Proving that the Saya Sheath is as Powerful as the Katana Blade

[@letsasksekisensei]

*The content of our videos is based on the teachings of Asayama Ichiden Ryu and personal studies/experience | There is no intention of denying other Ryuha styles, theories, and cultural aspects 🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Annual Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp in Japan: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop ⚔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 #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@gregorykelly8000]

Thank you sensei

[@sol3019]

You and your channels really are a treasure for foreigners to learn about Japanese tradition and culture. I also want to express my gratitude towards Seki Sensei for sharing his wisdom. Thank you.

[@eriglebrundelabouexiere472]

Agreed! As an old shugyosha, taught in Yawara, aîkijujutsu, Kobayashi ryu aïkido and Katori Shinto Ryu and Shinkage Ryu no kenjutsu, I want to express my gratitude and respects to Seki Senseï, for sharing such interesting and precious knowledge. His explanations are so precise and illustrative that it's a wonderful enrichment for any sincere shugyosha. Domo arigato! Special thanks to his seme, who performs with great dedication and always listen to his master with uttter and inspiring respect. Domo arigato!

[@sol3019]

@@eriglebrundelabouexiere472 Thank you! I hope we can all learn in the future.

[@Leonlion0305]

3:36 Very interesting how Seki sensei calls the stomach "suigetsu", which is literally "water moon". Turns out it also means vital point (solar plexus) and stomach. Learned something new every day. Really love how much Seki sensei can explain the why for a lot of kata in Kenjutsu and questions like "Why is the katana the soul of a samurai?". Really put things into perspective and let people know the "why" and not the "how".

[@eriglebrundelabouexiere472]

As an old shugyosha, taught in Yawara, aîkijujutsu, Kobayashi ryu aïkido and Katori Shinto Ryu and Shinkage Ryu no kenjutsu, I want to express my gratitude and respects to Seki Senseï, for sharing such interesting and precious knowledge. His explanations are so precise and illustrative that it's a wonderful enrichment for any sincere shugyosha. Domo arigato! Special thanks to his seme, who performs with great dedication and always listen to his master with uttter and inspiring respect. Domo arigato!

[@jimanHK]

Simply beautiful. Thank you Master Seki for sharing your beautiful Sword Art with the world .Thank you Shogo for English subtitles. and English translation.

[@JKallday19]

Honestly

[@vbcsalinasapologetics1242]

One must admire the courage of Tsukada-san, who so often has Seki-Sensei's sword inches from his head or neck.

[@BlackSun404]

Courage? I'd say the more significant factor is, Tsukda-san confides in Seki-Sensei. He trusts that he is just as safe at the tip of Seki-Sensei's katana, as he is behind it. A true Sensei's skills aren't just in cutting - but also in not cutting, when they don't mean to.

[@markfergerson2145]

Now you've got me thinking that I will need to make my own saya. It seems commercially made saya tend to be made of inexpensive pine which is far too soft and weak for the uses Seki Sensei displayed for us. Too hard and too strong would be equally bad as an attacker's blade would not bite as deep, which would lessen your ability to control his sword as you prepare your counter. Fortunately here in North America there is a wide selection of woods with useful properties, some similar to traditional Japanese magnolia though not quite the same. I think I will have to spend some time hacking at scraps of different types to see which works best. Thanks again, Seki sensei, and thank you Shogo.

[@Owlkisses88]

Thanks!

[@knucklepuppy824]

This was a very informative episode and I want to thank you all for your generosity. I learned a lot about things I was particularly interested in and I also gained additional context (Your ryuuha names parts of the blade like Tenshin-ryuu Hyouho and I was excited to find this similarity) Whenever Seki-Sensei gives his explanations I see him light up and I see that it's not just his duty but his passion and joy. ♥️♥️♥️

[@emmanuelgoldstein1918]

Thank you Seki sensei for sharing these kata and knowledge, and thanks to both your Uke and Shogo-san for their assistance in it's production.

[@superiorml9116]

I was just looking for katana fighting methods, I didn’t expect that one of my favorite youtuber is here. “Let’s ask shogo”

[@letsasksekisensei]

I’m running this channel too!

