Variations Of Kusarigama:

Kyoketsushoge  距跋渉毛 or 距抜渉毛  (To Run Around The Fields And Mountains)
Perhaps the most unusual variation of the Kusarigama is that of the Kyoketsu-Shoge. The term Kyoketsu-Shoge which loosely translates as “To Run About The Fields And Mountains” is a variation upon the standard Kama template in that it consists of a double edge spear type blade at the base of which is affixed a deeply curved kama blade. The chain on the Kyoketsu-Shoge is replaced with a much longer length or rope (between 4 and 6 meters), which terminates in a large metal ring.

Whilst a number of Ninjutsu authorities claim that the Kyoketsu-Shoge is a far older weapon than the Kusarigama, the lack of verifiable examples known to predate the Mid-Edo period means that I sincerely doubt that there is any truth in this claim.

However there is another popular belief that claims the Kyoketsu-Shoge is in fact nothing more than the adapted head of a broken Kama-Yari, this in my opinion is the more realistic origin of the Kyoketsu-Shoge as Kama-Yari blades were frequently created with a very short Nakago (tang) section.

Shinobigama  忍び鎌  (Stealth Sickle)
The term Shinobigama is used to describe two distinct yet obviously similar weapons allegedly used by the Ninja of feudal Japan. The first variation of the Shinobigama is in essence a Kama of half size, designed to be easily concealed.

The second and more appropriate variation was a Shinobigama attached to a length of fine chain with a weight at the chains end. In essence being a Kusarigama that was half its normal size. Again this variation of the Kusarigama was designed to be easily concealed by the user.

Kusarigama Technique:

Despite what modern Cinema, Manga and Computer games would have us believe, the Kusarigama is a weapon originating from the late Muromachi period, and designed primarily for single combat. Because of the nature of the weapons design, it is severely limited for battlefield application and requires an open area within which the chain can be swung. Other people (be they friend or foe) tree branches, buildings, tall grass or bamboo could all easily entangle the Kusari Fundo (weighted portion of the chain) not only leaving the user unable to attack with any real conviction; but also unable to defend himself effectively.

One has only to look at the case of Yamada Shinryukan a famed Kusarigamajutsu exponent of the 17th century. Although Shinryukan was an exceptionally gifted warrior who had killed many swordsmen in single combat with his Kusarigama, when he came to fighting the master of Kenjutsu Araki Mataemon he made the tactical error of allowing himself to be lured into a grove of Bamboo where he was unable to swing his Kusari effectively and thus he was quickly killed by the sword of Mataemon.

Rather than amidst the chaos of the battlefield, it was during peacetime that the Kusarigama became a favourite weapon of law enforcement operatives; with not just Samurai but also a number of Doshin (Feudal Policemen) and the higher ranked Yoriki (Police Captains) using the weapon to control and apprehend criminals.

Like its ancestor the Kama, all Kusarigama can be used to strike, cut, slash and stab at the vulnerable parts of a targets body, with the most common targets being the neck, hands, wrist, stomach, groin and armpit. The Kama head was also highly effective at blocking strikes from an enemy weapon (a manoeuvre made much easier with the addition of a Goken).

The Kusari portion of the weapon can be used in the manner of any Manrikigusari in that it can bludgeon, trap, trip and strike against an opponent with relative ease, whilst keeping the weapons user at a safe distance from the reach of the enemy. Within the Junsei Ryu system we predominantly utilise the Kusari to strike at the hands, wrists or head of the opponent in order to create an opening for an attack with a second weapon (In this case the logical choice would be the Kama). It is within the effective range of the Kusari that this weapon comes into its own, in that a long weighted chain allows the wielder to create an area of dead-space around him where due to the speed of the Fundo (Iron Weight) few wish to approach.

The Basic Principles of Kusarigamajutsu:

1) Use the Kusari to keep your opponent at a distance.

2) Feinting movements with the Kusari can easily force an opponent into a set defense.

3) Disarm your opponent by breaking his hands, wrist or forearm with the Fundo.

4) Disarm an opponent at range by entangling his weapon before moving in with a killing blow.

5) Limit the capability of an opponent by wrapping his head, neck, torso or legs with Kusari before moving in with a killing blow.

6) When an opponent is already within the arc of the Kusari utilize the Kama to block and attack.

7) (Hoten Ryu Style Kama Only) Hold the Kusarigama by the Fundo and swing the Kama to keep your opponent at a distance and wound them when within reach.

Noted Schools Of Kusarigama:

Akiyama Yoshin Ryu  秋山楊心流
The Akiyama Yoshin Ryu was founded by Akiyama Shirobei Yoshitoki in 1632.

Araki Ryu  荒木流
The Araki Ryu was founded in early 1573 by Araki Mujinsai Minamoto no Hidenawa. Araki Ryu specializes in close combat grappling with weapons. Araki Ryu is also known by the name Mujinsai Ryu.

