What Would You Do If 7 Samurai Surrounded You? THIS is What We Would Do

[@boonedox25s]

I like how Seki Sensei is all business until he's explaining the movements, then his face lights up with an almost child like joy.

[@RALLIARTslyboy]

He dose he really enjoys teaching this lost art and it makes me wow in awe when he explains the t so effortlessly

[@MardenZengar]

It's when you start to talk about things you really like, your mood goes over the roof and someone needs to shut you up lol

[@gregoryw.1160]

He truly has joy and enthusiasm for budo!

[@iLLeag7e]

It must be incredibly fulfilling being that awesome

[@Zts_xox17]

Now this kata is for increase chance of survival against multiple attackers now dosent mean it will always work but it can increase your chances of escape or even if your vary skilled take out all attackers. This is just my understanding and with these movements and techniques this can be vary effective if this was a real situation especially if someone who has mastered footwork and technique of the sword.

[@tabull8180]

The last part of the video is very important and perfect addition: "There is very little chance of winning (against multiple opponents). But your chances of survival in case of emergency depends very greatly whether you know these (kinds of) techniques or not." Sometimes surrender is not a preferable option even against unlikely odds.

[@knuckleheadX98]

"You couldn't call yourself a true swordsman if you just gave up."

[@MonsieurPlum]

i think the last part is to manage a surprise, and using this surprise for escaping when your opponents tail you, you can easily attack them one after one the key of the battle is avoiding to be surrounded

[@AveSicarius]

​@@knuckleheadX98 Depends if you thought you would live or not. The point of martial arts is to keep you alive, be that through incapacitating your opponent or escaping. Sometimes compliance is the best route to staying alive, and there's nothing wrong with doing so if it's something you can comply with (i.e. not going to cost you something you would give your life for). You aren't going to benefit from learning to fight if you don't live to fight another day.

[@ChongLi99]

@@AveSicarius In Edojidai (shogunate) when a situation like that happens in most of the cases is when one person, because of something, wants to get rid of other person and them send 3, 5 or more assassins to kill the target. In that situations there is no option to negotiate, you have to fight at least to disable some enemies to make room for escape.

[@adriansrealm]

If seven men surrounded Seki-sensei, Seki-sensei would quickly surround the seven men.

[@lennypedersen]

Ooohh, I like that! I feel Chuck Norris facts beginning to produce Seki-sensei Facts!! 😃😃😃

[@sevenproxies4255]

With seven opponents, it's also a great chance they will get in eachothers way. Especially when using swords.

[@Fuji-K.]

たしかに、仲間を斬ることは避けたいので、横に広い攻撃はまず出来なさそう。 縦方向の攻撃など、選択肢が狭い範囲の攻撃に絞られることは間違いない。

[@iLLeag7e]

I can't stop praising this channel. Good thing a few comments are just what the algorithm demands. Great videos, keep up the good work

[@danbaldewicz7025]

Incredible to see Seki sensei’s move set open up and start covering huge areas in each swipe.

[@spartacusjonesmusic]

Brilliant. I love the relaxed fluidity and apparently effortless precision of his movements.

[@jessefaustus3582]

ofc, by doing that (which is the calm and slow almost like rehearsal) you get used to the techniques or the movements so when you’re actually deploying them u put full power swings without worrying or risking getting the blade falling from ur hand or missing the grip when u execute a special technique cause your hand is already used to them

[@spartacusjonesmusic]

@@jessefaustus3582 Absolutely agreed. If you can't do it slowly, you sure as hell can't do it quickly. ;)

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Beautiful movements at 6:37. Samurai wouldn't give up even in the face of multiple assailants. Better to go out fighting and honor the family than give up and die without making the enemy pay for it. Love to see more of these videos of how to fight off multiple assailants.

[@evantumminello3283]

These kata are gorgeous and so well explained. I'm in awe of your art and Sensei. Thank you so much for sharing not one but four of these.

[@Jarnummy]

Im so happy with the new intro. Seki sensei probally loves it!

[@Whatever4690]

Donald Mc Bane a real Scottish warrior fought 7 vs 1 and survived by constantly moving so his enemies could not all come at him at once or get behind him.

