Yari

Yari (槍) is the term for one of the traditionally made Japanese blades (nihonto) in the form of a spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear.

The martial art of wielding the yari is called sōjutsu.

Your Yari was handed to you by your master many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Yari is an impressive 200 cm latex polearm inspired by the weapon that served as the backbone of feudal Japan’s infantry. This Yari is handpainted and sculpted, and the finished result is a beautiful weapon with a long double-edged 55 cm spearhead. A short golden ricasso attaches the spearhead to a black-lacquered and gold trimmed pole inspired by Asian design.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

HISTORY

• A form of the spear has been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years
• Spears were the most common form of weaponry during the Stone Age, and remained popular until firearms were introduced
• Considered a traditional weapon of Japan that was relatively easy to use and manufacture
• The martial art of wielding a yari is called sojutsu