Out of the various weapons that we train with in Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, today Seki sensei will teach us the history and skills of the Kama, the Japanese sickle. Through demonstrating 4 Kama Kata, Seki sensei will explain the 3 biggest strengths and characteristics of the Kama. Especially the final Kata is so fast that it’s impossible to understand what happened without explanation, so I hope you can watch till the end to find out.
*The content of our videos is based on the teachings of Asayama Ichiden Ryu and personal studies/experience
There is no intention of denying other Ryuha styles, theories, and cultural aspects
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• How "Throw" Draw is Ac...
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• How to Draw & Sheath a...
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#asayamaichidenryu #kobudo #letsasksekisensei
I love to see Seki Sensei smile when he shows his wisdom and skills! 🙏
You said it. A generous master who wishes to share his knowledge.
Makes me smile as well! 🤭
The Kama is yet another prime example of the innovative nature of humans. When contemporary weapons are banned, either by law or shadow-banned via poverty or taxation, we FIND a way to defend ourselves. The things we call "tools" are often the first things used as weapons. Think of attacking a farmer who has a Kama, or a butcher holding a clever, or a blacksmith while holding his hammer. Even untrained, these people are not entirely defenseless AND often very adept at wielding the tools of their trade as well as very strong from years of hard labor. Some call these "hard" targets because tools make great weapons for defense. "Soft" targets are easier to take advantage of because people in those locations have been disarmed...like a school or a public event where security bans all weapons on site. A controversial topic, no doubt, but the same drive that makes people find a way to defend, is the same drive that makes BAD PEOPLE find a way to steal and destroy. As a woodworker and martial artist, maybe I should design a martial art that uses my cordless circular saw as a weapon...hmm...don't try THAT at home boys and girls.
I grew up in Germany, which has a tradition of more and more restricting weapon laws to the point that they now want to ban pepper sprays! I've only seen illegal firearms thrice, but in some parts knives, daggers, and machetes were incredibly common regardless of whether it was legal to carry them or not! Baseball bats, cobblestone in a handbag, hex nut on a string, stolen bicycle chain etc. were also not uncommon. Personally, I've been injured by a Katana (accident), been threatened with a rapier (snatched off a wall) and I know someone who nearly got murdered with an improvised spear (kitchen knife on a stick).
@@edi9892 That's an amazing response Edi. I watch a lot of Jorge Sprave's content so I know how German laws are getting utterly ridiculous on weapon restrictions. Jorge is also a GREAT example of what can come of people having to get inventive when it comes to protecting yourself. Some of the things he's made make a mockery of weapon restriction because legislations ALWAYS have "holes" in them that can be engineered around and in fact, we often work better with restrictions in place.
Hahaha that weapons sound interesting. I'm also going to try
Let us know when you start your school so we can start taking lessons.
The thing is, a lot of crime were perpetrated not by hardened career criminal, but by people who due to lapse of judgement, burning emotion, or pressure of hardship commit to an irreversible act. On that case, not having easy access to Kama can prevent Kama violence. Personally, being Kama trained, i am happy enough having my Kama stored at clubs vault. Being in relatively Kamaless Island made threat of Kama crime rather low, even hardened criminal couldn't easily procure one, or prefer to limit its usage only on ninja to ninja engagement, for using Kama to farmer illicit massive Samurai Magistrate response, of which the target were easily identified considering Kama-less condition of honest farmer / merchant. Now i don't have to worry my farmer / merchant neighbor come to me with Kama for taking their wife / daughter to an inn, for example.
This is the first time I watched the kama in practice. I wasn't expecting it to be so versatile as a counter weapon, thinking it was more dodge and swing like a knife. Seeing the kama twist and throw the opposing blade while having a slight range advantage has me really rethinking the kama. I did a little kusari-gama practice but only worked with rope movements.
You ain't seen NOTHING yet. Can Openers are busted when paired.
I don't have any traditional combat experience but I used Kamas in Boffer fighting at LARPs and they are GLORIOUS. Pure leverage and speed , when paired you can control the enemy and there's is NOTHING more fun than opening up an enemies shield to defend against their allies while you cut them down. Also, spearmen HATE them because it totally shuts them down.
