Core Themes and Content

• Historical Evolution: Fujita Seiko traces the origins of these eighteen disciplines from their roots in China to their eventual adaptation in Japan.
• The Edo Legacy: The book highlights the work of Edo-era master Hirayama Gyozo (1759–1828), who standardized the list for Japanese warriors.
• The 18 Disciplines: While the specific list evolved over time, it generally encompasses:
• Core Combat: Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu), Archery (Kyujutsu), and Spearmanship (Sojutsu).
• Auxiliary Skills: Horse riding (Bajutsu), swimming in armor (Suiren), and grappling (Jujutsu).
• Tactical Arts: Firearms (Hojutsu), stealth and espionage (Ninjutsu), and rope-tying (Hojojutsu).
• Stealth and Strategy: Fujita includes specialized sections on In-jutsu (stealth), detailing methods like Tanuki-gakure (badger hiding) to evade enemies in various terrains.

Purpose of the Book

As a researcher and the “last ninja” of the Koga-ryu tradition, Fujita wrote this manual to preserve authentic martial knowledge during a time when traditional arts were rapidly modernizing or being forgotten. It serves as both a historical record and a practical guide to the holistic system that combined physical prowess with strategy and mental discipline.

Fujita Kikue: Listed as the publisher in the gallery image, she was Fujita Seiko’s wife. She managed the administrative and publishing side of the institute, ensuring his research reached the public during the late 1950s.