This is How Two-Katana Style was Actually Fought

[@letsasksekisensei]

▼Part1: Musashi Did NOT Invent the Two-Katana Style▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoDYZ2drhdiVd7s *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 Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp 2025: 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

[@anas-432]

This channel is a treasure for anyone that loves japanese martial arts and samurai culture.

[@outboundflight4455]

I'm glad Shogo partnered up with Seki Sensei. His Asayamachidenkai channel is a goldmine of koryu swordmanship knowledge but it's all in Japanese and not many international people can understand the context he explains in the techniques.

[@HolloWolf35]

Yess indeeds

[@HolloWolf35]

@Blue Anarchy indeed

[@rip_Samurai2023]

Japanese culture 🤓

[@AmirkhanJaximbetov]

So true

[@shoePatty]

I would like to throw out a theory about why the wakizashi is in the right hand and the uchigatana is in the left. Both types of swords must be drawn with the right hand. However, if you assume you start the fight by drawing the uchigatana first (maybe via throw-draw), and then later realize you need a second blade to deal with the opponent (or multiple opponents), you simply shift the already-drawn uchigatana to the left hand, and draw the wakizashi with the right hand (which, in Asayama Ichiden Ryu, is a draw that only requires 1 hand while a uchigatana draw is usually done with two hands). Therefore, in a style that optimizes for practicality, this is by far the most likely scenario in which you'd be armed with both katana in a real fight. It's not about the idealized combat techniques of which sword is better in main-hand/off-hand in HEMA or other kenjutsu styles. I think if there's any room for Seki Sensei to add or create a new kata, it would be a basic training for the sequence which includes shifting the blade to the left hand. I can imagine opportunities in which the "taka-no-ha" concept naturally develops from the motion of bringing the hands together to hand off the uchigatana, and drawing the wakizashi with the right hand. Think about it, you can throw the katana from right to left hand and draw the wakizashi in one beat. This would create the closing and opening of the hawk's wings and go right into the techniques shown in part 1.

[@FFXI_Addict]

Precisely what I was thinking on the first part of these vids. Especially after trying to simply draw my swords, and realizing how absurd I looked. Drawing a shorter blade second with the right hand doesn't just make sense, it's the only way one can functionally do it.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Gyaku stances originate from sword throwing techniques and were adapted further. My former sensei had us wear the wakizashi and shirt sword so both could be drawn as needed. Wakizashi has the little obi hook. The katana if you draw left handed for gyaku you do it a little funny and push the saya further back first before the blade comes out. Also limits the size of your sword. I cheat and cross draw slightly for an extra inch of blade and grip the tsuba partially. There's even one handed versions of the katori Shinto spin chi buri. Although not from katori Shinto Ryu.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

@The Legend of Leviathan it all depends on how the wakizashi is worn. In modern days we tend more often to standardize to certain styles. However in samurai era it's known every style did things slightly more different and you could often tell what style someone was trained in due to certain little details of how you wear the sword. If you wear the wakizashi in the wrong position it makes it hard to draw the katana. Same goes for off hand drawing. If you have your katana sized properly you can draw the long sword off handed as well. But you have to break the seal on the saya differently. Gyaku stances were also known for being common place in styles that had dual wielding and short sword throwing techniques. It's also why Musashi sword throwing technique was considered very different to everyone else's and also why he's believed to be naturally left handed or ambidextrous potentially a self taught ambidextrous person born left handed.

[@TheCCBoi]

I love the idea of using the sheath as a defensive weapon.

[@kohikan5180]

Not just defensive.

[@JackShen]

The technique where he deflects the horizontal slash to the body is seeing I've never seen before thank you for sharing that

[@elitemorron9093]

I am happy that they now have eng version, finally I can understand what they said. Thank you Shoko.

[@ren7a8ero]

It is a great privilege having such lessons, beautiful moves.

[@decepticonmecha]

If we're getting a Ghost of Tsushima sequel, we NEED two sword stance.

