Kama

[mattys]

For those who have experiance with quality kamas, should I go for Shureido kama, or for Murasaki Kobudo kama? Pretty much the same price for both.

Also, what size kamas should I use? From nuckle to elbow, my forearm is 15" long. By the diagram on the Murasaki Kobudo website, I'm just under 14". What size should I get?

[Shorin Ryuu]

I think the best thing you can do is order hardware store kama from Okinawa when you have the chance. It's what they all really use, anyway.

I have a pair of Murasaki kama that are nice (the large size), but are slightly heavy. This is relative, as most other commercial kama tend to be even heavier, so it really isn't that bad. I also got used to it really quick so I can use them relatively quickly (I'm not the best as it is). I think the medium and small sizes are nice and light.

The Murasaki kama come dulled. I don't know if that will affect your decision.

My best advice is to get two pair of kama, one dull (or sharp and then dull them) and a sharp pair. Have one for kata, the other for practicing cuts on things like cardboard boxes.

It doesn't hurt to get a weapon that is technically smaller than the suggested size (in my opinion, although I think I'm in the minority). The way you block with these small weapons, you don't want your body behind it anyway, as they won't stand up against a hard swing (you're parrying, not blocking), so if they don't technically reach your elbow, it's okay.

You could probably call up Sensei Gordon Shell (owner of Murasaki) and give him your measurements. He'll either suggest a size he has in stock, or he'll actually custom make a size for you, usually.

But when it comes down to it, Okinawan hardware store kama are probably the best...

[Shorinryu Sensei]

But when it comes down to it, Okinawan hardware store kama are probably the best...

*grimacing here*..this is probably the first time I've ever disagreed with you Shorin Ryuu, but personally, I don't like sharp weapons, and those hardware kama come VERY sharp. I've been cut once myself severely by a chain saw , and seen a kid get cut really bad (almost lost his thumb) at a tournament using sharp kama . Nope...don't like, nor recommend a sharp blade myself, especially if the person is a kid...which we don't know if the author is or not.

Just my opinion. You'll see in June what I'm talking about in regards to the chainsaw.

[Shorin Ryuu]

My best advice is to get two pair of kama, one dull (or sharp and then dull them) and a sharp pair. Have one for kata, the other for practicing cuts on things like cardboard boxes.

I think we are in agreement, perhaps?

I meant the dull pair for kata and the other for cutting practice. For example, I use my dull Murasaki kama for my kata and my Okinawan hardware store kama for practicing cuts on cardboard and things in my backyard.

I agree that using sharp kama for kata practice, however realistic, is just extremely dangerous.

If he were to buy hardware store kama, he should have them dulled for the pair he's going to do kata with.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Well....OK...I guess I can bend a bit...but just this once! I've faced sharp weapons before and don't have a problem with that, but I don't like to practice with sharp ones in the dojo.

Remind me when I see you in June to tell you about the kid at the tournament that had sharp kama, and what happened to him.

[Taku-Shimazu]

I guess you are still learning, when you master these weapons you should use sharp ones all of the time, keep your weapons in top condition and look after them as they look after you.

I understand though that you are still learning, I use wooden Kusari Gama as I would not last long with real ones, lose an arm maybe!

But I always use sharp shuriken and Kunai.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I think there is a dramatic difference between using sharp kama and sharp shuriken or kunai.

When using kama, they are almost constantly in motion and passing near, around and across your body. The slightest mistake could result in extreme debilitating injury. The shuriken and kunai are used in a separate manner than the kama, and the risk of cutting yourself with them is much lower.

I think the risks and inherent dangers of using sharp kama for kata practice outweigh any mental benefits you could gain, regardless of whether you are "still learning" or not.

[Taku-Shimazu]

Yes I understand they are a complete different thing, I would not use a real Kusari Gama as I do not have a real experience of years of training.

Do you not use wooden Kama for Katas?

like Iaido practitioners only get a real sword when they are 4th Dan, as there are great dangers involved.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Do you not use wooden Kama for Katas?

No, I don't use wooden kama, foam nunchaku, rubber sai's, rattan/lightweight bo's or PVC tonfa. There is no point IMHO, as they don't feel the same as the real thing, nor move the same. The kama I use are dulled, but the identicle to sharp ones in every aspect.

[ovine king]

er..... don't put rattan staves in that group...

in the chinese styles, rattan staves are almost considered a different weapons to hardwood staves.