The Samurai seek to attain self-perfection is through their swordsmanship. The Samurai is also trained in combative strategies and group tactics to ensure that they have no equal on the battlefield. These unarmed skills involve joint-locks, throws, strikes,kicks, and pressure attacks that capture and redirect the energy of their opponents. Beyond the four basic weapons of short staff, knife, short chain, and throwing spikes, the Samurai student also employs one other basic tool. Students of Bushijutsu use a wooden fan to enhance the strikes, joint-locks and pressure attacks they employ during unarmed technique.
Bushijutsu students strive to attain perfection in all aspects of the sword.
To accomplish this, they are exposed to numerous techniques that involve cutting, thrusting, parrying, striking and controlling. These skills are further enhanced by exposing students to combative strategies, fast drawing and twin sword technique. When setting up a camp fortification, for example, one needs to consider how to communicate with other members of the team, whether verbally or by sign language, or some other form. Line of sight is also very important. Should there be an altercation or infiltration of the fortification, each member needs to have a clear shot at the intruders.