Kama? Kusarigama?

[monkeygirl]

As a short martial artist, I have opted for a smaller weapon. I have been using the kamas for about a year now, and have increased the difficulty by adding a cord to each handle.

 

However, I have heard some things saying that when a cord is added, it's called a kusarigama.

 

Is there any difference? Can they really be considered two different weapons, or are they just two words for the same thing? Are the weapons used differently, besides being swung?

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

[Tobias_Reece]

Traditionally, the kusarigama/kama (gama being the plural) is kinda like a mixture between a suruchin and kama - a sickle with a long chain on the end.

 

To my knowledge, and what I have been told, the kama with a short loop on the end is a modern invention, used mainly for competitions. The loop adds extra spiny techniques meaning that they can be used like a nunchaku. Traditionally, there was no such thing as a kama with a chord.

 

Hope this makes sense

 

 

[Withers M.A.A.]

The Kusuragama is the original name for the kama. When you add a rope to the end of the kama it is referred to as a flying kama. If you are using the flying kama I suggest you buy a pair that was designed for that. First Impressions sells these kamas and they are very lightweight and come with the cord already.

 

Pete

 

 

[Tobias_Reece]

Withers MAA

 

I believe that we have come across a bit of a hurdle in our kusarigama issue.

 

Every respectable resource and every instructor/practitioner of kobudo I have come across says that the kusarigama is a kama on a chain. There is also some info that the kusari means something spectacular (can't remember what).

 

However, after a search on the net , some amateur sites (comic books etc.) say "kusarigama" when they actually show a kama.

 

In fact, there is a website which sells kusarigama but actually shows a kama on its own. However, at the bottom of the kama is a little metal hoop and a weight next to it. Below that is a little note saying "Bugei do not supply chain"

 

To my knowledge, the kama on a chain was a modification on the traditional kama, modified in japan.

 

There are also many learning resources for the kusarigama, which happen to show a sickle on a chain.

 

Lets keep this topic going, just to see where it comes to.

 

Hope this helps

 

 

[MonkeyNinja]

Yes there is a difference in the weapons and some variations in the techniques.

 

The kurasa-kama as we call it, is a really cool weapon to use.

 

The kama as 2-4ft. chain is attached the handle of the "kama". The chain is usually weighted. It can swung around a weapon or limb, to drag or pull in the oppenent to finish off with the blade of the "kama". A shogee is also similiar, but instead of one blade it has two, and a ring, on the end of the rope or chain.

 

MonkeyNinja