I Handed Zatōichi's Katana Cane to a Katana Master and THIS Happened

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Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up?
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Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully give you instructions 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 in the past. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback.
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A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō that is 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.
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[@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 give you instructions 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 in the past. 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 that is 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 ♪Music♪ elements.envato.com/audio otowabi.com/category/material/japan #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@stcredzero]

How did they make the purpose-built shikomizue blades straight? Are they not differentially hardened? Were they made from monosteels?

[@Jougi_Baba]

grew up watching zatoichi. Great watch

[@SteveWalkey]

Archery, please! 🇬🇧

[@loneronin6813]

I have a question about the Kobudo training: When training with say a sword for example, would it be possible to do so with one hand? I know that a Katana is typically wielded with two hands unless you're using a wakizashi in the other, but I have disabilities (even though I'm 31) that affect me (my back and hips) but also affect the functionality of my hands, making it impossible to wield any weapon in both hands. Is this something I could work around or perhaps another weapon I should focus on as opposed to a sword? I've been learning more about knife techniques from various sources, but sadly haven't found reliable information on the use of the Tanto. Anyway, thanks for your time and consideration should you run across this comment. Much respect.

[@hamasmillitant1]

the draw block is often how i start fight with my bastard sword/hand & half sword also. particualy fighting sword/axe & shield or spears. its very effective if you block on sheath & step in & to the side drawing sword across side of chest under armpit or above arm across side of neck above shield if they have a shield then reverse for blow to back of head/neck & their shield gets in way of a counter blow

[@Megidramon]

The fact that Seki-sensei is such a master to where he can imagine all these kata simply by looking at the weapon only goes to show how deep his knowledge actually is. Relating the shikomizue to the wakizashi, tanto, and jo rather than the katana is just brilliant, and proves that, in the hands of a true master such as Seki-sensei, anything can be just as effective and dangerous as a bladed weapon.

[@omegasnake18]

reminds me of that line from the 2000s TMNT Series that Splinter tells his sons. "In the hands of a true master, ANYTHING can be a deadly weapon"

[@dallaire876]

Real life Baki character

[@jllemin4]

That what it means to think of your weapon as an extention of your arm.

[@joshschneider9766]

​@@omegasnake18it's absolutely true. Part of army krav maga in Israel is using anything close to hand as a killing weapon. I can think of a dozen similar truths from other nations as well. This man is clearly a true master

[@graphosencrenoir4006]

@@omegasnake18 yeah like a pen or pencil, Wick style...

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

_"Everyone has a plan until they get cut by a Shikomizue."_ - Miko Tysono

[@Oakshield2]

rofl

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

@@Oakshield2 😆

[@nedhead1972]

😂😂😂

[@kreftegleichgewicht]

hehehe vn

[@Leftyotism]

Haha, I will remember that! 😅🤭

[@edmartin9343]

I really like the “take a knee, break his foot, then draw up into the neck” sequence. It really captures the idea that you’re done fighting while the other guy is still working their way through the whole “Wait, that’s a sword?!” Series of thoughts. Seems like a good plan. Plus the sensei saying that it isn’t a good sword for actual sword-fighting sword, so you have to end things quickly. Very sensible 🤺

[@Crimsonwolf-is3sf]

i really liked the defence from behind, into a stab to the ribs sequence...literally made me go "ooooooo"

[@Jamhael1]

It is the ancient equivalent of throwing a rubber duck instead of a grenade into a room filled with enemies. (See The Fat Electrician for reference)

[@Cypeq]

I really don't like this move, I have feeling most but the most agile of people wold have sword in their back before they reached enemies foot. Full speed drill here would be quite pointless as 50-60 year old master is not gonna outpace his student doing agile quick doge.

[@lennythompson2923]

@@Crimsonwolf-is3sfthat’s gonna pierce the heart definitely a lung

[@TheObeyMayhem]

it really capture the idea that this guy has no idea what he is doing, no one is going to feel a stick smack their foot when their adrenaline is already up. He's going to poke their foot and lose his head at the same time.

