Yamabushi (山伏) (one who prostrates himself on the mountain) are Japanese mountain ascetic hermits[1] who, according to a traditional Japanese mysticism, are believed to be endowed with supernatural powers. They follow the Shugendō doctrine, an integration of mainly esoteric Buddhism of the Shingon sect, with Tendai Buddhist, Taoism, and elements of Shinto.[2] For the most part solitary, they did form loose confederations, and associations with certain temples, and also participated in battles and skirmishes alongside samurai and sōhei warrior monks on certain occasions. Their origins can be traced back to the solitary Yama-bito and some hijiri (聖) of the eighth and ninth centuries.[3] There has also been cross-teaching with samurai weaponry and Yamabushi's spiritual approach to life and fighting.