Warrior Japanese Warrior Monks 949-1603AD Osprey Books

From the 10th to the mid-17th century, religious organisations played an important part in the social, political and military life in Japan. They played a key role in the Japanese civil wars of 1160-85 and 1330-48. Inter-temple rivalry was also common, as the monasteries vied with each other for control of key areas and political influence. Often described as the 'third force', after the warlords and the emperor, they frequently held the balance of power, and so it is unsurprising that many monasteries, such as Nara and Kyoto, took pains to maintain a large body of well-prepared troops. The widespread presence of brigand groups provided another reason why a protective force was necessary, as the extensive monastic holdings made for attractive targets. Known as sohei ('monk warriors') or yamabushi ('mountain warriors'), the warrior monks were anything but peaceful and meditative: they developed and perfected numerous martial traditions, including Kempo, and were a formidable enemy, armed with their distinctive, long-bladed naginata. At the start of the Sengoku-jidai period (the Age of War), new populist sects of Buddhism appeared, and the power of the monks increased: several independent principalities were established. The fortified cathedrals of the Ikko-ikki rivalled Samurai castles, and withstood long sieges. Over this period, political aspects became more accentuated, and the clerical ranks became increasingly monopolised by the offspring of aristocratic families: many Samurai nobles became monks to consolidate power and wealth. This title follows the daily life, training, motivation and combat experiences of the warrior monks from their first mention in AD 949 through to their suppression by the Shogunate in the years following the Sengoku-jidai period.