[@NSResponder]

I've been a Zatoichi fan for many years, and this is the first time I've seen any sensei talking about this weapon. Thanks for a very informative lesson.

[@gourdguru]

it's a niche outlier. it wasn't a battlefield sword, it was mostly popular as a late era sword made to duck the law in the last gasps of the samurai era, so koryu often don't realy have anything specific to it and don't address it. most people who do talk about it are overhyping it as a ninja gimick. i like that seki sensei sees it for exactly what it is "Oh, it's a sword that looks like a stick, so i can just use it like a stick then" and immediately proceeds to apply jo staff techniques while using the blade itself basically only as a finishing strike.

[@TheEricjfowler]

Where can I get one of those staff sorts please and thank you

[@filmcities]

Always loved Zatoichi! Cane sword could come in very handy these days!

[@cumulus4119]

Seki Sensei would be the Endboss in every Samurai Game :) His Skills are amazing!

[@hazukichanx408]

He'd be that guy in Nioh or something that starts off with one weapon, then switches to another with a whole different move set, and then another! Yeah, those guys'll get ya.

[@chuckporter9526]

I'd have him more as the dude you talk to at your hub area, turn in your XP for new skills. Buy a skill, and you have to fight him both with and against the skill you just bought.

[@AlexM-oq5el]

That implies he could be beaten haha

[@user-pq4by2rq9y]

He would be the lore accurate protagonist

[@samyakroy4210]

​@@chuckporter9526like a sensei? 😆

[@bigmoe28]

Thank you sensei. The issue I've had with most of the "Debunking the reverse grip style" videos is they try to use it as a dedicated dueling form, rather than the close range, short burst, surprise attack style that it's suited for. They also forget the big role that footwork plays. Zatoichi's style may be exaggerated, but it still held to this principle, and illustrated the flaws by the simple fact that the only times he was truly in danger was when an opponent was able to escape the initial strike and drag it out into a proper duel.

[@kevinmorrice]

exactly, these debunking videos never actually debunk anything they just show you how not to use it

[@Gr3nadgr3gory]

Some martial arts are best used offensively. Even when used for defense.

[@mannywilliams6409]

As skilled as Seki Sensei is I greatly admire his ability to remain humble.

[@fafadk]

There is so much anyone could learn from someone like Seki-sensei. He's not just a great martial artist, he's a fantastic teacher. It's not just passion, you can see the man is full of joy when he demonstrates and talks about his art and the history behind it. If all of us could have this level of accomplishment about something in our lives, the world would definitively be a better place.

[@markfergerson2145]

This was wonderfully educational, and just wonderful in general. When the Zatoichi films starring Shintaro Katsu hit American late night TV in the1980s I was instantly hooked. (I much prefer his portrayal to those of other actors who played the role specifically because of his plain appearance and humble demeanor, exactly what a ronin should be even with hysterical blindness.) As I understand it, the three diagonal grooves on the hilt are only on one side to indicate by touch where the edge of the blade is. In many of the films you can see Ichi-San feeling the mouth of the saya to know how to hold it so he can sheathe the blade after a fight, but he always knows where the edge is. There is usually an insert shot (an extreme closeup) of his hand finding the grooves when he has laid down or dropped the sheathed sword so that he knows it’s orientation. It was amazing to see Seki sensei almost instinctively use reverse grip and have it be effective. For so many years people have dismissed Zatoichi’s reverse grip as pure fantasy but we now have proof that it can be effective even if only in the hands of a master like Seki or a literal legend like Zatoichi. Thank you both for this. I may have to binge watch the Zatoichi films again. 😊

[@gourdguru]

*the three diagonal grooves on the hilt are only on one side to indicate by touch where the edge of the blade is.* exactly. although it's actually rarely 3 in the films. depending on which film you're talking about, it's usually either just 1 groove or it's 2. 3 grooves is common on cheap knockoff replicas and may be in one of the newer versions, but i'm not sure. but yes, Ichi always knows his edge alignment because of those grooves. he also commonly pinches the spine of the blade about halfway down and then follows the bo-hi to the tip so he knows when his fingers, and thereby also the scabbard, are nearing the tip of the blade. if you're watching the series again, my fav is personally the 1989 Zatoichi directed by the actor.

