Editor’s Note: In PoliceOne “First Person” essays, our Members and Columnists candidly share their own unique view of the world. This is a platform from which individual officers can share their own personal insights on issues confronting cops today, as well as opinions, observations, and advice on living life behind the thin blue line. This week’s essay comes from PoliceOne Member Josh Capilouto an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Capilouto has studied martial arts for more than 10 years and has lived and trained in Japan for two years, and here he writes about some of the teachings of Bugei Juhappan can assist and guide the training of modern law enforcement professionals. Do you want to share your own perspective with other P1 Members? Send us an e-mail with your story.
By Josh Capilouto
Los Angeles Police Department
The elite warriors of old Japan, the samurai, were legendary for their fighting prowess and dedication to their profession. The samurai existed for hundreds of years as civil war and battle raged throughout the islands of Japan; an extensive period of warfare in which a large body of warrior skills and knowledge was developed and honed. Imparting this vast amount of information to samurai-in-training required efficient and regimented training methods, many of which were preserved and maintained within the older Japanese martial art traditions that continue to be studied today.
One such method was the Bugei Juhappan, a set of 18 categories of martial skills and knowledge that was considered foundational to the training of samurai warriors.
The specific categories that comprised the Bugei Juhappan changed throughout history in response to a number of factors such as a change in the samurai “job description,” changes in weaponry and tactics, and continual developments in strategy or scientific knowledge. For example, the study of archery was gradually supplanted by the study of the musket as firearms were first introduced into Japanese warfare then became more prevalent in combat.
However, even though the specific skill sets changed over time as stated above, there remained broad concepts within the categories that did not change. Using the above example, one can see that even though the bow and arrow and musket are entirely different weapon systems requiring a different set of skills, the use of long range lethal weaponry remained a constant, necessary skill category to be studied; necessary in the sense that lack of this ability hampered one’s success in combat. A number of these core competencies were identified for their consistent value in field operations and a course of study was formalized around them, developing finally into the codified set of broad foundational martial concepts known as the Bugei Juhappan.
Therefore, meaningful study of the Bugei Juhappan need not be limited to martial artists and historians interested in its cultural or historical significance. Precisely because this training regimen was developed and historically proven to be useful in training samurai warriors, not for the dojo, but for real-world application, it remains applicable as a modern course of study for those working environments with real-world consequences. Modern law enforcement professionals operate in such an environment. Granted, not the same environment as the samurai, but one where martial performance is a necessity and where failure or success in using those skills has real consequence. Seeing this parallel, I believe officers can learn a great deal in studying the 18 martial categories, and will become highly skilled and more effective in the field.
It is important to mention that martial skills are not the only skills needed for modern law enforcement. There are skills of communication, computer use, grant writing, courtroom testimony, legal understanding, report writing, and myriad other abilities and knowledge officers must possess to perform their duties well. Likewise, the samurai dedicated a lifetime to the study of poetry, painting, and music, not just the sword and spear. However, we will confine our discussion here to matters of martial significance.
How can the Bugei Juhappan assist and guide the training of modern law enforcement professionals? Encapsulated within the 18 disciplines are broad concepts that when studied in a comprehensive manner, will provide a balanced, well-rounded foundation of martial skills to build upon. Firstly, the Bugei Juhappan can be used as a checklist to supplement and direct ones training, leading the practitioner towards competency in a wide ranging group of warrior skill sets and knowledge. For example, the practitioner may study one category over a certain period of time, moving on to the next until they have completed physical and/or intellectual study of each category.
Secondly, an understanding of how the Bugei Juhappan evolved and stayed relevant over time leads one to realize the necessity of remaining progressive in their own training and knowledge; consistently monitoring for current developments in the profession. This is not meant to advise anyone to accept every new gadget and trend that comes along in the world of law enforcement, but to encourage individuals to seek out new information and avoid stagnation in one’s training.