[@TheDiamondWolfPack]

This comment aged well

[@decepticonmecha]

@@TheDiamondWolfPack Except it doesn't star Jin and the actress playing the protag is doing more harm than good. 😑 Maybe it'll be good. Time will tell. 🤔

[@Hideyourtoes_miyazaki]

@TheDiamondWolfPack what harm is she doing may I ask?

[@TheRealMrCods]

I would love to see some unrehearsed style training from Seki Sensei and his student.

[@monicab204]

This is a wonderful channel. Love the content, training information, and so helpful for me with the English language addition. Also, I just found the Instagram Reels too! Thank you!❤️

[@albinoasesino]

I haven't consumed much media regarding East Asia martial arts. However, it is interesting to comparing what I remember from watching contents regarding HEMA (i.e. Scholagladiatoria, Skallagrim etc) and from reading the comments in these videos. The techniques shown here utilizes the fact that the weapon are curved and has a small cross guard. I cannot imagine some moves being plausible with guards similar to European weapons. Its quite interesting to see how techniques evolve and differ between the East and West. For example, although this is just an uneducated non-practitioner observation, in HEMA -depending on the weapon pairing; the offhand weapon might play a lot more of a defensive role, probably due to the existence of sword and buckler combination. Of course, it is hard to gauge based of a single video, but at least how the tools being utilized is fascinating. Thank you Shogo-san and Seki-Sensei for the content.

[@fnulnu5297]

A BIG shout out to you AND sensei's uke. He deserves credit too.

[@ninjaman381]

I would love to see more nitoryu techniques. Especially the more unseen versions of blocking with saya of one and only drawing the other sword. Im loving this channel and appreciate all your hard work you do shogo senpai

[@warrennass24]

Thank very much for launching this channel great content

[@carn109]

It kinda reminds me of using a parrying dagger in HEMA

[@fabiangerten]

If my time allowed, I could spend the whole day practicing the numerous techniques that are made available to us via the online archive. But even so, I was able to learn a lot from Seki Sensei in just 8 weeks!

[@DedicatedSpirit8]

Sensei is incredible. I feel bad for the intruder that comes into his space.

[@allengordon6929]

The cross blocks are also seen in HEMA, though using the short blade to bind the movement of the enemy's weapon while using the long blade is generally more common. Makes sense, katana are very heavy swords.

[@Tyranzor64]

It's nice to see someone using two swords in a way that makes logical sense as opposed to using the two swords as essentially one

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Damn I can give you points as to why this is a more legit dual wielding style just within like 10 seconds of the video. When you cross swords its often better to have the shorter blade behind the longer blade so it is more easily removed for a counter attack and doesn't impede your movements. Further more the way he slides the wakizashi up to the opponent while keeping blade contact. I will say we have lost alot of old dual wielding techniques that were more varied. We know this pretty well along with some other lost arts. I don't know a single style that still uses gyaku stances or reverse stances, which gets into alot of lost sword throwing techniques. But show cases how versatile dual wielding was and that alot of partially related stuff has also been lost. So seeing stuff that's obviously before the showmanship era to a point is lovely.

[@maizjsj]

I would love to see a video that's just sparring against Seki Sensei throughout its duration, it'd be so neat!

[@snakeintwistedtree]

Hello! What an excellent video! Thank you for sharing this information!! I have a small theory about why the wakizashi is in the right hand. I am not experience in any swordsmanship of any kind, so please pardon me if my theory is incorrect! I noticed when the uchigatana and wakizashi both blocked the second strike, the uchigatana acted sort of like a shield (like the theory mentioned in your other two sword style video). The uchigatana was used to smother the opponent's sword while the wakizashi slashed the wrist and could stab the body. Because the wakizashi is shorter and lighter, it is more easy to maneuver around the uchigatana after blocking/"grappling." Its short size greatly reduces the likelihood of accidently bumping into your other sword. The wakizashi would be harder to use as the "shield" and the uchigatana would be more unwieldy for the dexterity needed to maneuver during the weapon "grappling." Again thank you for your time and I hope you are all well!

