DON'T Grip The Handle to Draw the Katana (Here's Why)

[@letsasksekisensei]

⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ Sign Up HERE (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei 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 (kzbin.info). ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style ❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future) 🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍 🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101 *🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set 🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069 🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533 🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189 🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781 🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501 🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons: Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up? A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons. Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback. Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use? A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length. The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training. Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style? A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all. The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing. 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻 sekisensei.com/ 🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵 Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi) Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here

[@daniel_miller_]

"If you claim your style is the strongest, then you must also consider its weakness." Serious wisdom. Many martial artists these days still argue over which style is "best" and "unbeatable", and are blinded by the idea that there is a style that "always wins." But unless you know your style well enough to know its weaknesses, which usually is revealed by experience, you will be limited in your true understanding and ability, and you will never overcome this. I always learn something from watching Seki Sensei. He's quite remarkable.

[@unixtohack]

So true and martial. I am not an expert about using two swords and in the beginning my thoughts ware the same. There are many unusual techniques to counter-attack a two sword attack. So inexperiences makes some arts weak. Daily training and listening to experienced human are very important !!! Thanks for this lesson. I am an older aikido practitionar. Not that great stuff.

[@Vangror]

That's why Bruce Lee advocated cross training in multiple fighting styles because there is no such thing as a perfect style

[@LittleWyrm]

There's a technique in Italian longsword that's very similar to the disarm that you demonstrate. The longsword technique includes an additional step to the side to assist in pulling the sword away, but there's the same useage of both the hand and the hilt to twist the sword out of your opponent's hands.

[@Niroc69420]

I used to practice both HEMA and katana there are lots of covergent techniques

[@PXCharon]

​@@Niroc69420As I tell my students. "Only so many ways to stab a dude." A quote I often attribute to Fiore. 😉

[@AGermanFencer]

When a student asks "couldnt i do this and that?" in a play (which is the european equivalent of a kata) its always fun to say "yes, possible, but then id do this and that. And show them. Plays and kata are built by actions and breaking of these actions in turn until someone "makes a mistake". A predetermined one of course. And i do it like Seki does here and try different counters etc for the plays i wrote for my european fencing school. Its a natural and sensible appoach.

[@aaronyoung8301]

I love that the saya is just pressed against the body by a fabric belt; unlike a lot of European scabbards, which have two or three points where belts attach to, keeping it in place. The hakama has a really cool feature: the scabbard can go literally anywhere in space as long as its still in the belt; making the Saya as "alive" as the sword. So many beginners forget that's an option.

[@CannedMan]

4:26 ‘The 21st headmaster used to say: “If you claim your style is the strongest, then you must also consider its weaknesses.”’ This transcends martial art styles.

[@ShouOokami]

I am in awe of sensei's speed and grace. It's honestly inspiring.

[@danjager6200]

Since Western blades tend not to be optimized for a fast draw, I don't often see discussion on the advantages of different draw techniques. Thank you, this was interesting.

[@canarddefer3574]

Japanese blades aren't optimised for a fast draw either. Iai simply works with what's there. You're right that there isn't much discussion of about equivalent Western techniques, but it's hard to believe that our own ancestors didn't strive to master the fast draw: the parry of prime, for instance, is so-called because it was the most natural parry ("first") for the surprised defender to effect as they drew the sword from its scabbard. The Japanese are lucky insofar as their martial arts retain much of their lineage; if our Western ones did, we might still be practicing our own version of iai.

[@SuperiorAutocraft]

The maturity of a style can really be assessed by how well it adapts to its shortcomings.

[@HitokiriRaiden]

Just how fast and smoothly Seki Sensei is able to draw and attack or defend is just so fascinating to watch because he makes it look so effortlessly. And the stick to the hands part made my fingers hurt for the Assistant he is really a good sport, and very talented himself with how quickly he reacts to an attack.

[@talamioros]

Tsukada-san is himself an instructor of the school already, so he's pretty good himself!

[@TopazRage]

That throw-draw at 3:13 broke my brain. Had to rewatch 5 times to comprehend. Amazing!

[@_-K1LL3RK1tT3N-_]

It's smooth, beautiful and fast. If i had a katana myself then I'd actually learn Asayama Ichiden Ryu

[@SirConto]

On youtube, you can use the keys ; and : to move one frame back or forward. Really helpful when analyzing stuff like this.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

I must say, Tsukada Sensei really cracks me up. The faces he makes are wonderfully funny. 😆

[@myleft9397]

that hand wack looked like it really hurt. I don't think he was just pulling a face that time :D

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

​@@myleft9397Tsukada Sensei has clearly seen his share of pain in the past. 😂

[@daniel_miller_]

Tsukada Sensei isn't just an assistant. But you're right, he is very charming.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

@@daniel_miller_ My apologies, I spoke in ignorance and meant no disrespect. I have corrected my initial post. My respect to Tsukada Sensei, I did not know. Thank you for pointing it out to me.

