The Eighteen Weapons of War

A translation of a book by Fujita Seiko (1898-1966) introducing the Bugei Juhappan, The eighteen weapons and techniques a warrior was expected to know. The list originates in China and eventually made its way to Japan. Fujita Seiko charts the changes in the weapons and techniques over the centuries and introduces the Edo Era martial arts master Hirayama Gyozo (1759-1828), who adapted it for Japan. The original book is reproduced with additional illustrations from historical Samurai manuals.