What boffer LARP do you play?
@@austindavid7155 Did a few in Quebec Canada. Every Sunday in the summer there's a free for all at the Tam Tams on Mont Royal Park. Would have loved to go to Bicoline some time.
What are some ways that you’ve seen the Kama take advantage of the yari- I mean, spear user?
@@jazzyprince3335 Deflect to the sides, then just guide to the ground and walk to your victim. It's impossible to hold a spear straight in reach of a kama.
@@jazzyprince3335 The only scary thing about a spear-user is the tip of the spear, so once you get past that, you can run up on the user and hit them. If you have two kamas you can do an X-block to knock the spear tip out of the way, and use the 'blade' part of the kama to hook the tip out of the way as well
Amazing fighting style I’ve been learning about samurai and ninjas for over 2-3 years now and I’m excited to see an English Channel with great editing to cover these topics
I've noticed something weird: Kama, the Japanese axes, and polearms are all mounted the same way on their wooden shafts. We Europeans would use an eyelet for such weapons, civilian sickles, pickaxes, and axes. Shovels, spears, and halberds on the other hand get attached with a socket which protects the wooden end. I wonder why the Japanese did it differently, especially since it requires more metal for a tool and I do wonder about how it survives impacts. A wooden pole with a steel cap over it is rock solid. However, for the Japanese way, you need to split the pole and then drill holes for pins. Depending on how the wood is oriented one of these steps should greatly increase the risk of delamination within the wood! Especially a pin puts a LOT of stress on a very small area. European polearms had thinner nails or rivets and significantly more than just 2 or 3. Plus, we did use langets to further protect the wooden handle from breaking or blades cutting into it...
My best guess is that it was easier to make than having to forge an eyelet. Instead you just have to make a piece of metal that's mostly flat. Edit: probably also quicker. I don't know much about woodworking or metal making, just talking from the small amount I know.
I've a japanese woodworking (brashing) ax, it has a regular slot but also an L shaped pin (langet) that holds the head securely and the longer part nails into the shaft, very safe.....unless I've been drinking 🤣
There isn't any risk of delamination, they almost always have metal bands to reinforce it. Some naginata and spears also did use sockets. If sockets were much stronger I think some swords would use them too.
Wonderful material! Also the funky tune for the first kata gave me a real old school Lone Wolf and Cub vibe...I could only think, "Watch out, Tsukada-san!"
Love the videos. My dad was a black belt, and we watched a lot of videos like this. Love how you explain the weapon. Then show some moves, and break them down. Please keep these videos coming. Really enjoy watching them.
Very interesting! I was told that the Kama of the Isshin-ryu Kusarigama-jutsu (part of Shindo Muso Ryu) was a bivouac tool used in camp. I can see this one having the same use. It seems to me that using this kind of Kama on the Battlefield would require rather precise usage to attack the weak points of Yoroi (armor)! Particularly using that back-of-the-neck cut - you'd have to get under the back neck-guard of the Kabuto (helmet)! However, used in conjunction with an unbalancing & dropping motion, one face-plants the opponent, which then leaves the back vulnerable to a finishing strike!
I've studied 古武道 over the years, but I feel like I learn so much in 11 minutes from you. ありがとうございました。
That's how you know he is legit I agree you learn so much just by sight imagine being in his dojo
These are powerful kata. People dont realize how blessed they are to witness such incredible techniques and shout out to Seki-Sensei for the demonstration of the Asayama Ichiden Ryu.
I did very much enjoy learning to use the Kama.
I love watching him teach and how happy it makes him! I am also interested in seeing that longer handle sickle being used as well!
Very interesting. It seems to be used in a vaguely similar way to axes by hema fighters.
I actually have a pair of wooden practice kama, I screwed some eyelets in at the bottom and with some paracord and a balled up pair of socks wrapped in some duck tape I have a practice kusarigama. The blades on my practice kama aren't that long though and I've had the things for years..could use a new pair. I'd like to give some of these techniques a try with one of my friends or little brother (he's 31) as a training partner..my little brother last time we really talked about martial arts was more of a polearm kinda guy though, he took back after our dad who is 6 foot 7inches and so my brother is rather tall and lanky which he used to great advantage when we sparred back in the day.