[@stringchz]

If Asayama Ichiden Ryu uses spears, that would be cool to see.

[@KateJohn2013England]

Thank you, brilliant as always👍Master Seki did a video on his other channel using a cloth. I think it was to show proper technique, would it be possible when you get the time to do some of these so we can properly understand and are there any basic excercise that Master Seki can show us to prepare us for practicing Asayama ichiden please 🙏 Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate.

[@tree7755]

This is a great video! Very entertaining and informative. I like it a lot. Though, I have a couple of questions regarding the mechanics of some of the techniques Seki Sensei presented. 1: At 2:15, the wakizashi is shown to push the opponent's katana upwards. This perplexed me because the sword(or any object you're holding) is easier to control when pressure is placed further away from the hand(s) that's holding it. While I recognize the strong structure of a short one-handed sword, I also recognize that strength is outweighed by a two-handed sword. My question is, how were you able to power through the strong of the blade(the part of the blade closest to the hand) of a two-handed weapon with one-handed weapon? 2: At 3:33, the Tsuka/Saya is shown to displace an incoming cut. The Kanata, despite nothing prohibiting it to do so, stops moving. My question is, if the opponent were to follow through with their cut, instead of stopping, would the blade not hit your leg despite your displacement? These are the only questions I had. I still enjoyed the video, but I'd to fully understand how something works the way it does. I'd like to greatly emphasize that I'm not trying to say that this is wrong or that I know better than anyone in the video. I'm not saying I'm right, I'm just asking for a bit more of an explanation that might answer some of my questions.

[@kubikim]

I think the reason it's like the way it is is because every movement is greatly sectioned out.. similarly to a slideshow of sorts. The actions would be far more spontaneous and fast in actual real situation where these techniques would be utilized, which is why playing out the technique feels as if there would be plethora of openings. Should these techniques be preformed with genuine lethal risks and intentions, I think the techniques will play out just the way it does in the video, only far more fast-paced. You have great points though, I'm also a little bit curious if things would play out differently if every action were to be genuine, rather than being played out accordingly.

[@tree7755]

@kubikim³ It might be that, but Idk. Multiple openings weren't the problem, I'm questioning if the move he's pulling would do what he wants it to do in the first place. I find it hard to believe you could break someone's guard with the leverage he's using, yknow?. Me too. I'd really like to see them use all of this in practice while sparring like other people do.

[@jonharker9028]

Rather late to the party, but certainly one supporting element that helps at 2:15 is the initial leverage Seki-sensei possesses thanks to parrying near his own tsuba down at the point of his opponent's uchigatana. No matter what blade is held by someone in Seki-sensei's position, that kind of leverage is enough to stop any blow - this can be seen in the parrying daggers used with sideswords or rapiers, which I would trust to parry a training longsword or uchigatana in such fashion. From there, the pressure is applied in what is sometimes called an over-bind on the top of the uchigatana. The initial mechanical advantage on the wakizashi's part aids this, but one less-overt key element of both the original two-sword kata and the single-sword variant that I noticed is that Seki-sensei in both contexts puts his edge [or edges] against his training partner's flat. Edge-on-flat control is extremely dominant, and no amount of grip strength can directly resist that; it is desired in rapier and smallsword and even some schools of sabre fencing for this reason, and even contributes to some of the incidental disarms that were noted down and still seen in historical fencing today.

[@tree7755]

@jonharker9028 yeah i suppose i didn't think about parrying daggers. These are good points

[@malikmalchan2525]

Hey Shogo happy lunar new year to you, family, friends and colleagues

[@troglodytezero1697]

I would've liked to see how a single sword user counters a dual user.

[@ManLikeKitch]

Can someone buy Seki sensei some icecream? I'd like to see how he'd incorporate that into sword fights.