[@ScopeOperaSam]

I am beyond happy to see you continuing to post, train, and educate, Shogo! I love your videos and your wonderful spirit! Have a great day and keep on keepin' on! ☺️🙏

[@PatrickKniesler]

It was interesting to see the similarity to western use of the montante, large sweeping actions to create space.

[@PaulC086]

Would love to see a video and see what Seki sensei and shogo think of the console game “ Ghost of Tsushima” please!!🙏🏼 particularly the stances and the choreography of the sword fighting scenes

[@warrikata]

The light footwork 😰 Seki-sensei is so fluid!

[@trentweston8306]

Fandabi Dozi from Scotland has a video just like this. A Scottish swordsman named Donald McBane wrote about a fight he got himself into against 7 other men.

[@lucasfv1357]

Apparently small details really change everything. This is a precise and subtle art

[@shanebep3135]

I love this logic I watch it I do this every night🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎🖤

[@lukepavitt4603]

This was a beautiful demonstration.

[@myersonshareetque2076]

SEki sensei always make me jaw drop with his skill, I never imagine this kind of waza exist hahaha, every little detail he explain us with joy expression. again thank you seki sensei and shogo and tsukasa-san for letting us seeing your kenjutsu style, Jesus bless you guys heheh

[@константинвасильев-л6э]

Это просто праздник для глаз моих - совершенство

[@monicab204]

Wonderful! As always! Thank you, Seki Sensei and Shogo.👏👏👏

[@Hurduri]

Wow this was impressive! Seki just flexing now.

[@Megidramon]

During the Bakumatsu, samurai would actually train for tactical retreats. To my knowledge, oftentimes, samurai would run when surrounded, not for escape, but to force the surrounding group into 1-v-1 situations. This would great increase the samurai's chances of surviving and defeating the enemy group. From what I've learned, and please someone correct me if i'm wrong, Samurai would run down alleyways or along riverbanks in order to force these 1-v-1's, and that their most important weaponry in these circumstances were not the uchigatana that they wielded, but the footwork with which they moved. The fact that this video ended emphasizing the importance of a warrior's footwork feels so special to learn from a master like Seki-sensei. It seems to me like a modern-day samurai would actually benefit from learning dance routines from genres like ballet, hip-hop, flamenco and salsa, in order to improve their footwork and make themselves that much more effective in combat.

[@Fuji-K.]

昔の侍は武術だけでなく兵法(地政学的戦術や思考方法)もセットで学んでいたので、地形や位地取りによって自分の不利有利がどのように変化するのかをよく理解していました。 我々が武術から学ぶ技術以上に、武士は位置取や仕掛けるタイミングを重要視していたと考えられます。 ちなみに、武士は『武芸十八班(BUGEI-18PAN』として、18種類の技術を会得することが一人前になる為の最低ラインでした。(時代によって異なるが) ・剣術(最後に自分を守る武器) ・馬術(早い移動手段) ・弓術(古い時代のメインウェポン) この三つの技術の会得は必須で、特に重要視されました。また、侍の魂を示す物でもあったようです。

[@Lo-tf6qt]

I think Musashi also had a similar philosophy when it came to 1 v many situations. I'm paraphrasing but his philosophy was something like "it's not 1 v many but a 1v1 multiple times"

[@Megidramon]

@@Fuji-K. Thank you for the informative comment! I understood the gist of it with my very limited Japanese reading skills.

[@berndofficial3759]

Thanks 🙇‍♂️⚔️👋

[@qc_ploum-zoum2]

We often see katas about counter attack. But are there many katas on how to attack first? I remember only one from a previous videos.

[@Sbv-25]

A brilliant reference for those wanting to make swordfight scenes

[@BlackBeltBoxing]

I'm really enjoying the bunkai elements of the kata it's fantastic to put context to the katas and make them so much more real when training them.The kata against 5 is called Kakomi (awesome that the translation means surrounded too), what are the names of the other kata's? thanks for the fantastic videos always a pleasure to watch and learn

[@alexanderkstrauss9943]

NEW FAVORITE ❤❤❤❤ BEST KOBUDO CHANNEL HANDS DOWN 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@barisdogan17]

new intro is awesome shogo

[@inotmark]

Beautiful - from a distance.

