History
In 1470, when traditional weapons were confiscated by the Japanese military, Okinawa commoners utilized the kama as a fighting blade, often attaching a chain to the base for greater reach. This longer weapon was known as a kusarigama.
Traditional use
The kama was originally used for cutting grass. In close range fighting, the sickle could be used to trap an opponent’s weapon, or for striking.
Current use
The kam
a is most commonly used in kata (forms) competition and demonstrations. The forms include circular movements which improve blocking and countering techniques.
The bladed weapon of the Ryukyu arsenal, this weapon brings to the practitioner the feel of steel and the hint of fear a live blade gives. Used, as a pair there is one style of Kama with varying sizes of blade length and shaft size. The corner of the blade to the shaft should have a groove cut into it for catching the Bo and other weapons without the blade digging into and getting stuck into the attacking weapon.
