You Never Knew the Chain Ball is So Powerful

By looking at this weapon, it might be difficult to imagine how to fight with it. But you’d be surprised to learn how powerful it is against a katana.
So today, Seki sensei, the 22nd headmaster of Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 400 years of history, will explain the history and ways of fighting with the Tamagusari chain ball. This is a very rare video where you can see the actual fighting skills of the samurai’s secret weapon. Especially the final Kata is a shocking technique where you can carry the opponent on your back using the Tamagusari, so please watch till the end to find out.
*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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#tamagusari #chainball #kusarigama #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@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. (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 GOAL of this channel: To achieve 100,000 subscribers by the end of 2023” If you help us achieve this goal, we can make more videos, start online lessons, and hold teaching activities overseas! Please subscribe and support us if you want to learn more from Seki Sensei! ▼What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk ▼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 -How Samurai Actually Fought with Wakizashi (Short Katana) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ravLe3iqlr5npaM ▼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!

[@randallpetroelje3913]

I love the fact that koryu is still alive and your sensei is too!! Keeping the traditions alive is what it’s all about. Many thanks 🙏

[@markfergerson2145]

The triple version used by police in historical Japan is very similar to a weapon used by pre-Columbian peoples in parts of South America. It is called bolas and consists of three leather straps attached to three leather-wrapped stones. It was used to hunt large animals and in warfare before Europeans came, and by cattlemen, soldiers and police afterward. It is still used for hunting.

[@JKa244]

I had a toy version of this as a kid (golf balls on the end of ropes) and it was a lot of fun but took months of practice to self teach how to throw and wrap things without hurting myself. This was in the US - bolo(how I was taught to call it) are surprisingly well known

[@Diobrando-no1wy]

It is also known as Boleadoras

[@kohikan5180]

I studied the chain weapon as Mariki Gusari, and it is quite formidable. The training can easily apply to a piece of cord or rope lying around or items such as belt or necktie.

[@CtrlAltRetreat]

You mean the Manriki Gusari? that version generally has a much longer chain doesn't it?

[@josefbajarias3109]

Im looking at the chain i use for my dog..

[@mysteriousdeath14400]

The Chinese nine-section whip chain is also quite similar, though longer. I carry my keys on a Paracord lanyard with a snap loop that releases, and carabineers on each end. Lighter than a full weapon, but still workable and far more discrete.

[@ManLikeKitch]

Seki sensei's assisstant is brave letting him display these moves. When he was showcasing the neck snap from the unarmed combat video, I was sweating 😅

[@lancerhades971]

I love him. He always seem so interested in whats going on, and hes clearly a very good student

[@ShinKyuubi]

I actually have a similar weapon I bought years ago...I'm talking early teens here. I own a Manrikigusari that has octagon weights on each end. It and a half dang dozen foam nunchaku I've bought over my 3 decades of life have shown me just how dangerous and also powerful flexible weapons can be if used right...or wrong.

[@robpelarde4734]

Right on , been there done that 👍

[@Dosetsu1]

I've trained with a similar weapon, the Kusarifundo, in the Bujinkan. One thing I really like about this type of weapon is that the skills can be used for various flexible objects such as cord, rope, jackets, etc. For anyone new to this type of weapon, a big part of training is to not hit yourself. A good part of this is that it forces you to move properly so you don't get hit with your own weapon.

[@WizardOfAtlantis]

Wonderful to see! I've been a big fan of chain weapons since i was a kid so this video was a pleasure to watch. It's called Kusarifundo as I learned this weapon. Once again Seki Sensei's mastery is very apparent as he manages the Tamagusari. Such a lively weapon does not forgive your mistakes. :) Thank you very much!

[@addictedtoblades2]

The dude is a true MASTER ❤

[@user-yo5wr2dz7c]

He is!!!

[@davefletch3063]

I love kusari weapons, very underrated in modern times but really practical

[@satisfiedskullservant]

That was an unbelievably interesting on a historical weapon I've personally never heard of. I would love to see some of these techniques performed at full speed just to see them properly in action.

[@Braindazzled]

Thanks again! Your videos are always so informative and also very well video'd, so they are very understandable. Ive always been interested in this weapon, and it also reminded me of jodo, which I have a little training with.

[@eileenfabri5497]

Hey brother Shogo, the 3 section tamagusari, in the west we call them, "Bolo," and have used them for a couple of centuries. Love your videos brother!

[@aphyder83]

This was fantastic, Best video to date!

[@s.owl9]

Its so good that he explained that one must stretch the tama-gusari at the moment of impact to create a rebounding effect, otherwise the attack would push right through the block. I was skeptical of blocking with the chain at first, because I didn’t know about that technique.

[@mikerouch416]

Thanks for the catching technique and the block method. It seems obvious after learning it.

[@artistpenguin5890]

Thank you so much for another treasure of a video! I train with multiple flexible weapons, so this was a real treat!

[@phonepoies]

this was enlightening. thank you very much.

[@deadscaredits]

These techniques have given me some ideas of how to apply it to my rope dart techniques, thank you for yhe videos they are amazing!

