Hozoin Ryu gained great fame during the middle-to-late 16th century, as a school of the spear. It was particularly known for the peculiar shape of the spearhead, which had crescent-shaped hooks affixed to either side of the shaft, just below the spearhead. The unique design of the Hozoin yari (spear) is credited to the styles originator Hozoin Kakuzenbo Inei. According to legend, Master Inei was inspired when he saw the reflection of a crescent moon in a pond. Other sources claim that the design was used even before this time, by the Ainu, who would use it for trapping large animals such as bears.
The Hozoin Ryu is based on Hozoin Inei’s practice of Katori Shinto Ryu. While it was unusual for a Buddhist abbot to be so passionate about the martial arts, his hard work went to create one of the most prominent spear schools of the time. Hozoin temple, previously a place of solitude for the monks, became a hub of activity for aspiring young warriors, either for training or duels. Some of the more well-known acquaintances of Hozoin Inei were Yagyu Muneyoshi, the creator of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, as well as Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki, second Soke of the famed Itto Ryu. In numerous accounts, Miyamoto Musashi is also known to have spent time at the temple, whether for a duel or simply to learn is arguable (there are many versions of his encounters with the Hozoin Ryu).
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Is Hozoin Ryu popular in Japan, like Jodo? I heard that the spear was made to defeat the sword. In that case is there any specific sword style that is made/modified to defeat the spear?
While I know quite little about the spear in Japan, from what I can tell by your comments, you're referring to the Jo, not the spear.
The Jo was a weapon created specifically to combat the sword, particularly Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, created by Muso Gunnosuke.
Now as for the spear, I can't be sure as to the date of it's origin, and it's original purpose . . . perhaps someone else can field this. I'll try digging around later this week.
As for the Hozoin Ryu, from what I have "heard", through some investigation online . . . the Hozoin Ryu would not be extremely popular anymore; also some sources claim that a lot of the school's techniques have been lost over the generations; not sure about that either.
I see...I thought that the spear and the Jo are somewhat similar in terms of their purposes,etc. The way of the spear seems to be a very interesting art. What is the main difference between the spear and the Jo?
Well, for starters, the spear shaft is approximately 9 ft. in length, compared to the Jo's 4 ft. The spear has a blade affixed to one end (different styles have different variations), for the primary purpose of stabbing. The Jo's shorter size gives it more maneuverability, and is said to mimic the motions of a sword, bo, and naginata. Jodo was also formalized as a system of martial arts long after the creation of the spear (yari); sometime in the early 17th century (I think).
The Spear was heavily used on the battlefield, whereas we only see examples of the Jo in private duels against swords (some would say it's primary opponent).
One thing I've always been curious about . . . aside from Gunnosuke's legendary re-match with Miyamoto Musashi, in which Gunnosuke wins; are there any other accounts of the use of a Jo against a sword? Wins, or losses, I don't care . . . if anyone can find out, please let me know.
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