Short answer
Yes-historical samurai trained in a broad system of martial arts that included swordsmanship, archery, spear/naginata, horsemanship, and unarmed grappling, later formalized in koryÅ« (classical) traditions such as kenjutsu, kyÅ«jutsu, sÅjutsu/naginatajutsu, bajutsu, and jujutsu [1] [4] .
What “martial arts” meant for samurai
In the premodern Japanese context, samurai martial arts were not a single sport or style-they were a
curriculum of battlefield skills
. Training emphasized weapons first (bow, spear, sword), supported by horsemanship, tactics, and unarmed grappling for clinches and last-resort defense
[1]
. Over centuries, these arts were organized into schools and lineages, many of which survive as koryÅ« and influenced modern arts like kendÅ and iaidÅ
[4]
.
Core disciplines samurai trained
Kenjutsu (swordsmanship)
Kenjutsu taught edged-weapon tactics, timing, distance, and finishing cuts. Drawing the sword quickly and decisively-iaijutsu-was a specialized skill aimed at ending violence in a single movement under surprise or ambush conditions [1] . While early samurai prioritized the bow, sword training became increasingly central from the late Heian through Kamakura periods and onward as close-quarters combat grew more common [1] . Many modern arts (kendÅ, iaidÅ) descend philosophically and technically from kenjutsu curricula [4] .
Kyūjutsu (archery)
For early samurai, the asymmetric longbow was a premier battlefield weapon; mounted archery defined elite warfare before massed infantry and firearms reshaped tactics. Skill with the bow was considered vital, particularly during periods when mounted archers dominated combat [1] . The cultural legacy of the bow endures in kyÅ«dÅ, which preserves technical and meditative elements from historical kyÅ«jutsu [4] .
SÅjutsu and Naginatajutsu (spear and glaive)
As warfare shifted toward larger infantry formations, spears and polearms grew in importance for reach, formation breaking, and anti-cavalry work. Samurai on foot increasingly relied on yari (spear) and naginata (glaive) in pitched battles, complementing archery and sword use [1] . Modern practice continues in classical schools that transmit these methods as part of comprehensive koryū systems [4] .
Source: ceytopia.com
Bajutsu (horsemanship)
Mounted maneuver, archery from horseback, and battlefield mobility were core competencies in early samurai warfare. Training included controlling the mount under stress, shooting accurately at speed, and transitioning between mounted and dismounted fighting as conditions required [1] .
Jujutsu (unarmed grappling and close-quarters control)
Jujutsu developed among samurai as a system for clinch fighting, throws, pins, joint locks, and selective strikes-especially useful when armored, entangled at close range, or disarmed. It emphasized leverage and control over brute force and informed later arts worldwide through technical transmission and adaptation [5] . Many koryū housed unarmed curricula for battlefield contingencies, integrating weapon-retention and counter-weapon principles [4] .
How samurai training evolved
Across centuries, samurai practice shifted with technology, strategy, and social order. Early periods privileged mounted archery, later phases emphasized infantry weapons and sword work as mass formations and fortification warfare expanded. Drawing techniques (iaijutsu) and battlefield sword methods (kenjutsu) gained prominence alongside spear and glaive tactics. Unarmed skills remained essential for grappling in armor and weapon retention during chaotic melees [1] [4] .
Actionable guidance: How to study credible descendants today
You can pursue historically grounded training through recognized modern or classical disciplines. While availability varies by region, the steps below may help you identify programs with verifiable lineages and appropriate safety and ethics.
1) Identify the art and its historical focus
– For sword work inspired by kenjutsu: look for kendÅ or iaidÅ programs that cite a known federation or koryÅ« lineage. These modern arts emphasize timing, distancing, and mental discipline, reflecting historical sword study in a contemporary, safer format [4] .
– For archery traditions: search for kyÅ«dÅ dojos or clubs affiliated with recognized organizations; kyÅ«dÅ preserves technical posture, release, and ritual elements connected to historical kyÅ«jutsu [4] .
