1.
martial arts, military arts
The traditional combat skills practiced by samurai, including swordsmanship, archery, horsemanship, and spearmanship. Refers specifically to the classical martial disciplines of feudal Japan.
Mastering all eighteen martial arts is difficult.
武芸十八般 refers to the traditional eighteen martial skills expected of a warrior.
Usage
Refers to the classical martial disciplines of feudal Japan. The term 武芸十八般 (the eighteen martial arts) is a well-known expression referring to the range of combat skills samurai were expected to master.
Similar words
武術 is a near-synonym but can also refer more broadly to martial arts techniques. 武芸 emphasizes martial skills as an accomplishment or art form, while 武術 emphasizes the techniques themselves.