[@BarryHarrellYouTube]

I've been involved in karate and kobudo for about 50 years and want to say that I was fortunate that I learned a lot of these techniques in the 70's/80's and they have made up my foundation. I am very happy to have found your channel and know that if I were still a young man, I would be moving to Japan to learn from Seki sensei. Since I cannot do that now, I will watch and learn from your videos. Thank you both for setting this up and taking time to do these excellent videos.

[@saberserpent1134]

Also pommel strikes like tsuka-até, ganmen-até, etc. The sageo also has many, many possible uses. Every part of the weapon is functional.

[@dsgdsg9764]

Whoever was doing the camera work for this video is very good like a professional

[@Dewabarasunderan]

Pretty sure the Camera Person is generating an income with this = professional

[@dsgdsg9764]

@@Dewabarasunderan you do camera work but not a professional right?

[@jjs3890]

These videos are really confirming everything that I have been taught despite the fact I see most doing things differently. Seated with the katana not in the obi for example. And where your placing it determines your intent. Thank you so much!

[@thomaselmore1155]

Thank you to Seki Sensei.

[@SpecJack15]

A treasure trove of information on saya and unconventional techniques from Seki-sensei! I really learnt a lot from this video! Arigato gozaimasu!

[@antikoerper256]

One of my new favourite channels! Huge respect from Bulgaria!

[@JudahRichardson1]

I love this channel. Sensei is def holding back some moves. For example at 3:18 IIRC from watching a video from a different school you'd aim the blade at the soft spot below their chin as bony spots like a sternum can damage your sword

[@anas-432]

This is amazing, the samurai utilized every part of the katana and thanks to seki sensei for showing us this beautiful piece of japanese history.

[@allengordon6929]

The first recorded italian fencing master ofted told of a technique in which one would smash the end of a scabbard into the oppoenent, then draw whilst pushing them backwards. European sword scabbards tend to have a hard metal plate at the end though.

[@monicab204]

Wonderful! This was so interesting; I learn so much watching this channel! ❤

[@SvenEdelweiss]

Well, that's what I love, and life for. ありがとうございます!

[@NSResponder]

VERY interesting. I've never thought of the sheath as a weapon at all. Thanks for the lesson!

[@naerth7922]

I would think as “the soul of the samurai “ comment is concerned, it is a great idea. War,violence and for sure the taken of a life a will leave marks and dents on one’s soul for sure. Imo it’s an amazing metapor

[@bluejellosuu9583]

shogo thank you for the translations and thank you master seki for the lessons you guys really make for some of the best ways to know about japan and japanese culture, thank you again and again

[@Ethan-jt8yn]

Hey Shogo! Can you and Seki Sensei make a video about left handedness amoung samurai and more left handed techniques?

[@nickregnier1]

Thank you for making this video! As always, it is very high quality skills demonstrated with Seki Sensei. Really pedagogic and educational. Thank you!

[@RedChicken]

this channel is gold

[@ClipsFromMaine]

As always very informative and entertaining as well. Thank you so much! 🙏 Everyone should be subscribed to your channel.

[@taz2906]

I’ve been wondering about saya techniques! Thank you for sharing such valuable teachings with us! Are there saya techniques for tanto too??

[@thomasturner4253]

Thanks I am learning so much from this

[@creolespanish34]

Samurai were masters of fighting biomechanics, achieving a lot with great economy of moves, small wonder as it used to be the difference between life and death. In the kata when Seki Sensei defends against an attack to the hip, it took me three views to realize he was blocking the attack with the saya. He moved it only a few inches to get the desired result

[@KateJohn2013England]

Brilliant as always and the story about his Katana and his Master 🥺 So he honours and serves his master and ryu by using this Katana 😮 It makes it all mean so much more than an art form. Thank you so much. Take care. Stay safe 🙏 ジョン John and ケイト Kate

[@blasalvice]

I'd love to see some techniques that involve multiple opponents! 11:51 That looked awesome :)

[@TheAdventGamer]

I believe it, at the end of the day it's a blunt object and such things can quickly become a weapon in the right hands. Kind of the same idea with a shield. There's more to it then just being defensive. Instead of just blocking with it, use it to ring someone's bell.

