Proving that the Tsuka Handle is as Powerful as the Katana Blade

Is the Tsuka just a handle you hold when fighting with the katana? The answer is no. If you learn the ancient techniques of Kobudo, you will discover that the Tsuka is a powerful weapon as terrifying as the blade.
So today, Seki sensei, the 22nd headmaster of Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 400 years of history, will teach us how the Tsuka handle are made, how to choose the best Tsuka, and 4 Kata with Tsuka fighting skills. The final Kata uses the Tsuka 3 times to fight, so please watch till the end to find out how it happens.
*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
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Asayama Ichiden Ryu was once the number one Ryuha in Japan during the Edo period (1603~1868), with more than 7,000 students throughout the country. Seki Sensei hopes to restore as much of the glory of this era as possible while he himself is the 22nd headmaster. Please help and support us in this endeavor.
▼Related videos on this channel▼
-How "Throw" Draw is Actually Used in a Real Fight
• How "Throw" Draw is Ac...
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-Proving How the Reverse Grip DOESN'T Suck
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#tsuka #tsukahandle #katana #kobudo #budo

[@letsasksekisensei]

▼Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& 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. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. No previous martial arts experience is required and you are always free to join. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO7op2Ol8eepK8 | This is an example of what our lessons are like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2nCYal6obtgbqc) ▼Please support this channel through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo The management (filming, editing, etc.) of this new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely Shogo’s voluntary work. If he is not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, we will try our best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo. ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Katana, Dōgi Training Gear, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything that Shogo uses for their katana training is bought at this shop… Shogo still uses the first training katana he bought in 2016 and is still in good shape! ▼Welcome to the Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/H2QObLwiO1LnghsJRmVPEwjoin Your support will help us to do more activities in the future, and to achieve the ultimate goal of reviving the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu when we had 7,000 students nationwide. -Priority reply to comments (video requests are welcomed) -Monthly membership limited video -Monthly membership limited livestream ▼Check out our merchandise▼ my-store-db9e71.creator-spring.com/ Get our shirts, hoodies, towels, etc. with the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Crest The Asayama Ichiden Ryu's crest is the family crest of the 19th headmaster, Takeishi Sensei. The design represents two arrows which are believed to ward off evil. ▼What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk ▼Seki sensei's Ultimate Dream▼ "To revive the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 7,000 students nationwide" Asayama Ichiden Ryu was once the number one Ryuha in Japan during the Edo period (1603~1868), with more than 7,000 students throughout the country. Seki Sensei hopes to restore as much of the glory of this era as possible while he himself is the 22nd headmaster. Please help and support us in this endeavor. ▼Related videos on this channel▼ -How "Throw" Draw is Actually Used in a Real Fight kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5zCap9_o8psq5Y -How to Draw & Sheath a 150cm/60in Long Katana kzbin.info/www/bejne/nne5fWOIr9KVmKs -Proving How the Reverse Grip DOESN'T Suck kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4bRpmWkotKMerM ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here | We will not reply to emails ▼Shogo's Main KZbin Channel: Let's ask Shogo▼ kzbin.info In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips on traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of the Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content!

[@madeleineg2049]

Thank you for the video. Those were some interesting katas. About the handle details: I'm allways amazed, that some people look for stuff to show off on something like a katana. I know there are considered artwork in japan. It's just my opinion, but from my point of view, the katanas are made to protect the innocent. Like a talisman. A talisman can be called an artwork too. It may be. Or it may be not. It's holy, and that's far more important than art. Cotton, silk or leather, I don't see why it matters. If someone has an allergy or other practical reason against one variant, I can understand, but otherwise... I don't think I could ever tell which one is which anyway. It's not my place to "judge" another person's katana either. I rather concentrate on improving my own katas. Heaven knows, I will be busy enough with that. And it seems a far more reasonable way to use my time too. (My katas seem to tend towards "chaotic".) Well, i guess everyone has their own set of priorities.

[@kohikan5180]

I can tell you from experience, even a plastic tsuba grinding against the back of your hand is excruciatingly painfully.

[@rtp4919]

I don't believe it is so much the scraping of the hand that is the objective. Rather to hold the the hand against your chest and lock it into a wrist bone break as you kneel. In jujitsu we would hold the hand against the chest with one hand over the other to bring the assailant to the ground and finish the rest of the arm control. Here the sensei left hand is not free so he uses the katana handle to lock the hand in place.

