noun
archery, horsemanship, spearmanship, and swordsmanship; martial arts in general
A classical term enumerating the four core martial skills of the samurai. Often used to refer to martial arts as a whole, especially in historical or literary contexts.
彼は幼い頃から弓馬刀槍の道に励んだ。
From a young age, he devoted himself to the way of archery, horsemanship, spearmanship, and swordsmanship.
弓馬刀槍は武士の嗜みとされた。
Mastery of archery, horsemanship, spearmanship, and swordsmanship was considered essential for a samurai.
A compound of 弓 (archery), 馬 (horsemanship), 刀 (swordsmanship), and 槍 (spearmanship). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it reflects the traditional four arts of the samurai class.