[@Gorsh7]

Those are really great videos, thank you. I can't help but notice every time the naginata hanging on the walls, and as a student of atarashii naginata I'd love to know if Asayama Ichiden Ryu has some naginata kata and what Seki-sensei has to say about them.

[@RegisTraiter]

Excellent demo. Interesting that the wakizashi is primarily wielded in the right hand, rather than the katana. You'd think the longer weapon would be used primarily to attack and the shorter weapon to deflect, but this is exactly the opposite. Very cool and interesting.

[@kylemiller5148]

You can make some serious anime moments with those 2 duel katana styles 👏

[@narusawa74]

Sygoi! Finaly I can see the mindset behind Asayama ryu techniques with ni-to style!! Honto arigato- Sensei !

[@naerth7922]

Firstly love the content. I was wondering are there kata wielding 2 wakazashi, if so I would love to see a video. Thx again for content also the historic and practical reasoning of each kata that Sensei is passing on is amazing ❤

[@thomasturner4253]

Thanks This is very interesting

[@traxstaromega3467]

This is so cool! Definitely something to practice 😁

[@DanielPark-nn8pc]

Is the Wakizaki usually held in the dominant hand?

[@CarlDWardJr]

Sensei really is great!

[@addictedtoblades2]

Very well done brothers 👏 👍 👌 🙌 💪 😀

[@ericdonofrio1962]

Greetings! This is such an amazing and helpful video. May I ask, are the Katas documented in any publication that one can purchase? Thank you!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@letsasksekisensei]

We are planning on making video materials for studying, but documents are a secret to the ryuha!

[@ericdonofrio1962]

@@letsasksekisensei Thank you so much Sensei! That makes sense. I would love to see that video when it's available. I've studied Iaido and really appreciate the Japanese sword arts. My sensei moved and I have not been able to practice for some time. Be well, many blessings to you.

[@cptnstylez]

Amazing channel!

[@neerajkashyap3963]

It would be amazing if Seki sensei could show us how he would fight *against* someone wielding 2 katana.

[@kronoscamron7412]

There are situations when you draw two swords. Yes it's difficult but doable. The advantage being you attack and defend in one timing. As seki sensei was doing. You first draw the katana hold it in one hand then draw the wakizashi with a reverse grip then adjust as you take the kamae.

[@a.e_man78789]

Some of these moves are almost similar to Arnis (I'm currently practicing) with the parrying and disarming. So cool!!

[@naruomi9477]

Amazing video

[@chetan.gondaliya]

Lots of love and Respects 🙏🙏❤❤ from India.

[@jimanHK]

Brilliant !!!

[@severinseverin268]

PLEASE could we see some Kusarigama-jutsu??? Thank you for these wonderful videos.

[@michelbisson6645]

Thank you

[@nikos8981]

I love the videos but I think it would be neat to hear seki sensei talk about a subject he thinks is important

[@R3DSHlFT]

I always wandered if there is something that utilizes a tachi.

[@phoenix0i4]

Hello, I'd like to ask if the swords used in this video are "normal" iaito or if they are somewhat sturdier? I'm always told to not use iaito for sword-contact, because they may break easily.

[@letsasksekisensei]

They are regular Iaito! Seki sensei has been using his for more than 20 years, but it’s still working!

[@phoenix0i4]

@@letsasksekisensei ​Wow, another myth debunked. At least, for those real good persons! 👍(I once saw a demonstration of kendo kata on youtube with metal swords and the kodachi broke.😬) And for heavy contact you would still use the bokuto. Please keep up this work. Videos with explanations will keep the tradition much better alive than "only" a book with instructions and some static pictures.

[@KateJohn2013England]

Cool 👍 🙏

[@堀高士-p5y]

関先生が塚田先生の懐へ入る様が良く分かります。 ありがとうございました。

[@DavisCovey]

its nice that they don't just show a 15% speed they also show a 60% speed

[@kingfish4575]

I would also love to see some naginata katas.

