Together with Hokumen no Bushi (a group of warriors guarding north side of imperial palace), which was organized by Emperor Shirakawa to guard the Retired Emperor earlier, Samen no Bushi played a central role in the military affairs of the imperial palace.
すでに上皇警護には白河天皇によって創設された北面武士があり、ともに院の軍事の中枢を担った。