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.
From a young age, he devoted himself to the way of archery, horsemanship, spearmanship, and swordsmanship.
Mastery of archery, horsemanship, spearmanship, and swordsmanship was considered essential for a samurai.
武芸 is a broader term for martial arts, while 弓馬刀槍 specifically lists four classical disciplines.
弓馬 refers only to archery and horsemanship, whereas 弓馬刀槍 adds swordsmanship and spearmanship.
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.