[@TheSuperhuman622]

I used to watch zatoichi with my grandma

[@cupguin]

One of my first thoughts while watching this was "I should binge all of my Zatoichi films". Then just how long that will take. Ended up thinking I can't be the only person about to go spend a chunk of time binging.

[@jrlonergan6773]

Seki Sensei has such an infectious joy when he is demonstrating his arts.

[@lucasfv1357]

Wonderful! More glory for the reverse grip today Not only is it great to see these skills and experiments, but it genuinely looks like Seki-sensei is having fun too. That makes it more engaging to watch, like we can witness the joy of creating something (weapon skills and kata, in this case) from his years of experience

[@tnh723]

Im just so grateful that Sensei is so patient and a good sport entertaining all of the stuff we have dreamed about asking the real deal expert. Thank you for all your awesome topics :-)

[@hengfashi6024]

I have three historical examples in my small collection, one has a cousin in the Met- its in cherry bark koshirae and signed by Osafune Bizen Sukesada, it was originally a katateuchi. The cherry bark effect was achieved through lacquer. The other is also curved and this one is also chery bark koshirae but this time they used actual cherry bark. Sometimes you can see them carried in Lone Wolf and Cub, although obviously Zatoichi and anime like Bleach display them as you guys mentioned. The other is a straight blade, shorter, and more like a cane it has a dog carving for the head of the handle and seems to better fit the idea of Hidden Weapons than the other two which I think anyone can recognize contain a sword.

[@KMO325]

Great video. I really enjoyed seeing the real-life application of the cane-sword. When I was in high school in the 2000s, the IFC channel in the United States use to have a Saturday programming block called Samurai Saturdays where different samurai movies would be shown on tv-a lot of those movies were either Kurosawa or Zatoichi films.

[@aletter8630]

I used to watch Samurai Saturdays on IFC as well, that's how I got introduced to Zatoichi, great times

[@cliftonfurney5083]

Zatoichi and the chess master was the best

[@connorperrett9559]

They definitely don't show any films approximating the caliber of Kurosawa's work on public television these days.

[@SoldierDrew]

Yojimbo (the bodyguard) was an excellent film .

[@gourdguru]

@@aletter8630 same. i got a zatoichi replica canesword and practiced with it constantly for a while. got the same sense that sensei seems to. it's a weapon of last resort, and really meant as a defensive parry and counterattack weapon that uses the element of surprise to buy you an opening to end it quickly. even moreso if you look at Ichi's blade specifically. the replicas are usually full katana length at around 28 inches of blade, but in most of the films Ichi's sword is actually closer to a longer wakizashi or a ninja-to in length, i'd guess between 22-24 inches, perfect for fighting inside gambling house hallways and rowhouse alleys where a katana would be cramped, especially for a blind man. not an ideal weapon, but ideal for Ichi's purposes, self defense in tight quarters.

[@SlideIX]

My family own two European style sword canes and out of interest I have learned about how they should be used properly. Watching this I can say that the way to use a European sword cane and shikomizue is very different but they do have one thing in common, using the cane/scabbard in conjunction with the blade. Again they way it is used is different but both everything I learned/was taught and the way Seki Sensei demonstrated the uses of Shikomizue maximum it usage. Anyway I just thought it was interesting

[@richt63]

Fantastic. I enjoyed watching Seki Sensei in these videos. Especially in this one explaining the techniques and history of this weapon found in the movies and anime was actually used in the Meiji period. Love this video ❤

[@Floppy-1235]

I am an old man now and walk with a cane. I wish I could find a reasonably priced one

[@Luka-Garu]

Seki sensei is amazing, he can make anything work

[@jaredingram5124]

To overcome the upside/downside issue - you could etch a dot into the grip and put a colour into it...or have a ribbon or tassel attached to the top of the handle to help identify which way the blade is facing, have it slightly offset so you can tell 😉

[@harpersnyder2297]

Doing that would actually cancel the sole purpose of the can sword which is stealth. Since the marks would make your opponent(s) suspicious about the sword if they spot the colors.

