Hozoin-Ryu Sojutsu

　　　　The Hozoin-Ryu Sojutsu School of spearmanship, together with Yagyu-Ryu, both of which have their birthplace in Nara, Japan are representative of traditional Japanese martial arts. Approximately four-hundred fifty Years ago Hozoin Kakuzenbo Hoin ln-ei was a Buddhist monk of the Kohfukuji Temple in Nara, it is said that one evening, on seeing the reflection of the crescent moon shining on Sarusawa Pond, he was inspired to create a spear with
a cross-shaped spearhead, its effective use and reputation spread nationwide.

　　　　An ancient Japanese poem expresses the spear of Hozoin-Ryu Sojutsu:
　"It can be a spear to stick.. It can be a pole sword to mow.
　　It can be a sickle to cut down. It never fails to hit the target
　　in any case."