I really enjoyed this video and break down of the use of the kama in a traditional, proper way.
I found this channel while looking for a weapon I could train in when I get to that level in my training. So many cool things
Friend, I never saw anyone using a single Kama before. Generally, they are depicted as being used in pairs-Like Tonfa or Sai. Interesting techniques though.
In Polish sabre we have cuts to the wrist much like the way Seki sensei uses the back of the kama. This is most often achieved using a moulinet or spin. Some sabres have a sharpened back edge in Polish terms it would be "pioro" or feather. (much like kogarasu maru). This opens up many angles to attack from that are difficult to anticipate. The cut to the wrist is usually followed by a cut to the belly or groin, it even has a name the Hellish fourth or the Hellish quart. You could do the same with a kama.
While I'm already excited when you mentioned about 2 kama technic, I really really love to know how or is it possible to wield kama and wakizashi/katana together. Really love to see if Seki Sensei demonstrate this type of skill.
Oh yeah! Love me a Kama! 🥰
Glad to see they're not using real sharpened weapons anymore, the assistant looks a lot less nervous
"It is not as easy as Seki Sensei makes it look." Yes. This is true. This should be the name of this channel. I'm an American and I am learning to use the tomahawk (our native martial art, you could say) and I see similarity between the Kama and the 'hawk.
I love katana, but if I'm being honest, the kama - specifically the kusarigama - is my absolute favorite.
My only question is, what are some techniques that a kama wielder use if a katana wielder used thrusts against the kama wielder? The katana is primarily a cutting weapon, so it’s fitting that defense moves against slashing/cutting attacks were highlighted, but I feel like quick thrusting motions could take advantage of the length difference between the two weapons.
I imagine thrusts are generally a little trickier to guard against due to less telegraphed movement, though some small consolation is the kama wielder is probably less likely to lose their fingers than with some of those defenses against cuts. D-8
A spear would destroy a Kama. I can't imagine why anyone would ever use a Kama over a spear. At the very least put the kama blade on a spear and make a halberd you can hook with.
I appreciate Seki Sensai’s skills, but I don’t think enough appreciation goes to his assistant in the demonstrations. He definitely has a lot of trust and confidence in Seki Sensai as well, and I’m not sure if many other people would take his place in these demonstrations.
Always love the thorough explanations and showcases of each style! thank you for your work, everyone!
Awesome video as usual. Even though the Kama we use at Ryukyu Kobudo are shorter and used in pairs, I noticed some similar techniques :D Thanks for sharing!
I love Seki Sensei's technique breakdowns. Very concise. I'm hoping there will eventually be technique breakdowns for th kanabo and tonfa. Thank you once again and God bless 🙏
Awesome moves guys, love your training videos
One of the best KZhead sites around 👣
Will there be a video about the Kusarigama (chain-sickle)? If so, I'd love to know the opinion of Seki Sensei on this weapon and its effectiveness against close combat weapons like the Uchigatana or even the more simple sickle and also against the long range weapon like the Yari or the Naginata. Either way I love this channel's content, keep up the good work
That was really cool. I appreciate the multiple angles, it helped me wrap my head around the movements.
Thank you, Seki Sensei and Shogo. Wonderful video as usual; I learn so much.❤
A splendid display of grandmastery by Seki-Sensei. I fully understand the dlow and motion of their Kama techniques. Whilst appreciating the extremely small attack window to perform it all. No room for failure nor hesitation. Otherwise, your opponent will recover and strike a killing blow on you.
Thank you for the lesson
Thank you for your video. Very interesting. It is remarkable to see the speed and precision of a master of the sickle. A two handed weapon like the sword (or bo for that matter) will always have a speed advantage though. I think it would be incredible to witness a true samurai in the time of the samurai, but I can imagine that the speed, precision, and ferocity of their attacks would be much more difficult to parry. I have no doubt that farmers with sickles defended themselves, and this technique grew from real situations, but I'd choose the sword if given the option.