[@Hawthorne-Studios]

@@harpersnyder2297 Yeah true, but if it's a decoration with a stud subtly within it maybe not.

[@MrScary67]

With regards to Zatoichi I found the movies to be enjoyable. I know his sword fighting style was fictional but I like how even seasoned samurai didn't know how to fight him. The actor, Shintaro Katsu was a great actor with a unique physicality, a way of moving, that was very much a part of the character. I have to say one of my favorite moments is at the end of "Zatoichi and the Fugitive"... at the very end. As he is leaving, he is dancing down the road...smiling and happy. Once he knows that nobody can see him, it's like a mask fell from him and we see his true self. There are many moments like that throughout the series. Superb.

[@samyakroy4210]

It was clear from Seki sensei's face that he was having a lot of fun while creating new katas and teaching us. Wonderful content 🤩

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I love to see how Seki Sensei adapts already established techniques from other weapons he knows to use the Shikomizue! This, to me, shows a true warrior mindset; being able to adapt known principles to less known or unknown weapons.

[@TheProtonSpinner]

Very nice lesson! I solved the saya orientation on mine by applying a row of beads with balsa wood glue on the edge side of the saya near the koiguchi. I think the most famous use of a sword cane in America would be Andrew Jackson's duel. I've observed that Western sword canes have blades that are more cruciform and were designed for stabbing, they frequently broke during combat .

[@zaberfang]

Probably because cane swords are basically created for a short fight and assassination which requires one or two strikes to do the job. Unless of course the blade was made of tougher metal.

[@Jamhael1]

Have you tried to put a ring? So you can use it as the saya AND as a handguard as well.

[@n.w.1803]

A note on blade orientation: On the Zatoichi-style canes (several manufacturers have imitations for sale), there're two little hatch marks on the hilt that rest under the fingertips, to help tell which side the edge is on. In a similar place to the mekugi on a conventionally-wrapped tsuka.

[@nimay13]

I would imagine the owners would make such markings themselves.

[@Dr_Wrong]

_Some_ of them, by no means all. Zatoichi's handle was tapered away from the palm. Sometimes. 😂

[@n.w.1803]

@@Dr_Wrong I think mine might be styled after the Beat Takeshi remake..

[@Dr_Wrong]

@@n.w.1803 ​ _"I think mine might be styled after the Beat Takeshi remake.."_ Kewl! 😁 I customize my own (to fit my style) from 9260 Steel alloy, by examining images of Ichi's smallest swords and comparing them to various features of his 'not very large' thick hands, and it's apparent performance.. e.g. speed, balance points, flexibility.. Though I prefer a full (~220mm, 16-18mm, 5mm) straight tang; two mekugi-ana (peg holes), no tsuba or seppa (ofc), rubber habaki to grip into an embedded 6061 aluminum koiguchi, nagasa approx (74cm, 19mm, 4.5mm, 350grams), tsuka & saya made from hickory pick-handles; tsuka 'grip area' tapered teardrop cross section (25mm, 14mm, 11-12mm); tsuka rotated ~ 2.5 degrees clockwise a narrow cone of 6061 aluminum epoxy embedded within the tip of the saya to prevent excessive splitting when used as a 'rod'; Self-gluing electrical heat-shrink to protect the saya tip while tapping the ground; And as a sheathing cheat a 25-28mm V cut through the koiguchi sharp edge open ; drops the blade in sooner. 😁 Omg! Who cares what I do lol 🤣🤣 Ps. I slightly hollow grind with ~1.6m radius, and grind the edge to a narrow 33 degree angle.