Thirdly, since the skills under discussion are perishable without continual practice, by consistently revisiting each category, the practitioner can remain balanced and proficient in their knowledge and martial abilities. Fourthly, working through the 18 categories will immediately make one aware of wide gaps in their knowledge base or at least identify areas where they are “rusty” and practice is required. Finally, it works as a learning device where an individual may chose a particular category to focus on and continue to seek new knowledge and skills within that category. In breaking down the martial skills into categories, it is easier for the practitioner to visualize where they are weak or their knowledge is lacking, and to actively pursue classes, books, and training in certain areas.
Without the categorization of skills the Bugei Juhappan offers, it is easy to over-focus on one area, under-practice on another, and remain completely unaware of a lack of knowledge in the others.
As mentioned, there have been variations of the Bugei Juhappan throughout history. Below I have listed one version of the 18 martial categories with a description of each category’s initial importance to the samurai and their applications for modern law enforcement professionals.
Long Sword (1), Short Sword (2), Spear (3), Pole Arms (4) Chain Weapons (5) — These categories encompass techniques of using weapons commonly employed by the samurai, thus continual practice and study in these weapons was key to the individual samurai’s effectiveness in combat.
Law enforcement professionals need to continually train with the weapons and tools that are issued and likely to be deployed during the shift, as the samurai did with their swords, spear, and halberd. The characteristics of the weaponry provide a reason as to why these particular weapon systems were studied. Each of the above categories of weaponry all require different methods of use, such as thrusting, slicing, one-handed and two-handed usage, longer distance and shorter distance, flexible and non flexible; each of particular use in a given situation according to a given distance.
Officers can look at their common police tools in the same manner, such as using a baton one handed or two handed, using thrusting or swinging strikes, using short range weaponry such as O.C. spray then increasing to longer distances with electronic control devices. As the above listed samurai weaponry, each of our law enforcement tools has a different set of characteristics that are of use in a given situation according to a given distance. Continual practice gives the ability to smoothly transition between systems and provides confidence in one’s abilities with each system and situational application. Different tools than the samurai but same methodology of study: become competent with the tools you will be called upon to utilize.
Sword Drawing Skills (6) — This was the samurai practice of removing and re-sheathing the sword from the scabbard before, during, and after combat. This critical skill included methods to immediately employ the weapon in an offensive or defensive manner directly from the scabbard. Another part of this skill is in creating the timing and distance needed to draw the weapon effectively while in the midst of combat. Finally, it is the proper re-sheathing of a weapon whereby the samurai could still be in a proper position that if during the re-sheathing process, the weapon is required again, it could immediately be brought to bear.
Law enforcement personnel need continual practice employing weaponry and equipment from the belt. Be it the handle of the weapon or the snap on the equipment case, developing a feel of where the equipment is located on the belt is paramount. Similarly, the ability to deploy the equipment without glancing down during acquisition will aid in maintaining situational awareness. Further, one can train to immediately strike with a baton from the belt without the need to bring the weapon back to a “formal” striking position. One can practice the footwork and timing needed to create the necessary distances to effectively employ our tools. Finally, returning the equipment to the belt without breaking visual contact with the threat is yet another area of study within this category.
Staff (7) — Stick training was an integral, necessary part of the samurai weapons training as these tools were considered non-lethal weaponry of the day. Sticks could be used to injure through striking or control through locking. Furthermore, traditional stick training incorporates the three, four, and six foot sticks for use at different distances from the threat when necessary.
Similarly, law enforcement officers need the ability to use non lethal weaponry such as the OC spray, baton, electronic control devices, and beanbag weaponry to control others in a non lethal manner from all distances.
Archery (8) — Another skill necessary to the samurai was archery as this was the samurai’s lethal distance weapon at one point in history. Study of proper weapon loading, stance, and other fundamentals of marksmanship were essential for use of these system, be it the bow and arrow or the musket.
Of course the modern equivalent for law enforcement is easily described as the sidearm, shotgun, or rifle. Proper use of the various firearms used by law enforcement requires knowledge and continual practice of loading, unloading, stance, trigger control, etc.
Mounted Archery (9) — An equally important skill for the samurai was the ability to shoot while seated in the saddle of a horse or while the horse was moving in a combat environment.