Buko Ryu    武甲流
The warrior Toda Seigen founded the Buko Ryu style around the year 1560.

Fukuhara-Ha Masaki Ryu
The Kusarigama of the Fukuhara-Ha Masaki Ryu system of Kusarigamajutsu is different to most Kusarigama designs in that its Kama portion has a short stubby blade more similar in appearance to an axe or pick than a Kama.

Hoten Ryu  法典流
The Hoten Ryu at first glance looks more like a Manrikigusari (Double Ended Weighted Chain) in that the Kama end of the Kusarigama is formed from a very short handle with a short Kama blade. Hoten Ryu is also one of the only schools of Kusarigama in which the Fundo can be held and the blade section swung about the body. This development is at least in part due to the unusual shape of the weapons Kama portion. The Hoten Ryu is also known as Houten Ryu.

Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu  一心流鎖鎌術
The exact origins of the Isshin Ryu style of Kusarigamajutsu is heavily disputed with some traditionalists claiming that the Ryuha was founded by the warrior monk Soma Shiro Yoshimoto (aka Nen Ami Jion) sometime around the year 1400. However more recent scholars believe that the system itself was founded no later than the 17th century by the warrior Tan Isshin. The Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu system is now only preserved as a Heiden (Subsumed Teaching) of the Shinto Muso Ryu; after it was added by the 24th Soke, Shiraishi Hanjiro Shigeaki.

In design the Isshin Ryu Kusarigama is arguably the most evolved form of the weapon known to exist. Whilst both Isshin Ryu and Maniwa Nen Ryu claim to share a common founder; the vastly different design of the Isshin Ryu Kusarigama lends weight to the theory that the system was in fact developed by Tan Isshin, as it version of the weapon obviously developed independently to the version used by the Maniwa Nen Ryu.

Maniwa Nen Ryu  馬庭念流
The Maniwa Nen Ryu system was founded by the warrior monk Soma Shiro Yoshimoto (aka Nen Ami Jion) sometime around the year 1400. Both Maniwa Nen Ryu and Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu apparently share a common founder.

Kashima Shin Ryu  鹿島神流
The Kashima Shin Ryu system was founded at some time around 1450 by two warriors named Kunii Kagetsugu and Matsumoto Bizen  no Kami.

Masaki Ryu  まさき流
See: Fukuhara-Ha Masaki Ryu

Nen Ryu  念流
See: Maniwa Nen Ryu

Shinto Muso Ryu  神道夢想流
See: Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu

Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo  水鷗流居合剣法
The Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo incorporated the Kusarigama into its syllabus under Fukuhara Shinzaemon Kagenori the 9th Soke of the system who based many of its movements upon those of Masaki Ryu Fukuhara-Ha Kusarigamajutsu.

Tendo Ryu  天道流
The Tendo Ryu system was founded in 1582 by Saito Hangan Denkibo Katsuhide.

Toda-Ha Buko Ryu  戸田派武甲流
See Buko Ryu.

Yoshin Ryu  楊心流
See Akiyama Yoshin Ryu

Modern Kusarigama:

The Kusarigama has become rather en-vogue over the last few years, largely due to its portrayal in Cinema, Computer games and Manga comics. However in almost every example its correct design and application are ignored in favor of fantasy and cinemagraphic excitement.

A Few Kusarigama Myths Exposed:

The Kusari Could Be Spiked:
The Kusari (Chain) section was NEVER fitted with spikes, blades or barbs. Whilst this would make for an effective tearing motion it would far too easily become embedded in an opponent, leaving the wielder unable to defend against further attack or retrieve the weapon easily. Also the majority of Kusarigama applications require the user to rapidly slide the Kusari through his hands.

The Kama Could Be Swung By The Fundo:
Contrary to the opinion of many Ninjutsu authorities the Kama section was almost never swung around by the Fundo. The natural weighting of the Kama portion would makes the back edge of the baton section strike first almost every time. A noted exception of this rule is in the Kusarigama design of the Hoten Ryu (Houten Ryu) whose’ version is specifically designed to allow for this.

A Very Long Kusari Can Be Used To Implement Whipping Attacks:
There is always a practical limit to the length of the Kusari portion of a Kusarigama. Any longer than three meters and rapid retrieval of the Fundo becomes difficult. As such the snakelike movements as depicted in films like “Ninja Assassin” are utterly impossible. Traditionally the Isshin Ryu style Kusarigama has the longest of all Kusari at an impressive 3.6meters.

Ninja Used Kusarigama To Climb Trees:
The construction of the blade portion of a Kusarigama makes it an utterly unsuitable replacement for a Kaginawa (Grappling Hook). Also the chain section is far to heavy to throw effectively into trees, there is a reason people use ropes to do this! The Kusarigama is purely a weapon and not a utilitarian tool, in the same sense that a Katana would not be suitable for chopping firewood.

