Yamabushi (山伏)

Yamabushi literally translated means ‘one who lies in the mountains’ but the words Yama which means ‘mountain’ and the word bushi which means ‘warrior’ is probably a better interpretation of their name.

The Yamabushi are a group of Japanese mountain hermits that believe in life with abstinence form earthly pleasures, who followed the Shugendo beliefs and way of life.

The Yamabushi were long thought to have supernatural special powers, which led them be viewed as both spiritual and mystical, just adding to their allure and mystique.

In addition to being deeply philosophical and spiritual people the Yamabushi were also skilled in combat.
Martial arts was common for them. They have assisted Emperor Go-Daigo in his attempts to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate, and proved their warrior skills to be up to the challenge of fighting professional samurai armies.