Thank you so much for these great videos explaining history and techniques of fighters in Japanese history, tell Seki Sensei we're grateful for his time and wisdom!
Gyutaro's Fighting style
The foot motion at 2:57...🔥🔥
Thank you so much! This video will be so useful for one im making!
I love these videos, hope the channel gets to 100k🙏🏾
I enjoy this series. Thank you Shogo and Seki Sensei
Another fantastic video.
You guys are amazing.
関先生の手の内が良く分かる動画でした。 とても勉強になります、ありがとうございました。
Muchas gracias por sus enseñanzas.
I'm really enjoying watching these videos, with Seki Sensei and yourself. I'm always fascinated by the similarities and differences in Ryu Styles, my Kama I trained with have 18" handles and shorter blades, the last technique with the Winding is similar to a technique from my Training , and which I transferred into my European Weapons training and I teach on my long knife and Axe techniques Courses
Thanks for the information About the old martial arts of Japan
This makes me want to see a video on the kusarigama
Thank you! This is the first kobudo weapon I have started learning, I still love it! Any chance of an Eiku, sansetsukon or kusarigama vid in the future?
Nice video. It might be already planned, but a video about bojutsu demonstrated by Seki Sensei would surely be very interresting.
Fascinating!
Thank you! 9:21 was the best for me so far. :)
Would really love to see a video on the shikomizue! If possible
cool techniques using the sickle.
very cool
▼Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzhead.info/sun/jaaRoc6QmZShoYU/bejne.html) ▼Please support this channel through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo The management (filming, editing, etc.) of this new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely Shogo’s voluntary work. If he is not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, we will try our best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo. ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Katana, Dōgi Training Gear, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything that Shogo uses for their katana training is bought at this shop… Shogo still uses the first training katana he bought in 2016 and is still in good shape! ▼The GOAL of this channel: To achieve 100,000 subscribers by the end of 2023” If you help us achieve this goal, we can make more videos, start online lessons, and hold teaching activities overseas! Please subscribe and support us if you want to learn more from Seki Sensei! ▼Welcome to the Membership▼ kzhead.info/tools/H2QObLwiO1LnghsJRmVPEw.htmljoin Your support will help us to do more activities in the future, and to achieve the ultimate goal of reviving the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu when we had 7,000 students nationwide. -Priority reply to comments (video requests are welcomed) -Monthly membership limited video -Monthly membership limited livestream ▼What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?▼ kzhead.info/sun/ZcV7e9GPpHymfa8/bejne.html ▼Related videos on this channel▼ -How "Throw" Draw is Actually Used in a Real Fight kzhead.info/sun/iM-YadCBpZdvqGw/bejne.html -How to Draw & Sheath a 150cm/60in Long Katana kzhead.info/sun/m6qPfJSKsZ-YlYE/bejne.html -How Samurai Actually Fought with Wakizashi (Short Katana) kzhead.info/sun/qt6heqmsmItqonk/bejne.html ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here ▼Shogo's Main KZhead Channel: Let's ask Shogo▼ kzhead.info In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips on traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of the Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content!
Is there going to be a video on double kamas, would be interested to see how effective two would be.
when attacking with the kama, do you try to cut or stab with the weapon? it seems like an ideal stabbing tool, like a pick, but i have heard cutting was more common. one more question i have is - were they usually used in pairs?
Kama seems to fill the role of a handaxe in the "rock paper scissors" triangle. How would two kama do against eachother? Kama against a glaive? Never noticed the unique nature of this weapon til this video. Thank you.
This one is full of good things. Domo arigato gozaimas.
I imagine having dissimilar combat technic also a major advantage especially against less trained samurai / ronin.
Came here after Scorpion got a weapon upgrade with a Kama in MK1
I was waiting for Sensei to use 円 えん 斬 ざん 旋 せん 廻 かい 飛 と び 血 ち 鎌 がま
Can you please do kama against Spears?
Could Sensei make a kusarigama video?
Now I wonder if you could apply Kama techniques with the usage of Japanese carpenter's style hammers and if it has been done before.
What are the differences between main land kobuto and Okinawan kobuto?
Were there any techniques or trainings for Samurai who prefered to use the left hand to hold their weapons instead of the right? I would love to take his classes. Sadly, I have no money.
