In Japanese swordsmanship, the names of waza often hide deeper meanings, carrying lessons for both the body and the spirit. Yaegaki — usually translated as “Eightfold Fence” or “Eightfold Enclosure” — is more than a tactical exercise. It is a meditation on protection, resilience, and the unseen armour that shields the warrior’s spirit.
The Image of the Eightfold Fence
The word Yaegaki is composed of:
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八 (Yae) – Eightfold, many layers
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垣 (Gaki) – Fence or enclosure
In ancient Japan, a yaegaki referred to a defensive barrier made of multiple walls or palisades. Each layer increased the difficulty for an enemy to break through. In the dojo, this image represents layers of physical and mental defence — a constant readiness that does not collapse under pressure.
The Martial Principle
In Iaijutsu kata, Yaegaki often teaches:
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Unyielding Guard – Controlling distance (maai 間合い) and position to prevent an opponent’s entry.
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Layered Defence – Combining posture, footwork, and blade angle to build “walls” that work together.
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Safe Counterattack – Striking without abandoning your protection, ensuring your spirit remains closed to harm even as you win.
Physically, this may look like a block or deflection followed by a decisive cut. Spiritually, it’s about never exposing your inner self to recklessness or anger.
Yaegaki as the Divine Armour
Beyond the martial meaning, Yaegaki can also be understood as divine armour — a blessing of protection that shields the warrior from both physical and spiritual harm.
In Shinto and Japanese mythology, sacred barriers (kekkai 結界) were believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Samurai often saw their code (Bushidō) and spiritual discipline as a form of such armour — an invisible fence blessed by heaven.
Interpreted this way, Yaegaki is not just something you build for yourself; it is a gift from the gods, strengthened by your virtues. It becomes armour for the soul:
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The helmet of wisdom to see danger clearly.
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The breastplate of compassion to protect the heart from hatred.
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The gauntlets of discipline to control the hands and actions.
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The greaves of courage to walk forward without fear.
These are not physical items, but spiritual qualities that clothe the warrior as completely as iron armour — yet weigh nothing and can never rust.
Eight Virtues — The Layers of the Fence
If Yaegaki is divine armour, then each layer of the fence can be imagined as a virtue:
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Courage (Yūki 勇気)
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Compassion (Jihi 慈悲)
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Respect (Sonkei 尊敬)
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Honesty (Shōjiki 正直)
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Loyalty (Chūgi 忠義)
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Self-Control (Jisei 自制)
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Wisdom (Chie 知恵)
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Faith (Shinnen 信念)
Worn together, they form the complete armour of a true warrior. Lose one, and the fence has a gap.
How to Train Yaegaki
Training Yaegaki requires more than memorising the sequence of movements. It’s about embodying the concept of a strong, layered defence and divine protection in every action.
1. Start with your guard
Before drawing the sword, visualise building your fence. Feel your stance sink into the ground, your centre steady, your mind calm. Imagine nothing can pass through.
2. Control the space
Keep correct maai at all times. Yaegaki is about forcing the opponent to work to reach you, while being ready to close the distance decisively.
3. Layer your defence
Think of each part of your body and movement as a separate wall — footwork, blade angle, posture, spirit. Even if one layer is breached, another stands ready.
4. Counter without dropping your guard
When you attack, keep your defensive structure intact. The enemy should never find an opening even as you strike.
5. Train spirit as much as technique
Each repetition should be paired with self-reflection. Which of the eight virtues is strongest in you? Which is weakest? Adjust your mental “armour” as you would your physical guard.
Final Thoughts
Yaegaki is more than a waza — it is a philosophy of living within your own divine armour. Every time you train it, you are not just learning how to defend yourself with a sword; you are learning how to keep your heart pure, your mind steady, and your spirit untouchable.
Approach the kata with humility and sincerity. Let your movements be the walls, and your virtues be the armour. In time, Yaegaki will teach you that the strongest fence is not one that keeps the world out, but one that allows you to walk through the world with courage, compassion, and unshakable resolve.