The parallel for law enforcement would be the effective drawing of a firearm and shooting from a seated position perhaps from inside a vehicle or while seated in a restaurant. Similarly, a modern equivalent would include shooting while moving on foot or from a moving vehicle, if need be.
Swimming (10) — Another critical skill to the samurai was the ability to conduct combat operations in water. This included not only the basic ability to avoid drowning should they find themselves in water, but the skill to fight and maintain combat effectiveness in a water environment.
The important concept to be taken from this category for law enforcement is the ability to operate in differing environments which an individual may come across during the performance of their duties. One must learn the skills necessary to operate, for example, in low light environments, inclement weather, hazmat situations, or crowd control; each with their own considerations, equipment, and specialized knowledge needed to remain operationally effective.
Arresting Weapons (11) — There were many weapons and tools the samurai would use when arresting prisoners, performing guard duty, or even performing policing duties within the cities.
The parallel for the law enforcement profession is easy to make. One must maintain proficiency through consistent training and practice with the use of handcuffs, hobble restraint devices, plastic handcuffs, etc.
Hidden Weapons (12) — The samurai would also train to utilize small hidden weapons for use in combat situations.
Study of this category is important for modern law enforcement officers in regards to efficient placement and drawing of knives and backup firearms. Proper placement of the backup weapon involves consideration of a number of circumstances such as ground fighting positions, primary hand injuries, etc. The point to be gained from study of this martial skill is to first consider the circumstances you may find yourself in when a back up weapon is needed, then to practice, practice, and practice those situations.
Horsemanship (13) — A major mode of transportation for the samurai warrior was the horse and as such, proper handling of the animal during combat and non-combat situations was an essential skill.
Similarly, the police vehicle is the major mode of transportation for law enforcement personnel and proper handling of the vehicle when on patrol or emergency driving in differing weather conditions is critical.
Information Gathering (14) — The samurai studied methods to collect tactical and situational intelligence before, during, and after battle.
The modern equivalent for police officers is the ability to stay informed on current developments within their area of responsibility. This may include study of crime trends, gangs, drug trends and new paraphernalia, suspect interrogation skills, creating positive rapport with citizens in the area, and knowledge of existing and up-and-coming “players” in the area. Depending on the officer’s assignment, they may employ informants or undercover skills to gather information as well. Recognizing the importance of staying informed, while practicing the communication skills and investigative techniques required in eliciting information is crucial to safe and effective policing.
Fortifications (15) — The samurai required the knowledge of building and improving fortifications and defensive positions such as castles or forward operating posts. Further, study of the types of fortifications and how to identify and exploit their vulnerabilities was imperative.
Likewise, officers must understand the advantages and disadvantages of structures and positions the officers or the suspects may utilize in a tactical situation. From a barricaded suspect situation, or responding to a “routine” radio call, an officer approaching a structure, vehicle, or even a suspect in an open area, the officer must study and learn to recognize potential ambush kill zones or points of fire that could be utilized by an attacker or themselves. Likewise, an officer can then learn to critically examine the tactical advantages and disadvantages of their own position. One “fortification” an officer has with them the majority of the time is their patrol vehicle. Study of this category would include an understanding of the use and advantageous positioning of your vehicle, along with the knowledge of which areas of the vehicle provide cover for stopping high powered weaponry.
Signaling (16) — These were techniques used for communicating tactical information before, during, and after battle using sounds or visual cues.
For law enforcement proper radio communications is an essential skill including proper radio discipline, clear and efficient informational broadcasts, and providing clear directions during tactical situations. Knowing when to broadcast or stay off of the radio during emergency situations or the ability to provide clear, concise information regarding a wanted suspect are important skills. Further, providing clear direction to the placement of units on a perimeter, notifying other units of your exact location, or redirecting units out of an ambush kill zone are all encompassed in the study of clear radio and tactical communications.
Strategy and Tactics (17) — The samurai engaged in the study of strategy and tactics to operate effectively on the battlefield.