– For grappling with historical roots: traditional jujutsu schools may be available; in many areas, you may also encounter modern derivatives. Verify the school’s syllabus (throws, locks, pins) and any documented lineage before enrolling [5] [4] .
2) Vet the school and instructor
– Ask about lineage: which koryÅ« or federation is recognized, and by whom. Many legitimate instructors can name their teachers and the organization maintaining standards. You can independently search those names with the art’s title and “dojo” or “federation” to cross-check published rosters.
Source: youtube.com
– Request a trial class and observe: safety protocols, lesson structure, and beginner accommodation. Historically aligned programs balance tradition with modern safety.
– Look for comprehensive curricula: even modern programs that specialize (e.g., kendÅ) should teach underlying principles-distance, timing, posture-that reflect historical combative logic [4] .
3) Build a personal training pathway
– Start with foundational posture and footwork: these govern effective technique across arts. Regular solo practice of footwork and cuts/draws for sword, basic releases and shiko for kyÅ«dÅ, or ukemi (breakfalls) for jujutsu can accelerate progress.
– Supplement with conditioning compatible with historical demands: grip strength, core stability, hip mobility, and aerobic base aid sword handling, grappling control, and archery form. Consistent, low-impact conditioning supports longevity in training.
– Use reflective practice: journals and video review can capture lessons, corrections, and goals, reflecting the disciplined mindset historically associated with warrior training [4] .
Common misconceptions, clarified
– “Samurai only used swords.” Early samurai prioritized the bow; swords rose in prominence as warfare changed, with spears and naginata also central to battlefield methods [1] .
– “Samurai training was purely striking.” Historical jujutsu emphasized grappling, throws, and joint manipulation, particularly effective in armor and at close range [5] .
– “Modern arts are identical to battlefield systems.” Contemporary budÅ often emphasize sport, ethics, and personal development while preserving techniques and principles from koryÅ«; they should be appreciated on their own terms [4] .
Step-by-step: getting started without assumptions or unsafe links
- Decide which focus interests you (sword, archery, grappling). Write down two or three goals (fitness, tradition, competition, mindfulness).
- Search using precise terms plus your city (e.g., “kendÅ dojo [City]”, “iaidÅ class [City]”, “kyÅ«dÅ club [City]”, “traditional jujutsu [City]”). Compare at least three options before contacting.
- When you find a potential school, ask for: instructor’s full name, lineage or federation, insurance, class schedule, and safety policies. Request a beginner trial.
- Observe a class. Note etiquette, partner control, and coaching clarity. Ask about beginner pathways and equipment costs (which may vary by region and supplier).
- Start with once or twice weekly training and add short daily solo practice (10-15 minutes) for fundamentals. Increase gradually to avoid overuse injuries.
- Reassess at 8-12 weeks. If progress aligns with your goals and safety is consistent, consider longer-term membership.
Real-world examples of training pathways
– A beginner interested in sword starts with iaidÅ to develop safe draws and cuts, then adds kendÅ for live timing and pressure. Over six months, they build consistent footwork and suburi (repetition cuts), gaining measurable improvements in posture and endurance [4] .
– A grappling-focused student chooses a traditional jujutsu school that teaches throws, pins, and joint locks with weapon-retention concepts. They log techniques weekly and use ukemi practice to prevent injury while increasing training frequency over time [5] .
– An archery enthusiast joins a kyÅ«dÅ club, starting with form drills, breath timing, and stance before live shooting. They progress to consistent groups at short distances and gradually extend range while maintaining form quality [4] .
Key takeaways
Historical samurai absolutely trained martial arts across weapons and unarmed methods, adapting their focus as warfare evolved. If you want to study credible descendants today, choose an art with documented lineage, observe a class, and adopt steady, safe practice habits. Build foundations first-posture, footwork, timing-and let skill compound through deliberate training [1] [4] [5] .
References
[1] NKKF (2021). Martial Arts of the Samurai: Ancient Japanese Martial Arts.
[2] Wikipedia (ongoing). Japanese martial arts.
[3] Ground Game Theory (2024). Introduction to the History of Jiu Jitsu: Samurai Origins.