[@daniel_miller_]

@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 It's fine, not many people know and it's an honest mistake. I just like to give Tsukada Sensei credit when I can. He's a great Sensei too.

[@HandchoiceEnterprise]

Kata are important to practice. It isn't about rote memorisation, but muscle memory. So in such rapid situations, your body automatically selects a well practised form. Having time to think is a luxury, i adored this essence of "no mind". I only managed to come close once vs my iaido sensei. Will never forget that moment...

[@somannernst4554]

Ich glaube mit den 2 Herren könnte man den ganzen Tag Spaß haben solch eine positive Ausstrahlung was sie haben ❤

[@christopherrichardson3393]

I like the free flowing examples given here that are starting to resemble real combat flow 👍 Rare to see demos/examples like this these days.

[@A.Clifton]

I really enjoy that this style seems very practical minded, and a lot of its movements and techniques are based on counterstriking as opposed to assuming your opponent is allowing you to stance up formally.

[@thesunthrone]

This channel really highlights the ART of martial arts! It's so captivating to watch, there's so much training, skill and joy at display with every performance - and it shows just how close and deadly the entire practice is, too! One slip and it's over!

[@guyhogan4882]

7:16 if you blink your eyes you missed it. This is why I love Seki Sensei. Simply brilliant.

[@danielskipp1]

This teaching carries over to the best unarmed training too... gripping with the thumbs causes several major disadvantages. Don't grab, hit.

[@viersangkaha158]

I would like to see Seki sensei and Tsukada sensei in armour, it would be very interesting to see them perform techniques for armored combat while wearing armour like what Seki sensei did with the naga-bakama, maybe they should even do some sparring in it

[@chilliwilly5708]

Seki sensei is AWESOME 😃

[@SifuRodriguez]

If I have the money, I would be learning even though I’m 66 years old. I wonder how many realized the treasure that is before them. Thank you for sharing so much. I’m always amazed of the amount of knowledge that sensei possesses. Again thank you

[@SGTMinguez]

Seeing Seki-sensei when he was studying and learning at Shogo's age was very cool. The passing of technique and knowledge continues generation after generation.

[@wargames2195]

Bro, this channel is growing and I love it.

[@stevenpritchett4933]

That was so intuitive. Awesome techniques.

[@JM-qi5dm]

Never stop making this! Thank you so much! 🙇‍♂

[@pauldwalker]

that was beautiful.

[@N192K001]

0₀0 WHOA！！！ Those moves! Good job to both Seki-sensei & Tsukada-sensei! I had to pause repeatedly to process those counter-attacks. I'm a blackbelt in 1 empty-handed style (Taekwondo), tried Kendo while I conditions allowed, but still look for treasures in other styles. I was stunned to discover the fundamental weakness of my foundational style (Neutralize just 1 knee. Seriously. What good kick can still be done after just 1 knee is disabled?), so I've been looking into styles more based on the arms & weapons. But no matter what means you use, knowledge of what causes attacks to fail (and how to exploit that!) is vital for efforts to not just be reduced to a fancy physical exercise. It took years for me to realize this. I'm glad other viewers can now also realize this, too (but earlier).

[@ANT18621]

I'm beginning to luv this channel.

[@Kkmiojexx]

Shogo your hair looks so good

[@jo3y960]

Very informative. Sensei slides it out like butter

[@pauldunecat]

Every time I see one of these vids, it brings tears to my eyes and a smile the whole time, watching Sensei showing his craft with such joy. Thank you for sharing!

[@MarkKatz2772-jg3tc]

Goodness, it is impressive and honestly inspiring to see how far this has become. I'm not a student of any swordfighting style myself, but I've been watching "Let's ask Shogo" for a long time, simply because I'm generally interested in Japanese culture, and I have also been a long time fan of various channels that center - sometimes among other things - around medieval European weapons and armor, such as Metatron, Skallagrim, Scholagladiatoria etc., because well, I'm also interested in all things swords, armor and indeed history in general, too. Already when Shogo made the first videos with Seki Sensei, I was incredibly excited to see them. Seeing how an actual master moves and manipulates his and his opponents' tools was and still is incredible, every single time. And yes... To see now where it has bloomed, with actual classes and whatnot, it's a beautiful thing. Also, small side note, but I the intro is also really good. Nice production value; it's like the cherry on top of a very good video! Looking forward for more to come :D

[@bujindoryu]

Very good video i like it much

[@TheBanishedWind]

A useful habit to have! I'm looking forward to seeing how I can implement this in my own method! Thank you for sharing this, Seki-sensei & Shogo-kun!