[@306461]

Are there any schools that will teach foreigners? and if there is how long til you graduate in a sense or how long do you need to stay to get the basics atleast

[@ernestball8362]

In the painting of Musashi holding two swords he is in fact holding the regular Katana in the right hand and not the left as you described. Was this in error or am I missing something. Thank you.

[@davidsongeorge4893]

Which steel is better, L6 or tamahegane???

[@fathermischief8025]

If someone wanted to purchase a true Katana, which sword smith would you recommend and why?

[@letsasksekisensei]

Thank you for leaving a comment! That would truly be up to personal preference and relationships! I, Shogo, would personally recommend a sword smith working in Kyoto! gensho.jpn.com/

[@jhowe5571]

It would be interesting if you guys could watch some scenes from, Star Wars, Ahsoka, as she uses a two lightsaber style. I wonder how it compares and how good it really is, noting that fictional lightsabers aren't the same as real metal swords.🤔😁

[@kaitomei]

すごいですね！どうもありがとうございます!🥀🥀🥀

[@raswerdelad]

I’ve managed to see the trend… be sneaky! 😇 Attack from odd angles too! I’m taking notes, y’all!

[@jacobsnyder6888]

Seki sensei or shogo I want to learn Ichiden Ryu sooooo bad but there's no good dojos around me to learn even basic iaido please help

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

cool two-katana fighting.

[@kingfish4575]

Id love to see all these styles in ghost of tsushima

[@davefletch3063]

Very cool

[@evloh]

I think what is missed in a lot of these martial arts/ kata/ technique videos is physical reality. Let's just look at it logically; if two sword fighting can do everything 1 sword fighting could do better then it wouldn't be rare, instead it would be the standard. What warrior would spends years honing a craft when there is an obviously superior methodology? A couple of people in the comments have mentioned this, and I think its pretty apparent in the video (as well as in reality) that some of these techniques do not seem plausible in actual combat. In particular cross sword blocking is extremely easy to break in comparison to equal force against a single blade. This doesn't mean it is impossible, just that it requires a lot more strength and technique. There is a lot of physics involved on how much force a sword swing can produce, with the ability to apply force having maximums etc. - two average sized people would probably find that a single sword would break the cross guards shown above. However, if you are bigger and stronger than your opponent you suddenly have a lot more at your disposal while giving up a lot less in terms of deliverable force. Because of DnD, movies, etc. we often think of two weapon fighting as a dexterous skill, but the reality is that it is probably much more effective for larger opponents. Then, you also have to deal with people's abilities to operate both hands near-equally....This is why I'd suspect you don't see 2 sword style as the default style, because of physical limitations.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I just wish... They would practice a little faster... Like how it would really be. Other than that.. I love it

[@gman44441]

I hate to be the guy… but the technique at 3:00 is just going to make you unable to walk again. Maybe you kill the other guy, but he’s just deflecting the blade so it will hit his lower groin or legs.

[@GunGun-cf3ss]

Your hand is completely exposed too, this kata seems a little strange.

[@ayyonmichaels9731]

Me sitting here trying to see if my dual draw is a solid draw to use... 😅

[@ShuajoX]

Why is Seki-sensei using the word "tachi" when the subtitles say "katana"? Aren't these uchi-gatana?

[@anas-432]

Tachi means sword too, specifically it’s the predecessor to the katana but all swords can be called tachi.

[@atom8248]

tachi just means sword, just like katana which is why shogo calls wakizashi katana too

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I'd like to know more about you... What is your maiden language.. or first.. I thought you lived in the West. But it seems you are in the East

[@michakowalski2693]

What if enemy will try to stab you?

[@AmirkhanJaximbetov]

Why did miyamoto create this fighting style?

[@prasadkaja2737]

🙏👍👌

[@Dark.Pri77]

26th

[@AmirkhanJaximbetov]

Bro, this fighting style is busted. I’m not capping. This is busted.😅

[@bsg5467]

ah yes the art of attacking your teachers sword because if you actually swing in any non telegraphed way hed be to old and slow to effectively defend against it.