[@fourshore502]

it is worth noting as well how easy it is for someone to drop an object, if you hit the hand, wrist, or the object (like a sword) at the right time and place. i remember a sensei that showed us techniques with a rubber knife and granted, it wasnt a real knife which might change things considerably. but he had many different types of ways to make you drop that knife, some of them painful, some of them not.

[@JadedDragon662]

I like how there are contingencies built into the kata. Even if uke grabs the handle you still do the same motions.

[@Kingfisher_2376]

Fun Fact: the English word "Pummel" is thought to derive from the Pommels common among European swords. If true, this is a likely indicator that the use of sword hilts as weapons was also commonplace in Europe, to the point of being axiomatic.

[@joniviitasaari2339]

Would like to see more techniques related to the Tsuba in particular, as swordguards had very prevalent techniques across all continents and styles, which were especially effective in armored combat. Also any techniques related to crossed blade or similar close range situations would be very interesting, as they can sometimes be way more brutal results from very minimal technique or even effort. Also interested what is Tsukada-san's status/rank within the school?

[@ambulocetusnatans]

I am not 100% sure, but he was wearing a white belt when I started watching, so I guess he is Shodan.

[@nickregnier1]

Thank you! A very interesting video again! Really insightful to watch.

[@toddellner5283]

An old friend who has an international reputation both in traditional Japanese swordsmanship and as a scholar of the Japanese sword added one more reason the tsuka is wrapped in ray skin. Its rough texture retains a positive grip even when wet with water, sweat, or blood. While this is not as important in present days when at most we might do kata or cutting practice when the sword was used in battle it was a concern.

[@aoiberny]

I feel like these katas have the beauty that they are not going for the kill. You would much prefer (unless you were in a battlefield) to not kill the oponent if possible and just knock them out.

[@warrennass24]

Hi Seki Sensei and Shogo, Another great video and see it in my training as well. I love the Koryu traditions when it comes to swordsmanship.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

There is a type of Kashira with pointy spikes on it called "Onigashira". Unfortunately, antique examples are very rare, and no sword company has reproductions.

[@eagle162]

Can you give a linked to an image of one, I really want to see it.

[@MrBatraaf]

Excellent video! The more I watch and practice, the more I understand how the position of the body alone is enough to disarm someone, with very little strength

[@jimanHK]

Simply beautiful

[@narusawa74]

Seki Sensei : ho?!.....daijobu? ( yabai...) Uchi Deshi: OSSSSSSU !! ( trying NOT to swallow his tooth) Pommel strikes are very very efficient and deceptive.

[@lexikuro]

I can see how the tsuka can be powerful, especially with a weapon with a much longer handle like the Nagamaki! It's pretty interesting that there's not much references online on how the Nagamaki would be used or even worn (if ever) because it's supposedly one of the more favored weapons of the samurai, and if what my research proves is true, it was also one of Oda Nobunaga's favored weapons too. Would love to see it in certain styles and Seki-sensei's takes on it!

[@nightraid7]

Another good one,tnx guys 🔥✌🏻

[@pensmith]

Thank you for sharing.

[@monicab204]

Another wonderful video!❤

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@xuezing5946]

At 1:53 scene. Question: What about MENUKI?

[@thomasturner4253]

Thank you for the information Old ryu are are amazing in their use of every part of a katana

[@robertbenson5831]

These techniques are well-suited for dealing with young novice warriors who "THINK" they are ready to fight. A good way to teach them a lesson without serious injury. I dig it.

[@luisbarjollo1687]

Oh that's interesting, we have the same technique for when people grab the tsuka in the style where i instruct people in!

[@jayim7996]

Very interesting. There are so many moves that are Aiki in this video. Shogo can you ask Seki Sensei what size Katana should I buy to train his method. I know it was mention once in a previous video but can't seem to track it down. I have trained Aiki Ken for many years with a bokken but have not trained with an Iaito and would like to learn how to draw in his style. Seki Sensei moves are very logical and I would like to start training it. Thank you.

[@richt63]

Fantastic ❤❤❤

[@deannatheos4471]

Excellent style 👌

[@dariaorme1282]

If you just fight with the tsuka, and don't draw, are you in the clear as far as the law is concerned? (Asking for a time-traveling friend.)

[@barisdogan17]

Thank you Shogo, techniques looks great. In 8:17 if i know correctly the sensei did nikkyo and kote gaeshi technique ?