[@Dr_Wrong]

I heat treat just the edge by forging the whole length red hot and quenching just the edge with full length sponge soaked in oil, letting it cool to room temp, then temper out the excessive hardness by 'baking' the unit to 400 ℉ for two hours and let it cool naturally. Very springy!

[@BelgianWaffleIron]

I appreciate this guy. He answers fun questions without taking away from the art or dedication to it. I imagine if my teacher was like this I would have gotten a lot farther.

[@ChristyOFaghan]

I enjoyed the katas demonstrating form, but I especially appreciated seeing just how practical Zatoichi's blade could be.

[@FangedBeauty]

This was my favorite video of you yet! So awesome!

[@Kristopher_McPherson]

I'd love to see how Seki Sensei moves with a nagamaki, could we please see a demonstration? 🙏

[@zathura-vu8sb]

I actually made something very similar. It was originally a veterans aluminium " L shape" walking stick. I removed the handle and gently pressed the whole stick into a oval shape. Then I adapted a katana by sharpening the back edge and replaced the handle Basically turning it in to a spear shape. The stick already had a brass locking spring button, so it was very functional as a walking stick. However I could also turn the handle around and slide it inside the lower part of the walking stick , which was now the sheath using the same spring locking mechanism to secure the blade. It was viery similar to a two handed sword or spear. I decided to call it "Betsy" after a bandit /mugger tried to attack me. I drew the weapon and he stood cold in shock. Then I turned it into the spear and roared like a great lion, holding the weapon high and showing my teeth. With this stance and this gleaming blade the bandit /mugger turned and ran away very quickly 😂😂. ( I bets he regret picking on a veteran "Betsy"). Legend says he is still running 😂😂. I will practice these with my "jian". I have solved the problem of which way round the blade is by securing a small badge on the handle that I can feel as I use the jian .

[@crazistuff7051]

Super cool. Subscribed. Loved how humble this master is. Great cinematography and incredible moves.

[@kevinstewart7792]

The one I experienced had slight grip on one side that let you tell which way the edge was facing, very cool video :)

[@Scario45]

I like the fact that being someone with so much experience he could manage to make a weapon of any form of objects you'd put into his hands

[@Vekren]

It’s awesome because as one wouldnt know which side the blade is on the user would have to add something maybe carve something into the cane saya or attack something so they could easiy sheath. Also the attack from the front I could totally see how this attack could happen to an old master and they would be so surprised about the hidden blade. And the kata where Sekei sensei hit the wrist and did the down diagnal cut is totally like a Zatoichi trade mark move. The last kata aswell looks like how Zatoichi moves too. Aregato gozai masu again.

[@MrBracey100]

I always thought the handle had those notches so you could tell where the edge of the blade was before drawing it.

[@Sol_Badguy_GG]

It's Arigatou gozaimasu. Not aregato

[@Vekren]

@@Sol_Badguy_GG Lol I did read the end again. P.S This video was upon MY request. Your welcome.

[@UmbraFulgur]

​@@Sol_Badguy_GG, romaji is always tricky for a westerner.

[@Vekren]

@@UmbraFulgur so true brother

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

I think its so wonderful that the traditions of samurai are not lost and are being kept alive by phenominal people as yourselves.

[@abu_Mux1ammad]

The teacher has a special respect, I wish he taught zatoyichi fencing style. I welcome you from the solo country of Azerbaijan 🇦🇿and subscribe clean because of the teacher

[@mountainwolf1]

Thank you both for teaching me the proper name of this type of sword. I always thought it was a shirasaya.

[@Native_love]

WOW! This is going to get 1,000,000,000 views! Absolutely beautiful use of a technique used in hundreds of movies and animated stories. Thank you!

[@MrGHorf]

Seki sensei moves with such grace, precision and control. It's amazing to watch. Mad respect!

[@roberteckenberg1129]

Great Commendation to Seki Sensei who explains Zatoichis martial art and also to his fight partner who artisticly takes part of this dangerous Kata!