[@roninnovastar1321]

This is good technique, that show it can be effective in real combat, so thumbs up for this installment !!! Sensible technique is the key to effective combat.

[@bigfrankfraser1391]

ive often heard people say "why not use the saya as a parrying tool" and the elitist snobs go "well thats not what its for, no one ever used it like that" turns out, its just as useful as i thought

[@FFXI_Addict]

I've been noticing the dents in Seki Sensei's saya for a while now. Mostly because it makes me feel better about how beaten up mine has become over the years haha.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

thanks seki sensei. the sheath is a very useful tool too!

[@JMScomp]

While I am not the type to ever train in any of this, I greatly appreciate what is presented here. It helps lend a new perspective, better understanding and renewed level of respect for those involved. Thank you!

[@spacetimepilgrim]

いつもありがとうこの動画が面白いです！

[@RandomL0s3r]

The thing with attacking and blocking with the saya seems to be reminiscent of how Vergil from Devil May Cry fights. Either using only the saya or utilizing both the saya and the Katana/Tachi itself

[@addictedtoblades2]

Very nice guys, love it

[@fabiangerten]

every video is a pleasure to watch !

[@lorddio4280]

7:17 I feel like this is a good position for mutual destruction.

[@edi9892]

Today, we collect blades and tend to think that they are meant to last forever, but they are all tools and will degrade over time. You can replace the sheath and rehilt the sword, but at some point the blade can no longer be fixed... The weapons we look at today, were mostly those that got rarely used, be it because they were more of an accessory, or because they never got to fulfil their purpose... BTW: European longswords were also often tugged into the belt rather than worn on a rig. Thus, you could use the sheath there as well and medieval manuscripts do show similar techniques.

[@AsAMonkeyInAPinata]

First, love your content! Second… I think “sparingly” might mean the opposite of what you want to say… to use something sparingly is to use something as little as possible, to spare it as much as you can.

[@PropagndaX]

this is my favourite channel on YT

[@letsasksekisensei]

We are glad you say so!

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you!

[@kieronconcannon]

So good, thank you.

[@mackkuklinski6932]

Good reminder the sharp part isn't the only thing that makes a sword a weapon

[@-gs3lk]

You're intro in amazing

[@luka2298]

Wow! How grateful i am for all this knowledge! Thank you so very much! Greatest of respect and regards from Serbia! I hope one day i will come to Japan and train with Sensei Seki San. It would be a dream come true! 🙏Osu!

[@barisdogan17]

thank you shogo

[@lawrencefishbourne5500]

I'm planning a trip to Japan in the near future. Would you mind if I dropped by the dojo to say hello?

[@Haplo-san]

3:28 Can you ask Sensei why they are both mimicking each other, changing legs and patting the sword handle from one end to another, and bring their hands to sides in such way at the same time?

[@loupfeu]

I hope you are all fine. Shogo I know you're a father so I'll make it short. I've listened to many Let's ask Seki Sensei videos while at work & it's very clear that the knowledge shared by Seki Sensei is very efficient & I often have little bursts of laughter because most moves are so smart & unstoppable compare to so many other "masters" ignorimg their ignorance. You are a very good team because each are supporting the other very well, like a team on a sailing boat. So I wish you ALL favourable winds. :) Martin

[@joeyvanhaperen7715]

Always bin curieus as far as I'm aware bo ken are not just tools for training, but life weapons, sow what were these sword shaped clubs actuely used for historicaly. Are they for policing or were they used by commoners for selfdefence I would really love some more context to go with the concept of the weapon.

[@frankhumphreys9778]

First we learned to remove the sheath from the sword and not the other way around, today we learned that it's better to just break the sheath off and go from there! I will probably never be in a sword fight but that's not the point is it? The point being is that we can approach our lives the way one would approach a sword fight, with training, knowledge,the right tools ,pragmatism and the intent to win.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

I wonder if there ever is a technique to use the Tsuba as a shruiken? It has the shape and even have that structure.