[@vincentlee7359]

Will we ever see you guys spar? I kinda wanna see how all these techniques would be used in sparring

[@michael3088]

If you're wear protective gear a tsuka shot to the face isn't going to have the effect. Though that's the thing

[@alexc650]

It’s really interesting to see these kata. My question is in a real fight, in the moment, there’s not much time to think. To use what I’m guessing is a less often used technique like this, you must have trained all of these techniques so much that they’re automatic, so why this technique and not another? This seems more flashy and (maybe?) less practical in a fight situation. In a fight situation you don’t have time to think; would a highly trained swordsman such as Seki sensei remember and use these techniques over another? Is having all these techniques just more tools at your disposal to win? Or would you just stick to certain techniques you prefer? How would you remember to use this technique in this situation among all the many other techniques you could use when you have a split second to react? I know it depends on a lot of things personal preference, the exact situation, etc. I just know myself that I often default to simple things in the moment when there’s not time to think. Thank you for these videos, they’re wonderful.

[@tidypog3272]

Yeah!

[@varencilator]

4:15 and 0:00 great stuff.

[@l.a.ksgames2663]

Omoshiroi 🎉

[@MarkAndreYapching]

I remember one time about 15 years ago, when I was still active in Kenjutsu, someone accosted me while walking (with my bokken in my cloth sheath) trying to prove that boxing is superior to kenjutsu because I've to draw the bokken to use it. When he attempted a punch, I dodged and slammed the tsuka on his forehead. I was younger then and hot-blooded.

[@akgang4748]

I have a question 🤔 It doesn't matter how it sounds like when you do kesa_giri ? I mean, it just must make sound 🤷 Pleas help.

[@nahte123]

Is the basic style of wrap the pinchy one or the foldy one?

[@ambulocetusnatans]

The basic style is called Hineri Maki

[@jsph_crno3033]

Hi Shogo, why does Tsukada-san put his leg up when he falls?

[@letsasksekisensei]

We will be making a video about the Ukemi in our Ryuha soon too!

[@jsph_crno3033]

@@letsasksekisensei Thank you!

[@mattcgw]

I hope Tsukata-San will get some knee pads or other protective gear in the near future. Or blue training mat for him to fall on. Doing demonstrations and constantly falling on a hard wooden floor can lead to long-term damage after a while. Look at the 3 Stooges, nerve damage in various places and strokes. And if there was a training mat then Seki-Sensei would be able to use his full power and speed when demonstrating certain techniques or grapples to the audience with Tsukata-San. Arigato.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

Wooden floors in Japan are springy. It's not very bad at all if you fall correctly.

[@mattcgw]

@@ambulocetusnatans still hard wooden floors with a grandmaster martial artist striking his pupil. For demonstration purposes.

[@mattcgw]

So do proper drama studios. But you'll still break a rib on them.

[@colehancock7567]

Do you know if someone of Christian beliefs can train in more japanese-based martial arts like ones that use the katana

[@Ianmar1]

Takemi Sasamori, 17th headmaster of Ono-ha Itto-ryu was a Methodist minister. You can read his book: Bushido and Christianity.

[@alexharris-ui4ss]

🦊💚

[@saikham4266]

เก่งมากเลยสุดยอดนะครับ good☺

[@douglasevans932]

Young elder Master good lessons 👌 9:32

[@daniel_miller_]

That opening and Seki Sensei's look of genuine concern is absolutely brilliant. Another great lesson. Edit: For those who may not fully see it, in the final kata, the hit to the knee also serves the function of "misdirection." You're effectively overwhelming your opponent's senses and drawing his attention to the knee which then provides the opening for your hand/grab to push them over. Seki Sensei is giving you Gold here. Truly remarkable technique.

[@matthewmcmatthewson6578]

Happens as a viewer, too. You pay more attention to a weapon than a bare hand by instinct.

[@jakefisher-psalm23]

I keep forgetting to say this to both you, Shogo, and Seki Sensei. Before seeing these videos I thought Iaido kata were so...I don't want to say limited but *very formal* and any deviation from the ZNIR requirements were a big *NO.* These videos have opened my eyes to so much, and they have made me love Iaido even more! Danke schön! (Thank you very much in German--thought I'd mix it up a bit 😁)

[@ambulocetusnatans]

Back in the old days, Iai Jutsu was not done from sitting in Seiza. They had a special way to sit called Iai Goshi. Try practicing the ZNIR kata from Iai Goshi, and it may give you a new perspective. But don't tell your Sensei. But when the various Ryu-ha started to specialize, Omori Ryu and the styles related to it, started practing the Reiho of Ogasawara Ryu, and etiquette became more important than expediency, so they began to sit in Seiza. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that etiquette isn't important. It is very important, especially now days. In fact I am taking online lessons in Ogasawara ryu Reiho. It is just as difficult as Budo. In fact I think of it as my secret weapon. Politeness has gotten me out of trouble more often than Martial Arts has.