[@FrontLineMarine84]

I grew up and loved watching the old black and white Zatoichi TV show. Love this video thank you for bringing back childhood memories

[@madmaxiemartialartsnerd485]

4:15 I honestly fully understand your excitement as a fellow martial arts nerd. There is just something otherworldly when you see an old timer dish out these moves like it's just as simple as breathing. Growing old is so taunting, your techniques are the best they will ever be, but you lack the youth to pull off their full potential.

[@TheActionBastard]

I saw Shintaro Katsu in Zatoichi and was amazed. I went to look it up and noticed it had... a sequel?! Then I realized that it wasn't one sequel... or even two... this dude is the James Bond of japan and there's over 20 damn movies with that same actor. They're all superb. Beautiful and heart wrenching stories with a formula I appreciated and could predict sometimes... but often the story would do a new thing and take a different twist. All the dice games! HA! The samurai cutting the coin scene and demanding to see his "lightning blade" was just **chef kiss** perfect. On the must see list of martial arts movies... at least one of the films. Minimum. "The legendary blind swordsman"

[@aletter8630]

I have been trying to buy as many Zatoichi movies as I can find, there's so many of them lol

[@Stanlayy-em4fk]

​@@aletter8630 Criterion collection

[@lvcsslacker]

I'm hoping to get the box set at some point.

[@Stanlayy-em4fk]

@@lvcsslacker Catch them when they do their annual half-off promotions. It should be one coming up before the end of the year.

[@kordelas2514]

To be exact, there are 26 films and 100 TV show episodes with Katsu.

[@robertbenson5831]

It's easy to see why he is the headmaster. Thank you, Seki Sensei, for sharing your knowledge with us we are grateful.

[@badrequest5596]

it's always interesting how legislation usually incentivizes the adjustment and even creation of newer defense weapons to go around it. sword canes were very common in europe for similar reasons, you weren't allowed to carry swords by that time. an older example would also be the creation of the messer in germany. messer translates to knife, but this was not an ordinary knife. it was almost sword length (but just short enough it could be considered a butcher's knife), and was constructed in the same way as a knife, single edged, knife grip construction. since commoners weren't allowed to carry swords, the messer was created. if a guard approached a commoner and asked if he was carrying a sword, he'd just say, this is just my work knife. it was essentially a big knife with a crossguard and extra protection on the right side of the hand. and with this new defense and combat techniques were created. and even today you can see this happening in the UK. with the UK trying to make absurd knife laws that look like they're drafted while someone is sitting on the toilet, the actual criminals just exploit that and change the weapon's construction in ways it no longer fits into the definition of a controlled weapon. or just use something else that isn't banned. like kitchen knives

[@nathanmarineau3993]

Okay, this is one of your coolest videos yet! I really enjoyed it.

[@msuperchannel]

You can use Goemon Ishikawa The 13th sword called zantusken from Lupin The III

[@GentleGiantJoe]

5:33 That was indeed the coolest kata for a counter using the cane sword. Smooth and fast, I praise your sensei for showing us these movements.

[@PepinoTheGreat]

Good to see Shogo on the prowl, great material

[@gen3kali877]

Seki Sensei has such a joyous attitude teaching such a serious topic. Beautiful.

[@naruomi9477]

This is very creative due to the fact that using a sword without a hand guard is very dangerous.

[@austinfain5788]

There are a bunch of weapons like that

[@Sparkywon.]

Edit.sensei

[@naruomi9477]

@@austinfain5788 yes and no.

[@austinfain5788]

@@Sparkywon. Ram-dao, Chinese Dao, honestly most African blades, macuahuitl.

[@Vivi2372]

​@@austinfain5788and having no handguard is still more dangerous than not having a handguard. You'd want some form of shield in the off hand ideally if you need to fight with a sword with no guard.

[@markkiefer3243]

My dad introduced me to the Zatoichi movies as a teen, loved them ever since. Feels surreal seeing the sword in motion like this again.

[@cristinelgheorghiu5294]

Thank you for this great video. I always wanted to own a shikomizue, probably I will buy one when I go to Japan. Sensei is very skilled. Greetings from.a martial arts admirer!