[@GadreelAdvocat]

Fighting multiple opponents might be different when fighting indoor or outdoors. Know your exit(s) and escape route(s). Might be able to fight them in a linear fashion one on one after another rather than being surrounded. If you get past one or two opponents the other ones might have to line up according to their surroundings. Fight into a corner then knowing you can't be surrounded. Then fight out of it using a wall to your advantage. It's one less side you might have to worry about. Use your feet as a distraction. They think you might go for a kick when instead you slash with the sword.❤

[@sirswifty4640]

That new intro is fire. Thanks for another great upload! *bows* Edit: Am I correct in assuming, that when Seki Sensei does the Kaiten Chiburi, it is a kata from a different style than Asayama Ichiden Ryu (since it does not seem to practice them)?

[@epiqur6574]

Comment for the algorithm. Love the channel btw

[@billythornton2359]

Thank you

[@kingfish4575]

I would LOVE to see these techniques put into a video game.

[@Lindsay-g6u]

Seki Sensei, thank you for teaching us these skills in these Dark time's. 🙏☸️☯️

[@Zthinker69]

Super-Like! Thank You 🙏

[@jimanHK]

Simply beautiful

[@KateJohn2013England]

😳 Wow 🙏👍

[@letsasksekisensei]

🎫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

[@oubliette862]

it would be interesting to see how effective aikido would be here. it would be cool to see sensei Ryuji Shirakawa and Seki sensei collaborate on something.

[@addictedtoblades2]

Awesome stuff sword friends ❤

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@naruomi9477]

Very nice video 👍

[@moogmanxandersmotovlogs29]

if Seven samurai surrounded me Id ask if I could take their picture cause that would be cool, then probably die immediately because I have no training 😀

[@polymathart]

There's an old viral video of one master demonstrating. He jokes that one or two samurai he can handle, but up to five trained samurai it is just better to run away.

[@KingAmroth]

The new intro effin rules.

[@j.d.4697]

I have always found combat against multiple opponents the most interesting. Unfortunately, combat arts are harder to find than combat sports, so I mostly trained muay thai instead of muay boran for example.

[@ziyadyayah176]

Small question, is there any kata that involves attacking first? Considering samurai history, there must be

[@ТеоМарков-ц1л]

Surrender, you're surrounded! The only thing I'm surrounded by is fear... and dead bodies.

[@strider4life696]

Me against 7 samurai? If one of them was named Kyuzo, I may have difficulty...

[@tn1881]

In multiplayer battles, naginata and long katana were used less frequently because they would cut down allies.There are history books written by Chinese and Koreans on this subject. Chinese Ming Dynasty Poet Qu Dajun (1630-1696) "When the Japanese move with all their might, they move like the wind. They always enter enemy territory in small numbers, and even a large number of soldiers cannot resist. Their katana usage is to defend with the long katana and stab the enemy to death with the short katana. They move low as if crouching and never back down. They will be treated no matter how many people there are. It is a special technique only for those of the Japanese archipelago. ” 其人率横行疾斗。飘忽如风。常以单刀陷阵。五兵莫御。其用刀也。长以度形。短以趯越。蹲以为步。退以为伐。臂以承腕。挑以藏撇。豕突蟹奔。万人辟易。真岛中之绝技也。 "Japanese are good at foot combat. They can kill or injure enemies within 4 meters of them. When they swing their katana, all you see is a flash of white light around them. No one operating the katana can even see it. ” 诸葛元声 两朝平攘录 刀长五尺馀，用双刀则及丈馀地。又加手舞六尺，开锋凡一丈八尺。舞动则上下四方尽白，不见其人。（诸葛元声《两朝平攘录》卷四）

[@metalheaddrummer101]

Ok wait in the last one(in the kunst de fechten tradition of german longsword) he’s basically doing a Zornhut(wrath guard) into a zwinger(two low cuts in a row). Wild how two wildly distinct cultures had similar ideas even tho a katana is single edged and the longsword is doubled. It also reminds me a lot of spadone/zweihander fighting, because those swords are meant to fight off large groups of people

[@deelo04]

It looked like a dance fighting 7 people and so fluid

[@Knightblade490]

Ah, the katana swing sounds.