Likewise, law enforcement officers must not only keep up with developments in current tactics and strategies but must continually drill the skills they have acquired. Another aspect to this category would be the thorough understanding and application of departmental policies and procedures. Tactics required on a traffic stop, searching suspects, contact and cover, active shooter response, etc. This category is limitless but the point of study remains, continual study and practice of tactics is essential to safe and effective law enforcement.
Unarmed Combat (18) — Samurai warriors trained in various methods of striking, joint manipulations, and throws.
It is necessary for all law enforcement officers to regularly train in hand to hand techniques including striking, weapon retention, both stand up and ground fighting, etc. There are many different styles of martial arts and training methodology, the choosing of which will require one’s own personal research. Suffice it to say, diligent study and practice in unarmed fighting methods is an essential component in law enforcement.
The broad skill sets outlined above are crucial for martial effectiveness, so much so that the samurai felt it essential to build a curriculum around them; a curriculum for laying a solid foundation of martial skills. As such, the Bugei Juhappan is a great starting point for training for field effectiveness within the law enforcement profession where broad ranging martial expertise is required. As described above, the Bugei Juhappan is useful in that it will encourage us to continue studying and seeking new information, growing in the knowledge of our profession, and avoiding stagnation. We will be able to categorize our knowledge and identify areas where knowledge and ability is lacking. It provides a checklist of perishable skills to continually train and refresh to maintain our effectiveness. Finally, study of the 18 categories leads to proficiency in the broad martial concepts contained therein, providing a well rounded mix of martial abilities for field operations. Although the specific knowledge and weapons have changed over time, one can see that the broad martial concepts within the Bugei Juhappan have modern application and remain a useful course of study for developing martial effectiveness for the modern law enforcement professional, as they did for the samurai of old.
Students of the Bugei Juhappan are limited only by their own imagination in applying the categories to their current assignment and training regimen. The flexibility of the Bugei Juhappan underlies its usefulness for warriors in every era; even though the particular skill sets have changed throughout history, the major concepts found within each category are always applicable for the current practitioner. These broad concepts encapsulated within the 18 categories are only the start of martial skill building; laying a base foundation of martial competency. As was done in the past, one is free to build upon and add to the existing skill sets as they see fit, even including additional categories and concepts according to their current assignment.
I would be remiss if I did not mention another notion to consider in the study of the Bugei Juhappan. What is called in the Japanese martial arts as the concept of ura and omote, this can be translated as the front and back or inside and outside of all things. The ura and omote of the Bugei Juhappan involves the practitioner not only focusing on the study of the categories, but in teaching and passing on the information as well. Help your fellow officers to become better at their job without a desire to hold onto the knowledge in an effort to gain self-importance or to “justify your existence” within your agency. The transmission of knowledge and skills to each other within our profession is of paramount importance if we are to succeed in our endeavor as sheepdogs. Additionally, it involves the recognition that another’s study of the concepts contained within the Bugei Juhappan, whether they call it such or not, is most assuredly taking place. What you have studied in an effort to be a sheepdog, there is a wolf studying it in an effort to disrupt and cause harm. Train harder than they do.
This article is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion of the Bugei Juhappan, its characteristics, or its modern equivalents and applications. Nor is it meant to encourage officers to engage the citizenry with a warlike mentality or to approach the profession solely within the context of warfare. In fact, one may notice that many of the categories are not combative in nature at all. Therein lies the value of this regimen, it was designed to impart the skills necessary to increase competency and effectiveness in all field situations, uses of force or otherwise. It is my hope that law enforcement professionals worldwide may benefit from this traditional samurai training method. I believe this training program can assist in developing and maintaining martial effectiveness; resulting in an increase in personal safety for the individual officer, and their overall ability to provide security for the public they are sworn to protect.
Be safe and happy training.
About the Author
Joshua Capilouto is a six-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department and has worked assignments including patrol, crime suppression task forces, and the fugitive apprehension unit. He has studied martial arts for more than 10 years and has lived and trained in Japan for two years. Officer Capilouto has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and is a frequent reader of Police1.