[@stalkingtiger777]

Those techniques are so simple, yet so amazing to watch. Thank you again for taking the time to explain everything to us.

[@leonxpc1]

I like that filosophy will training your style keep trying to explore it own weaknesses

[@shano6613]

This reminds me of when we would play ninja in the back yard as kids

[@farkinarkin5099]

Is that Yuko Suzuhana from Wagakki band in your intro? Nice techniques!

[@kyegaming3193]

Thank you for sharing your incredible skills with us!

[@pythonia5522]

Olé, BRAVO. nice teaching.

[@Apullensg1]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@ironape4643]

Sensei I would love more information on signing up!!

[@DarkShaman667]

The Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū Sōke recently mentioned, we should bring the sword & saya forward with the left hand before drawing. Now it makes sense why, after watching this.

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

Thank you for your videos.

[@CrniWuk]

It's all about the right muscle memory it seems. In a situation where you live depends on it you really don't want to fumble around thinking if there is something blocking your path or not.

[@johnmills9388]

Great to see you and Sensei again! Awesome techniques!😎

[@tribblefluffer]

Wonderful video, thank you all for sharing!

[@Voidicusoffical]

Hey! I know you guys are very busy so I know certain content regarding western weapons aren't a priority. However, I was wondering what Seki Sensei would think about some western curved weapons, such as the polish saber, the naval hanger or cutlass, the messer or kriegsmesser, etc. If you guys could get a rowlings sythetic longsword there's synthetic versions of all of those swords as well. Anyways, you guys are great! Learning about Japan, her culture, and the martial arts there is always a treat

[@michael3088]

"Don't be afraid to let go of the sword" - Miyamoto Musashi

[@cranberryelectric]

Thank you.

[@minasegazi4000]

I was thinking about what if they skip movements for speed and you covered it at the end. I'm impressed he admitted, it could just be out speeded by some attack methods. I'd love to learn from folks like seki sensei.

[@limonsolitario740]

8:57 the real Zatoichi's flash cut😱

[@tartarart4922]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and time!

[@rustyshackleford6906]

I love the look of pure joy on Seki Sensei's face when someone is in awe of a new technique. I can imagine him younger and less practiced, with the same expression, experiencing such well thought out swordsmanship for the first time

[@alexanderkstrauss9943]

PEERLESS🎉❤ 関先生のようにやる人はいない❤️‍🔥🔥

[@Jesuselectrifyus]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@YoKnow]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Gold_Stranger]

Now we just need tp make the Jetstream Sam's blade and mail it Seki sensei.

[@raswerdelad]

The throw draw seems a bit OP. :)

[@elfeiin]

I have watched several of your videos so far and I really like them. I see a lot of the techniques are made for man vs man combat, but did anyone ever develop techniques for defense against wild animals?

[@JM-qi5dm]

🙇‍♂ Thank you very much!

[@TheSuperSpud]

Would you guys be interested in reviewing any of the scenes from Shōgun? I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts

[@MtRevDr]

Hitting fingers is a great idea. In the West and in many battle field the hands are often armored. Hitting fingers and hand becomes a waste of time and effort. There also are swords and pole-arm trappers. For some the katana is for opening flesh. For some it is a prayer item.

[@arkreactorachs3712]

By chance do you guys have a video on the chokutō it’s sword I recently found out about and I’m really curious on how it works and how they weee used.

[@KaitouKaiju]

Rip to that guy's hand

[@jimanHK]

Simply beautiful 7min3sec

[@deathangellink]

can we get a episode on either the gross messer, or the cavalry saber ?

[@mattnobrega6621]

If your opponent attacks high, you attack low and vice-versa.

[@KKBDesignStudio]

I hope @skallagrim reacts to this video 🙌 Not gripping the handle seems like its only possible with a katana! Amazing video as always! Love from India 🇮🇳

[@TheHorzabora]

Superb content, and excellent life advice as well :-)

[@resutra3853]

Wow!!!

[@about84cats86]

could you use the Scabbard of the Wakizashi as an off-hand Defense? ive seen scabbards/sheathes that have a metal strip going down the scabbard and could only think of using it defensively.. if at all?