[@peterjaimez1619]

Hi, take a look at: How to Fight 7 Swordsmen at Once - Donald McBane's 18th Century Pub Brawl Survival Tactics ; .Cheers

[@skulblaka17]

Hi shogo and seki sensei. I am a total novice to these practice and even tho mine is totally a difeerent school, but i really love how seki sensei and you explain things. Anyway i always wondered one thing: how can anybody remember so many different katas form different schools? Is there a trick to it or is it only mnemonic effort?

[@johncartwright8154]

Daunting isn't it? I felt the same when I took up Mugai Ryu here in England ; "how am I ever going to memorise the nomenclature, let alone the physical movements required for each kata?" It comes with time, and as one's knowledge and execution of the kata under the auspices of a good instructor progresses, one gets into the mindset and develop 'muscle memory, realising many kata have elements of others, somewhat like building blocks. Recently, we started practising another Ryu (Enshin) with somewhat different techniques and movements, but found we adapted quite quickly due to the grounding I mention above. I wish you well in your Iaido endevours!

[@skulblaka17]

@@johncartwright8154 my sensei tought me 4 iaido katas that by the way i can't find anywhere on the internet and last week we started a kenjutsu one. My problem now is that all the moves mix with eachother expecially cause iaido 5 and 6 and 4 and 7 start the same and i keep mixing them

[@MonsieurPlum]

it's very different from usual swordplay: the movements are really broad compared to a fight against a single opponent but that's normal since the enemies are far from each other I think it's like using a montante or a nodachi in case of a fight against more than two opponents I make sure that they run after me to attack them one after one it is also possible to use the scenery to help, such as using trees... another good way to manage a group is to block an opponent behind one of his allies I am amazed by Seki sensei's techniques I don't know any kata like this against a group, they seem really effective i especially liked the battle against 7 opponent cause Seki sensei use his sword with one hand for more speed and range, but in return the slices are less deep and precise i think its the best way to manage a surprise and survive against many swordsmen of course when the enemies are surprised, you must take advantage for fleing

[@ericstieg2721]

I was looking at the online lessons and times. Being in California, it looks like the live, online lessons are at 10:30pm JST, which is 5:30am PST. Is there another time live lessons are taking place, as 5:30am would be challenging.

[@letsasksekisensei]

Unfortunately due to the time when we do the actual training at the dojo, this will be the only time that we do the lessons live…

[@ericstieg2721]

I have a dojo at my home and have done other sword styles for a number of years. Would I be able to submit videos for “review” or do you only review technique during the live class. Happy to become a paying member if this is possible.

[@elliottgbadehan4220]

You should have Sensei react to different samurai in video games like Yoshimitsu and For Honor.

[@nataliefaust7959]

To answer the question of the vid, I'd surrender if they allowed it, or I'd try to spend the next second making my peace with dying. 🤣 For a serious response: I'm truly fascinated by Seki Sensei's mastery and deeply thankful you've given us the gift of these videos to learn from him. ♥

[@yofu3048]

Given that you aren’t already surrounded, would it be advantageous to be as tenacious as possible and attack first, attempting to take out each opponent before they had time to group together? like the opposite Of running and taking out each opponent as they catch up 1 at a time.

[@dannydagerous]

cool

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

👏

[@TheCCBoi]

I imagine this was also extremely useful on a battlefield - you may have to battle multiple people at once numerous times.

[@dylan8736]

Can you let him try using a crowbar like the longsword video?

[@Samu2010lolcats]

The 7 opponent kata looks similar to some montante techniques.

[@coreygardner1371]

If I had the skill, training and experience of Seki Sensei. That might be an option. But given my level of everything. Pull pin, drop grenade and say goodbye...

[@captainobvious8037]

Die. We would die.