The Kusarigama Was A Battlefield Weapon:
Again some authorities on the Kusarigama would have us believe this, but the truth is that the Kusarigama would be almost entirely ineffective in a battlefield situation. As mentioned earlier in this article, the Kusarigama relies on open space for effective use, and the nature of feudal battlefield warfare would mean that it became entangled almost continually.

The Fundo Or Kama Was Often Wrapped In Combustible Material To Create A Fire Attack Or Nighttime Distraction:
Again, the idea of a flaming Kusarigama is a very appealing one for modern cinema and computer games; but it is utterly impractical, as the Fundo spends the majority of its time next to the head or torso of its user and only lashes forward to make the occasional focused strike or entanglement.

Testing Different Designs Of The Kusarigama:

Up until now Kusarigamajutsu instruction within Junsei Ryu was something saved for high-ranking students and those with a particular aptitude for Kobujutsu. This combined with the fact that the actual design specifications for Kusarigama were really a matter of personal preference, obviously created an uneven playing field for those who wanted to train with the Kusarigama.

During the formulation of this article, it was decided that a standard design of Junsei Ryu Kusarigama was called for, and what better opportunity to test it than with a complete side-by-side comparison to other Kusarigama designs.

Although my Sensei and myself are both quite adept with the Kusarigama, it had not formed an official part of the Junsei Ryu or Hankyo Kobujutsu syllabus’ for many, many years  (Largely because of the weapons illegality within the UK). So a hardwood training Kama would form the bare bones that this weapon would be built around (Cleverly dodging the legal issues of owning and using a Kusarigama within the UK)

The first choice in creating a new Junsei Kusarigama would be choosing which length of chain would be most effective with our current list of techniques. Because we utilise two lengths of Kusari within the Junsei system, one short double-ended Manrikigusari (ten thousand power chain) and a much longer Kusarifundo (single ended, weighted chain) the choice came down to which length would be more appropriate for combat against a swordsman. After some basic testing it became apparent to all, that although the Manrikigusari was great for getting up close and personal, the longer Kusarifundo was far more effective at keeping a swordsman at a safe distance.

As a result a longer chain length of three metres was chosen.

The second choice in creating an official Junsei Ryu Kusarigama design would be the overall blade shape. The relatively short blades of styles like Masaki Ryu and the straight double edged blade of Isshin Ryu were not particularly compatible with our Kamajutsu techniques and as such were immediately discarded.

In line with current Junsei Ryu Kama techniques we opted for a medium to long blade with a good curvature.

The third choice we had to make in creating an official Junsei Ryu Kusarigama would be the positioning of the Kusari attachment. As I already have experience of Kusarigama with the Kusari mounted at both the head and base of the Kama the decision was taken to mock up the three different versions of Kusari mounting on a spare hardwood Kama.

Being the most common design, the first tests were applied using a Kusarigama that had the Kusari portion mounted to the base of the Kama. This mounting position allowed for the easy manoeuvring of the Kama whilst close to an opponent. However when the Kusari wrapped or caught an opponent’s arm or weapon I found that with only a little resistance from them, that the base of the Kama began to be pulled away from me, leaving the Kama portion further away from the enemy. Part of this problem lay in the fact that the majority of swordsmen hold the sword in two hands and as such I was pulling against them single-handed.

The second design of Kusari mounting that we tested was a new one to me and by far the rarest form of Kusari mounting, the centre of the handle. This positioning for the Kusari was by far the strongest of the three but I found that it hindered movement of the Kama (The Kusari extends between the fingers) and made the changing of grip difficult. Pretty quickly it was decided that this variation of the Kusari mounting was not suitable for our needs.

The final chain attachment position that we tested was with the chain mounted on the back of the Kama head. Within only a few movements we found this to be the easiest Kusari position for us to use and even when the Kusari got caught in an opponent, when they pulled against it, the Kama blade merely turned towards them.

The Head mounted Kusari position was chosen for it’s all round ease of use, and strength of technique.

The fourth and final decision that we had to make on our official Kusarigama design was whether or not we would add a Goken (Hand Guard) and if so at what position on the handle. The advantages of adding a hand guard are obvious, especially when the main weapon we are fighting against is a sword. However the addition of a hand guard does limit the amount of movement that the hand can make during combat.

After a number of tests we found that although the addition of a Goken greatly improved a number of the blocking and capturing techniques, other techniques became rather limited in their adaptability.

Of the various positions tested (upper, middle and lower) the lower and middle parts of the handle made the most effective positions for a wide variety of techniques. It was then that the suggestion was made that we create one longer Goken that covered both the lower and middle positions of the handle. This compromise allowed for a greater range of movement that either of the positions did alone, whilst simultaneously increasing the area of protection.

We can now look forward to Kobujutsu students within Junsei Ryu testing their Kusarigama technique against one another on a fair and level playing field. Until that is; I surprise them with yet another unusual weapon from my personal collection.


The information on this page was taken from a www.JunseiMagazine.com article written by Taran McCarnun