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

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