Sohei

There were several other groups of warriors throughout the course of Japanese history, although the samurai class constituted
society’s elite.

Sohei (image is borrowed)

Sohei were Buddhist warrior monks employed by the temples for the protection of their properties. The weapon most associated with sohei was the naginata, the bladed pole weapon. It was also common for Buddhist monks to also be trained in various self–defense techniques. Sohei were dressed in long robes and had the sacred kesa wrapped around their heads.