top of page
THE WAY OF THE GUN
Hōjutsu is the way of the gun. The word in Japanese is made up of two kanji: 砲 and 術, which mean "gunnery" and "technique" respectivley. Largely unheard of outside of Japan, the martial art uses feudal era techniques and weapons.
Explore this page to get an overview of the guns, equipment and gunners of the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps.
There were different types of matchlock. The names of these guns changed, depending on the size of the gun and the intended battlefield role.
Tanzutsu - Matchlock pistol
Bajouzutsu - Carbine, or literraly 'cavalry gun'
Banzutsu - Numbered gun, or infantry gun
Chuzutsu - Medium barrel gun
Zamazutsu - Wall gun or loop hole gun
Samuraizutsu - Custom made samurai gun
Ozutsu - Large calibre gun, or hand cannon
Torizutsu - Bird hunting gun, small game hunting gun
(sometimes used without bullets - to scare animals)
Just like modern firearms, the matchlocks have several major components that make up the weapon. Here are some of the major parts:
Tsutsu (zutsu) - Barrel
Dai - Stock
Hibasami - Serpentine, hammer arm
Hibuta - Pan cover
Hizara - Flash pan, pan tray
Meate - Sight
Bisen - Breech plug
Hikigane - Trigger
Anzengane - Trigger guard
Karuka – Ramrod
Monme - Caliber
Hinawa - Matchcord
Koyaku - Priming powder
Kayaku - Gunpowder
Doran - Waist box, ammunition box
Tama - Bullet
Muneate - Chest protector
Dougu - Tools
GET INVOLVED
Support the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps
It is free to support the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps. Just follow our social media links at the top of the page and be sure to follow, subscribe and like our content.
Every click creates a better online presence for our team. We enjoy hearing from our friends and followers from around the globe.
So get involved with samurai culture by checking out our social media and website!
Unfortunately we are unable to take on any new gunners at present. Check back in the future of follow or posts on social media to find out when we are recruiting next.
bottom of page