[@TheBeelzboss]

Is that a two handed training kama I see in the background at the top of the weapon rack at the end of the video? I didn't know those existed, what are they called?

[@thedoc1210]

does everyone else bow at the start when sensei does

[@ЖнецМеханойдов]

Bro how did you know?

[@davideventili2881]

Yes lol

[@Bourne246]

Onegaishimasu!

[@n0denz]

I'd have never thought you could use a scabbard in such a way let alone while still at the waist. Just being able to "aim" the scabbard like that amazes me.

[@SyvenKakeraku]

Could thou have seki-sensei try fighting with a great sword? I would find it intresting to see how thee would fare

[@whocare8260]

Are gunto any different from katana? Seeing how they have a locking mechanism and less curvature

[@MtRevDr]

Katori Shinto style claims the greatest number of victory in actual combat. That is a claim to be the best. An advantage of many MA is to be secretive. This style talks of its secrets and forbid people of the style showing them to other people and other style. The opponent has problem countering you when he does not know what you can do to his moves. So, Seki sensei if also doing other styles a great favor by showing them what his style can do.

[@DMC_F2P]

Without proper practice in scabbard pulling in/out, you get your hands done 💀

[@SebastianVLRL]

ME ENCANTAN LAS CARAS DEL AYUDANTEEEEEE ASKJASJK ES MUY GRACIOSO, SE VE SIMPATICO xd

[@marshallmeinema3138]

greetings, and thankyou for sharing your skills. i was curious to know if there are any techniques for when the saya is held in the hand left instead of in the obi while you draw, and potentially used as an offhand weapon?

[@daniel_miller_]

If I'm not mistaken, there is. Maybe not separately from the katana itself, but the saya itself is definitely used in at least one kata.

[@marshallmeinema3138]

@@daniel_miller_ I feel as if I have seen that displayed already I just do not recall what it would be called, making it difficult to look up

[@MtRevDr]

Some depend and work on speed. At high speed the hand and weapon disappear from the eye. Some times even the whole body disappears or becomes a blur.

[@screwgoogle4993]

Not efficient to depend on an overwhelming physical characteristic. Even if you were an Olympic athlete, sometimes you're injured or sick. If that's all it takes to lose your martial art, can you really be called a martial artist?

[@MtRevDr]

@@screwgoogle4993 - Funny you mentioned Olympic ahlete that depend on the physical. They have to retire when they are over their peak. If you compete fair and square, pound to pound, you have to rely on the physical. All martial artists have retirement day or time. At war you can hide behind something or somebody. So, even a 75 can go to war.

[@MtRevDr]

@@screwgoogle4993 - I remember a martial art, military king, called Richard the Lion Heart, having a bolt stuck to his neck. he definitely was experienced and physical. How skillful was the crossbowman who got a bolt into his neck!? There you go about relying on your technique and whatever experience, equipment, and skill you have.

[@DMC_F2P]

Damn, it's scary being around them. 😂

[@Denver_Risley]

I'm only about 1:30 into the video and, seeing the montage of the duel, I had an impulse thought that it was like playing guitar. Why would I think that? There's just some kind of pattern that reminds me of using all fingers to pluck the strings.

[@vovanussi]

great video, great technique. only subscribers should understand that this technique is only yours and they will not succeed. everyone builds their technique on the same principles

[@MasoTrumoi]

Is wakizashi stored on the left side as with the katana for the same reason? To avoid it bumping another Samurai and causing fights? I'm just curious because in Europe the dagger is almost always worn on the opposite side or on the back of the belt depending on the type and period, and so drawing being intefered with by an additional weapon is never a problem.

[@かようび-f2u]

I’d think it’s because the wakizashi isn’t a dedicated off-hand weapon. It’s the main sword for fighting indoors or in alleys where the longer sword would be cumbersome to use.

[@viersangkaha158]

To add up to ​​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@かようび-f2u‘s answer, I notice that in another video Seki sensei worn his tanto on his right side with the edge facing down so like he said they had different uses

[@marianolaru3702]

🫶🏻🍀❤️🍀👍

[@randallpetroelje3913]

❤🙏

[@chadvagbuster6580]

im griping rn

[@ClarkesonTheMarksman]

4:10 the poor bloke looked traumatised haha

[@barriereid9244]

Domo arigato

[@muhammadsteinberg]

One skillset that has no value on the streets unless you're a nutjob that thinks walking around with a hidden longblade is cool.

[@shutinalley]

It's about not seeing the attack coming. Seems a lot of people haven't grasped that. 😉

[@PXCharon]

I look at it as giving the opponent so few choices that you decide their actions for them.