Bisentō Explained

A ^[1] is a polearm used in feudal Japan. The bisentō has various descriptions, "a double-edged long sword with a thick truncated blade",^[2] "a spear-like weapon with a blade at the end that resembles a scimitar",^[3] "a polearm resembling a glaive, with a long, heavy haft and a heavy, curved blade".^[4] The bisentō is said to have been used by ninja and peasants.

Depictions of this weapon can be found in the Chinese military compilations the Wǔ jīng zǒng yào, Sāncái tú huì, the Wǔbèi zhì, and many others,^[5] though no artifact representations currently exist of this implement.

See also

• Guandao
• Naginata

Notes and References

1. https://books.google.com/books?id=6EEHNynxfd8C&dq=bisento&pg=PA204 The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
2. https://books.google.com/books?id=i0ni1NmbYe0C&dq=bisento&pg=PA162 Handbook to life in medieval and early modern Japan
3. https://books.google.com/books?id=HpPrkaGF-9sC&dq=bisento&pg=PA37 Tuttle dictionary of the martial arts of Korea, China & Japan
4. https://books.google.com/books?id=MuNLyoXB-8oC&dq=bisento+spear&pg=PA52 Ninja: The Invisible Assassins
5. Web site: Kukishinden-ryu Bisento. 2017-11-11. Classical Martial Arts Research Academy. en. 2019-04-03.