku (approximately 3.6 meters) and teaches practical techniques such as thrusting and striking, was once practiced by the samurai of the Daishoji domain.
Currently, training takes place within the grounds of Enuma Shrine, and observation and体験 (experience) are possible. You can experience Japanese martial arts while feeling the history of the castle town.
■ What is Daishoji-han-den Fuden-ryu Sojutsu?
'Daishoji-han-den Fuden-ryu Sojutsu' is an ancient martial art passed down since the first year of Hoei (1704).
It teaches battle techniques such as thrusting and striking, utilizing a long-handled (one jo and two shaku, 16-sided thick shaft) plain spear, which is an advantage of the spear. The plain spear, due to its simple structure, has infinite applications, and mastering its techniques requires training that emphasizes the unity of 'mind, spear, and body'.
The founder, Genbei Yoshinari Nakayama, found the ideal of spear techniques in the form of 'wind,' which moves freely and without form, and named the school 'Fuden-ryu' from this philosophy.
■ Enuma Shrine and Fuden-ryu Sojutsu
Fuden-ryu Sojutsu was transmitted in the first year of Hoei (1704) by Okumura Rokuro Sukeshige, a retainer of the Daishoji domain.
Subsequently, it was inherited as the official martial art of the domain until the Taisho era, and a sojutsu dojo was established in the vicinity of Enuma Shrine (the former site of the Daishoji domain's Jinya), where retainers diligently practiced.
In Reiwa 6 (2024), the Daishoji Branch of the Ancient Martial Arts Bushinkai was established in the Chikukeikan of Enuma Shrine, breathing new life into the spear art in its original location. While continuing to foster successors, the martial art Fuden-ryu Sojutsu, cultivated by the samurai of Daishoji, is being passed down to the present day.
FAQ
What is Fuden-ryu Sojutsu?
Fuden-ryu Sojutsu is an ancient martial art of spear fighting passed down since 1704 in Daishoji, Kaga City. It emphasizes practical techniques and the unity of mind, spear, and body, inspired by the philosophy of 'wind'.
Where can I experience Fuden-ryu Sojutsu?
You can observe and experience Fuden-ryu Sojutsu at Enuma Shrine in Daishoji, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where the training currently takes place.
Is Fuden-ryu Sojutsu still practiced today?
Yes, Fuden-ryu Sojutsu is still practiced and passed down. A branch was established at Enuma Shrine in 2024, and efforts are underway to train successors and preserve this traditional martial art.
What kind of spear is used in Fuden-ryu Sojutsu?
The art uses a plain spear (素槍 - sogi) with a long handle, measuring one jo and two shaku (approximately 3.6 meters).
What is the historical significance of Fuden-ryu Sojutsu?
It was the official martial art of the Daishoji domain, practiced by samurai for generations until the Taisho era. Its preservation at Enuma Shrine connects it to the former domain's Jinya (headquarters).