[@joselete1972]

Shiho giri

[@nightshade7240]

Seven samurai at once? From the draw, probably die since they are going to have far more experience than I do. If surrounded with katana in hand, I'd have a better chance but still probably die because they are samurai and the only real way to beat seven opponents at once is to have a weapon that mitigates their reach, like a naginata or some of the more exotic yari like the jumonji yari, which might be one of the most interesting and effective melee weapons in Japanese history. With the jumonji yari you could keep seven opponents at bay and defeat them as well. With a katana, with no reach advantage, I don't favour anyone's odds of coming out of it alive. Maybe dual wielding katanas because then you can attack and defend both sides at once and they'd be less familiar against a dual wielding style, especially if it uses techniques from Polish or Cossack sabre fighting which is what I am familiar with. Rolling might also be highly effective. You don't normally do it against one person but seven around you are going to get in each other's way, so changing your level and changing you position to cut to the legs and hamstrings, utilising a roll to change your position might also work.

[@johncartwright8154]

Impressive as this might be, executing those movements shown would be much hampered and slower on a rough street surface rather than the highly polished wooden floor of a Dojo. But these are kata, not combat practice.

[@tabull8180]

They even say in the video that you would probably lose. But giving oneself a 5% chance with a technique is better than 0% chance. Also there is implication on these kinds of situations that the enemy is less skilled than you, or at very least does not know about the techniques you are doing. And even if they are skilled, you might be able to wound one or two or three opponents with your surprise attack increasing your odds from "certain death" to "possibly not dead maybe". They will hesitate to come inside the reach of your sword if you suddenly start swinging it unpredictably, giving you the window to do something.

[@samurai0451]

Hi , can Seki sensei react to the seven samurais

[@Mariusz-n9z]

It's like eden's bravo

[@Orichalcosbladers]

God he moves like tanjiros flowing dance

[@user-bm3ts2ql6s]

My friend and I are interested in taking the class together. If we both become students could we possibly join the zooms together from my house?

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

Draw rapier and start getting pokey.

[@johncartwright8154]

I wonder if the extra length of a rapier would give one an advantage, concentrating on keeping the fencing measure and out of reach.

[@gregoryw.1160]

Mr. Shogo, question for you and perhaps for Seki-shihan: Does his ryu emphasize squinting to reduce blinking? I’ve trained in Aikido, and I’ve heard Daito-ryu and Yamate-ryu students say that squinting to reduce blinking at the beginning of conflict (with soft eyes of course) is something they were taught. I love Seki-shihan’s final comment about ‘swinging the sword convincingly when surrounded so you can run away!’ My old art is rooted in battlefield survival (as is yours), and dealing with the opponents quickly to bring them down, use them for shielding, etc., is very much in the spirit of effectively running away. I once heard a sempai say “use your atemi and position so you can throw them quick! The arrows are coming!!” 🙂 Finally, Mr. Shogo, I’ve told you before, but the musical intro with Seki-shihan’s favorite band still makes me smile! It was a beautiful surprise you and your fellow students made for him! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@justachievements1974]

❤

[@miqvPL]

Sadly those are very ugly situations that can quickly get out of hand. Imagine when in the second kata the second opponent to be striked jumps backwards, evading the wide horizontal swing and engages again when you're busy with the 2 opponents on the side. Thankfully nowadays the chances of you getting jumped by 4 swordsmen are very low :) Footwork in the last kata is very hard, but it's very beautiful. Lots of similarities to a made up first form of lightsaber combat in star wars called Shii-Cho, with wide defensive swings covering a lot of angles. And that form is good for multiple attackers too, always fun to see real aspects of swordfighting in fiction.

[@eddys.3524]

I guess the opponents will know these Kata too, so they come prepared... What happens than?

[@anas-432]

I wonder if there was ever a samurai that beat multiple people in a sword fight? If i was a samurai that had to fight multiple people i would run lol

[@dravidianbro6521]

Oothiram kadakam kadakathinozhivu pinne ashokanum.

[@simonsan5271]

Nec Hercules contra plures..

[@MP_Dalastdon14]

What if all of them just thrusted you with the intent to sacrifice themselves

[@thegreat_hambronie201]

Smith and Wesson ten feet away. Fight over

[@TheRealMrCods]

I am guessing if you are fighting 7 Samurai its a fair assumption that you are going to die? 🙏😥

[@charlescarter9773]

surrender?