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

I'm glad people are discovering zatoichi. I learned about it a few years ago and was upset that I didn't know about it 30 years earlier

[@johnchipmanseishinaikido1531]

Great video! Does Secki Sensei have a daily practice suburi that he feels covers basic movements in Asayama Ryu? A solo practice that can be done? Thank you!

[@letsasksekisensei]

Yes we’ve already made a video about that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHK4aoqMiZV_f7csi=bnd38ED4G7NclBsL

[@Renshen1957]

Seki Sensei with all due respect for his mastery, reminds me of Bruce Lee’s combining different disciplines to achieve a powerful defense and attack. I could rewatch this video over and over and repeatedly marvel at the fluidity of his movements and gracefulness. A grandmaster in every sense of the word. Thank you for uploading this treasure. His insights as to the cane sword strength and weaknesses a valuable lesson. Bravo!

[@xxCablexx]

I love Zatoichi, but I also love the amazing skill of Seki Sensei

[@ObservantPiratePlus]

Just subbed to this channel, Shogo! Thank you for sharing it with us all! 👺⛩

[@madmagyver9981]

The original 1950s version is a masterpiece, the cinematography is incredible

[@Voodoomaria]

It's an honour just to be able to watch this man. Poetry in motion.

[@SenseiEpu]

That last technique was so relaxed and quick!

[@ashwinrajpurohit1090]

🙏Namaste excellent so happy to see that local martial art is preserved and practiced. Appreciate sharing the tricks. Thanks from Bharat / India 🇮🇳

[@0Bagual]

I'm very impressed and honored to see Seki Sensei's skills. Thank you very much and God bless you.

[@eriktaylor5704]

Outstanding and the respect and honor shown Seki is commendable

[@thepyrokitten]

I could almost see Zatoichi again when this man used the sword cane. He identified the strengths and weaknesses and managed his spacing very fast. His experience and mastery became very clear.

[@t3rcx]

Incredible! Watching the Zatoichi films was how I spent a lot of my downtime in college. Now let's see one with the "Hollywood ninjato" where the blade is worn on the back!

[@aloga7136]

Yo ví Zatoichi, me encantó. Aunque no entendí muy bien el por qué era una espada recta, ni conocía su nombre. Me ha gustado la introducción de vuestra historia, quiero saber mas historia de aquellas épocas. Gracias por compartir los conocimiento, es un gran honor verles.

[@Vekren]

Omg!! Thank you so much for the video. I wondered if this video would come out. Many thanks Shogo, Sekei sensei and others. I know that the fights were exaggerated of course and he’s blind but I am very pleased to see it’s practical uses.

[@Ohm.Limited]

Amazing watch these skills in slow motion. At full speed, these encounters would be finished in 1-2 seconds. Much respect to the master and his student.

[@jownbey]

Having watched a number of these it is gratifying to see Seki-sensei loosening up in front of the camera. I must admit that he is crafty, which is one of the highest compliments that I can give a fighter. As a wrestler I was an all-american and I feel that same happiness that you can see on Seki-sensei's face when I'm wrestling at practice and having fun working through funky situations.

[@cptnstylez]

Would love to see more Jo stuff please!

[@michelletousignant734]

As someone who grew up learning fencing and fighting with a sword and shield I can only respect the amount of work it took to master sword play to the extent that Seki Sensei has

[@Anthony_Cika]

Some thing it took me a minute to notice was the enthusiasm and joy Seki-sensei showed throughout the video.

[@TimothyFolkema]

As a vision/impaired-blind person, it would be wonderful to see how to defend with a blind/white cane. Some people teach self-defence for blind people with their canes. Great work!

[@XHobbiesPrime]

Seki Sensei is so darned smooth in his movements!

[@totoroutes5389]

For next video with this master: review the katas that would prepare for multiple opponents as when Zatoichi fights a large gang.

[@wreckedentry9515]

I have studied and taught Martial Arts for years now and you are a tremendous inspiration in that endeavor.