I am used to the Okinawan kama....this one he is using is massive. The use is different as well. Holding it on the end of the handle makes it longer but you have much less control over the kama. Give and take I guess ?
Indeed! Sickle Can Be A Great Weapon In Hands Of A Master.. Whether He Is Only A Commoner or High Born..
So, not all Samurai needed to wear katana?! I remember when I thought I'd train kama, but then started seeing how simplistic the kata was. This is a much better Ryu...or so more advanced movements.
there would have been bushi back in the day who were broke af and sold or didn't have their sword. This seems like the next best thing
Can you do a video on the scythe?
I cannot help but wonder what it would be like to merge this certain rapier fencing styles with the kama for parrying, hooking and blade control in the off hand and a katana or wakizashi in the right hand...
now I'm starting to understand how Kama can be used effectively against a sword. the kamas you can buy in US are usually much shorter than this and this decreases not just their reach but also you wouldn't be able to do some of the moves shown here with it effectively. this kama actually can work against a sword, especially if used in pairs. but personally I would still prefer hooked spear over both kama or Katana.
Is scary fast 😮
Recently bought a pair of kama but could only find real long karate kata using them solo. Great to see how they're used in combat. Will these techniques work against jō also?
Can we see videos on Chokuto
Finally kama. I waited this video the first time i saw it in the intro.
私はカマの練習が好きです。先生にありがとうございます。
Would these kama techniques work for naginata, poleaxe or 1-h axes ? I am thinking since they all have the sharp on the inside of the head
what about the kusarigama?
Shogo... You should look up Matt Jensen... On YT... Seriously he would be good to watch to understand swords.. and katanas.. made more in the West... Especially his most recent video... As of March 4th 2023... Hope you get this. It really helps explain things a bit.. especially for you.. who is in the world of katanas
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the Kama allow you to strike the open space between the armor in the neck area?
I'd be fascinated to see what Seki sensei can do with a European sword
Were there lanyards used to keep from losing the Kama?
WTF! this guy is simply one of the top 100 most dangerous men alive. He's the John Wick of the samurai universe. His knowledge and skill are CLEAR... and the fact that he can pick up anything and be effective using it as a weapon is scary.
Hi
Drill another hole in the blade then you could pivot it to a verticle position.
I'm not convinced the kama is faster than a Katana because of the length discrepancy. The end of the katana is going to be moving much faster during a swing than a kama because it's longer. Only against an equally short weapon do I think the kama has any advantage in a fight. It's true strength lied in it being multipurpose and the legality of carrying one around when swords were taken away.
I think the concept of "speed" here isn't as much "velocity" based, but "time until strike" based. A katana is straight (or slightly curved back), so it needs to rotate forward more to cut compared to a kama with its point forward of the handle. It's like how a drinking bird desk toy wouldn't reach the water without its beak.
@@nahte123 exactly
The Kama has a shorter casting time. Despite being slower than the Katana at full-time speed. Basically, the Katana needs to reload by returning to neutral 'stance'. Akin to a sniper rifle. The Kama is akin to a handgun. 8 bullets with much faster target acquisition and versatility of movement.
I remember sickles being different
You should try and use a 2 handed scythe.
Must we make our own practice kama? Or where may we students purchase correct koryu practice kama?
You can buy it, but only when Seki sensei gives permission! A beginner who can’t even handle the katana shouldn’t move on to other weapons yet!
What is that stance at 4:26?
Where can i get a sickle (kama) to fight?
I really enjoy this channel I am impressed with some of the techniques you display even though your display leaves to be desired more well will in your Technique would like to see you display the technique you've learned from Sensei not always you plotting robotically into sensei's perfectly-timed lesson also would be nice to see more real-time action learning to react in the moment not having a planned reaction to a known attack being one in the moment one in the light one with your weapon at hand B1 we R1 together
👍🙏
Omoshirokatta desu! Kama wa shinobi no buki desu to omoimashita...shikashi, samurai no mono mo tsukaimashita yō desu😁
It's Easy to imagine how much high ranked samurai underestimated this "poor mans" weapon