[@岡本博志-o3x]

In a channel collaboration project with a history theme, Seki-sensei explained the technique of attacking by throwing the tsuba. 別の歴史をテーマにしたチャンネルとのコラボ企画で関先生が鍔を投擲して攻撃する技術を説明してましたよ。

[@Gulpman1]

It's concise and the movements are scientific

[@Vespuchian]

I'm curious about the hop Seki-sensei did during that 'capturing a messenger' kata: it seems to me that a blow from the Saya would be stronger if you kept both feet planted for leverage, or is it done to stop your knees taking hits from the fellow you're trying to bludgeon?

[@rogerfulgham3941]

You’re welcome 👍👍💪💪👊👊🥋🥋⚔️⚔️

[@TheBoatPirate]

very nice.

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Thank you all 🙏

[@latetodagame1892]

Beautiful!

[@lancerhades971]

Maybe i should start practicing kenjitsu. Deciplined, physical, slow and focused. Honestly it sounds super fun to practife

[@justabrokezombie6252]

So Vergil's movesets ARE somewhat realistic after all.

[@mangeybum1443]

This guy is so badass

[@JustinWolfe-s9j]

This reminds me of sword cane techniques in western arts!

[@franceshaypenny8481]

Maybe the 'Messenger Capture' maneuver would be best called, 'Messenger, knocked out cold', lol.

[@blackpowderkun]

Is there a formal style of dual wielding sword and scabbard.

[@KoToe-ww1pg]

Amazing sword arts ❤

[@Mutant_Tracker]

He fought like Itu from Shadow Fight

[@divinesoul23]

Excellent video! t Thank you for sharing! 😄

[@-gs3lk]

The sensei is the g.o.a.t

[@AlexHyena1]

I wonder if there’s any tales of warriors using these techniques with a bladed sheath. Imagine having just a small, sharpened sliver of steel on the corner

[@lyrad24]

I know we have been so keen on how Samurai had respect for their katanas but like how the ideas of Shinobis being Samurai themselves way back also removes the romanticized "Honor" we know from pop culture but instead if it gets the job done they will use it. This kind of reminds me of using the saya and even having the scratches.

[@brankogredelj6153]

sugoi ❤️

[@charlesrobbins5683]

Striking the pit of the stomach also has a chance to “wind” the opponent

[@nicolasmartinez22522]

hola maestro una pregunta , la saya puede romper la articulacion del brazo de un golpe sin la katana adentro?

[@letsasksekisensei]

It would be possible!

[@rogerfulgham3941]

Amazing 👍👍💪💪👊👊🥋🥋⚔️⚔️

[@AronX66]

It is called a Sia or scabbard right isn't a sheath like a soft bendable version of a cover

[@vciush4069]

i’m left handed so would i draw from my right or would i still be taught to use my right hand and keep it on my left?

[@letsasksekisensei]

The katana is always on your left waist, and it’s meant to draw with your right hand!

[@spytf2865]

to be honest this skill is more like vergil from devil may cry where he using the yamato katana and using the saya as a weapon too

[@KevinZrice]

It's a weapon and a weapon can be good or bad depending on the wielder

[@V-Phoenix]

I knew that these would be real but they being that effective ???? Wow

[@jonathanp___________3606]

When the Saya was still made of magnolia, were there stronger ones designed for training purposes so that Samurai didn’t go through so many just for training?

[@MachineMan-mj4gj]

That moment when you realize that a sheathed katana is now a short staff with a metal core...

[@MKirisame]

When opponent hit a sheath - he can and will cut upward through fingers orvwrist and finish defenceless shisho. But ofcource he magically drop a blade whithout trying to cut a leg or moves away. Real fight is dirty.

[@SlavBoris]

I didn't need this proven, samurai jack already showed me it's just as important as the sword

[@gregorykelly8000]

Is the Katana you train with the same one you'd wear protecting your clan? Never a spare to spar with?

[@maksiostar]

all of these stances could be replaced by just gouging the enemy's eyes out with your fingers though

[@NobuhitoMiyagawa]

主君を守ることが、武士の本懐ということか。 今の自分にはできないことです。

[@vikitheviki]

Q: was there ever someone in history known to wear the katana on the right side?

[@air_resistance]

ah yes, the good old stick

[@hassanrahmani-o1l]

geed❤❤❤❤❤

[@chriswalker499]

I know what is it to have your master pass away.

[@michaelzajac5284]

Did you say the katana for twenty five years?! It's ancient, isn't it?