[@jakefisher-psalm23]

@@ambulocetusnatans Wow, thank you for that bit of history! I agree about etiquette/politeness. I think that's not taught enough these days in martial arts/self defense classes. *That* should be everyone's first response to deescalate any situation.

[@cuatrokoop32v]

We use iai goshi as starting position in a few of our kata, many others are from a standing position. But five of the first six are from seiza.

[@KateJohn2013England]

Shogo san get some rest! Please! But thanks this is cool 👍Now get some rest! Please 🙏 Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate

[@ImStayGold42]

I'm in the process of commissioning a new shinsakuto & I must say, deciding on tsuka length is one of the difficult parts. I'm very tall & appreciate longer tsuka for the support but shorter feels more nimble/faster on the draw. So tough to decide! 😅

[@ambulocetusnatans]

Different schools have different requirements. Your Sensei will tell you what is correct for your school.

[@Deniz_50]

I have a suggestion for a video. Ways to fall and recover from a bad situation. Every time Tsukada-san falls he keeps a certain stance.

[@TheDeisasori]

I second this notion.

[@daniel_miller_]

Look up "break falls." I'm not sure if this is something they will ever cover here, but it's worth looking into imo.

[@peterchristiansen9695]

Dear Shogo and Seki Sensei, Could You please make a video about the differences / similarities between Battōjutsu / Iaijutsu, and Iaidō? Also; would You perhaps consider doing a video regarding one of the other very old Ko-ryū: Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū? 😌

[@alexanderkstrauss9943]

You guys are just about to have so many new students ❤🎉

[@franceshaypenny8481]

Seki Sensei is a sexy man. 😊❤

[@nickjones6646]

I was just recently wondering if Seki Sensei teaches any kata/waza from tatehiza. This video answered my question

[@letsasksekisensei]

There are many Kata with Tatehiza too! We will introduce them more in the future!

[@raydrexler5868]

🙏Thank you so much, I will begin practicing this right away.

[@jaimcgee4566]

This is awesome!

[@levi_Ackerman841]

Hello sir big fan and love your explanation❤

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

Thank you for your videos.

[@ssjronin3972]

How long is Shogu tsuka compared to his hand size? Two hands plus 2 fingers?

[@letsasksekisensei]

Our Tsuka must be longer than 9 Sun!

[@myeramimclerie7869]

If you do international seminars, please come to Germany! 😍 We have a big Japanese and Japan-fan community in Düsseldorf, I'm sure there will be a lot of people interested in seeing you!

[@tobias2287]

Somehow missed this video before, but now that I'm watching there's a moment in the second kata where Sensei does a small hop to reposition for a strike to the back of the head. What's the purpose of that hop? Wouldn't shifting your weight onto your inner foot and pivoting around that accomplish the same thing in the same, or similar enough, amount of time?

[@matthunter9562]

Seki Sensei 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BlackBeltBoxing]

What’s the name of this kata I missed it. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge. It’s helping me learn extra bunkai to kata I had learnt but not known truly what it was for.

[@AngryPeasants]

you guys are awesome, ty so much

[@adamhoppe1168]

Excellent tools for the toolbox. Arigato, keirei o7 P.S. leather. No question, everytime/always!

[@Keithphotorama]

Awesome video 👍👍👍

[@jellouisthexxi3760]

Great job on this one guys!!, But I can't help but be curious if there are any kata specific to the odachi/nodachi or do you just copy the ones for the Uchigatana???

[@ronaldgomezagraviador8709]

Amazing video!

[@constantstudies]

this was so cool!! tysm for sharing

[@edi9892]

Beautiful display of the weapon being more than the edge. Just one thing bugged me: the cut from above is redirected in a full circle. Shouldn't he be faster at repeating his cut than you drawing your sword?

[@varencilator]

The attacker should have existing momentum from his blade he has to overcome (from being flung) to then deliver his downward strike. The attacker's sword is also not in the optimal position to deliver that strike because of the defender dodging and twisting towards the attacker in the first part; the attacker is too close and would have to adjust his strike or end up hitting with the portion of the blade closest to the tsuba/hands. Regardless, the defender has his katana right at the portion where the attacker's hands would be if he made a second strike. With the quick drawing skills of the defender (the circular element of the movement helps with the throw draw), the defender's counterattack should come out quicker to hit the attacker's body or hands as the attacker delivers their strike. Just my analysis