[@NoLegGreg]

I love watching elder asians get complimented, they love it but cant show they love it, but cant help but show they love it, cause they deserve it, but cant acknowledge they know they deserve it....

[@jw2218]

I definitely enjoyed the video. When Zatoichi fights a samurai he holds his cane by his side, but the samurai brings his sword up over his head which to me leaves him wide open for attack. I know it’s just a TV show but it’s still great to watch.

[@robh4671]

The sheathing of the katana shown on here, is poetry in motion.

[@un.ex.pected]

Interesting, the backhand swordfighting. Rare to be seen. Such a rare master.

[@nataliefaust7959]

Benjamin Franklin, a famous 18th century American statesman, had such a cane. I know they were popular in the 18th and 19th century in the UK, but they're illegal now unless dealing with the original antiques. A lovely video! ♥

[@elusiveoni]

I love this channel!!! I’m so glad I found it!! I loved the movies!! Now I get to see the technique behind this cool weapon.

[@CptZatōichi]

Thank you for helping me add to my skill in reverse grip I'm actually serious about this. Few brilliant techniques to practice over and over to master my skill. Thanks again

[@thetattoodmini]

Seki-sensei fights with the spirit of Zatoichi. Those are some of my favorite Japanese movies, so seeing Seki-sensei use it is amazing.

[@horusfalcon]

Many thanks for exploring this. Seki-sensei is so very obviously having fun here, getting the chance to demonstrate a high level of skill with all weapons at hand. That is the joy of true mastery. Is there a chance you two could explore the Dotanuki? (As seen in Kozure Ookami?) From what little I might know, it's supposed to be a heavy-bladed sword that would withstand heavy use.

[@christianboddum8783]

Excellent, Seki sensei is one skilled man!!

[@helpdeskjnp]

I really would love to see Seki Sensei put on protective gear and go somewhat full speed with these techniques. With both a willing and unwilling opponent. I realize each technique is shown under idea circumstances and conditions, however there comes a time where you must step out of that environment and go into your discomfort zone. I’m glad he showed Ichi’s sword… he needs to do his dance of death, or cut the candles out!

[@ivanbarnes3659]

Great demonstration,sensei!

[@warrikata]

Wonderfully fluid motions in that kata!

[@SkepticalCaveman]

The sword cane works because the opponent thinks it's just a regular cane, so you get a free suprise attack. The cane's saya can be used as a stick to strike wth the other hand too, so you have two weapons.

[@jamesmaybrick2001]

Thank you for explaining what we all watched.

[@SkepticalCaveman]

@@jamesmaybrick2001 you're welcome

[@Dr_Wrong]

It works because Zato no Ichi was the protagonist.. 😂

[@amrak-8401]

Always very informative and educational. Thank you, domo!🙏

[@tokilai]

Zatōichi is funny like that, because he's not really blind he just does it to heighten his other senses, haha! Love that

[@vksasdgaming9472]

He is blind. At least when portrayed by Takeshi Kitano.

[@aerodanny75]

you can tell that Sensei is very humble. Thanks for showing us.

[@Thulgore]

The actor who played Zatoichi was absolutely amazing. Some of the camera tricks used are still baffling to me. In fact everything about the movies I have seen is amazing.

[@CromCruachTheElderK]

I have great respect for Seki Sensei and his experience and creativity. I really enjoy these videos :) But, and I mean no offense, some of these techniques strike me as very dangerous. For example, attacking an opponents foot, who is expecting to strike from Jōdan seems like a good way to get yourself killed by the falling blade on your way out.

[@scw1980]

Would Sensei know how to use the Yari? That's something I'd be interested in seeing since he's done the jo already.

[@jakubvlasak2146]

Thanks for explaining reverse grip naturaly ❤

[@Allthetube01]

Great, this is one of then best videos mixing fictional techniques but baking it up with real ryuha skills.

[@VoodooLegacy369]

Sensei’s mastery and understanding of Budo allows him to improvise fluidly with instinct. As a novice I hope to one day achieve his level.