[@phoneowner7936]

I really enjoy your vids. Great job. I will subscribe.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

i've never seen a chain ball weapon being used in real life ever before, so this was cool. thanks seki-sensei!

[@Cognac0543]

Wonderful informative video about chained martial art weapons, love watching these. While it is similar to a bo and jo staff i would love to know more about the 'yari' spear or the 'jumanji yari' which is up high on my favourite weapons list.

[@Dosetsu1]

In the USA some martial arts suppliers refer to the weights as "spikes" due to confusion over the first book on the topic in English, "Spike and Chain" by Charles V. Gruzanski. The book mostly deals with the Manrikigusari from Masaki Ryu and has a small section at the end on shuriken, but apparently they did not actually read the book and thought the Manrikigusari was called a "spike and chain."

[@motepral34]

my favorite weapon is the three section staff, it is very interesting to see your comparison between the staff and tamagusari, i can see that comparison with the three section staff too, i wish your ryuha had that weapon...

[@BronzTiger]

Superb and ingenious and a very generous and informative dissertation by the Master.

[@AJScraps]

So cool looks straight out of a fighting game 🔥

[@samurijder9550]

Thank you, all three of you. Cheers from the Netherlands!

[@nightraid7]

Great skills 🔥✌🏻

[@cristian.crixus]

Great videos!!!, I like if Seki sensei teach us the great movement of his legs, maybe he use the NANBA move principles for move his body and legs in the floor??

[@jonhawthorn746]

This is awesome! Will you please show us more Tamagusari techniques? ...Oh and surujin techniques too?

[@johnnymonsters9717]

This was extremely informative and interesting. This would be the first weapon i learn self defense with

[@robpelarde4734]

Good choice, outdoor practice, go slow

[@blindcrow849]

I usually tell to students of my school that's a bit like a flexible hanbo.

[@justachievements1974]

Beautiful!

[@yisraelaker6696]

This is totally awesome

[@circejean]

Thank you!

[@ackthbbft]

2:35 Mijin is basically just what other societies often refer to as a bola, just with chains instead of a bola's cords.

[@MajorWlite]

Thank You

[@mangeybum1443]

Very cool! Chain weapons are super fun, I like to train with a dog leash. Personally I notice a lot of similarities with nunchaku. I have a homemade 3 sectional nunchaku that behaves in a very similar fashion, but it still maintains a lot of what makes the nunchaku unique. Its my favorite weapon I have and I made it myself =] I would love to see Seki Sensei demonstrate the nunchaku. Pardon me if I am ignorant of something, but it seems like a weapon he would be familiar with

[@acrowsnest_t6630]

I do kendo and found infront of some thai massage parlor, free theraputic bands. They were slim, 1.7m long bands, with around 50 mini steel beads. You could also "fold" it in the middle and adjust range therefor. Or put knots into it to increase damage. Was super fun figuring out a basic strike with that and thought this is kinda usefull for self defence.. as long as you go for their face. Stung my skin to see how much it hurts, wasnt fun. The mechanics of chain balls seem really engaging and somewhat limiting by trying not kill yourself, but that prob brings alot of creativity!

[@form4li7y]

2:43 oh, so like a bola.

[@WelfareChrist]

i'm fully expecting to see these moves in anime in the near future.

[@franceshaypenny8481]

Wow, very scary but very handy weapon.

[@doublebubble9864]

I train with kusari in bujinkan many movements are known to me that you displayed.❤

[@christianmilia3631]

Magistrale. Superbe . C’est beau c’est fluide c’est classe, Domo arigato gozaimashita.🙇🏾😊🇫🇷

[@randallpetroelje3913]

Kusari findo, manriki kusari- very underrated weapon. One of my favorites.

[@tc4600]

@letsasksekisensei any chance you can tell how long the chain ball your using in this video is? Love the content thank you for sharing.

[@Deniz_50]

I love all these weapons in this ryuha

[@leavemynameoutofthis]

Seki-sensei looked like he was having even more fun than normal in this video. I like that.

[@erkjadrek28]

7:50 that's freakin scary men! Deadly technique.

[@okancanarslan3730]

a simple but formidable weapon

[@Sashimi_Boy2404]

It would be nice to see one about the kusarigama, I would love to know how those work

[@user-yo5wr2dz7c]

He is very good at what he does

[@pmauza]

Hi Shogo sensei and Seki sensei. Is the Tama in Tama-gusari the same kanji as in egg? Like in Sanrio's Gudetama? Thank you for this video, and take care.

[@letsasksekisensei]

Yes, it means “ball!”

[@pmauza]

@@letsasksekisensei Thank you, sensei. Take care.

[@jameshead9119]

Years ago I made something similar using a bunch of keys on both ends though not as long a chain as potential self defence weapon that would be street legal ( never needed it for such and never much of a fighter but it felt better knowing I had something to use if ever needed )

[@snoohh2513]

I would love to see if there are any techniques with the kusari gamas.

[@user-yo5wr2dz7c]

He is very good !!!

[@thomasturner4253]

Thanks for demonstrating weapons from Samurai culture That are very rarely shown

[@3rdeye7thdimension]

Yes! I've been waiting for this video ever since I read "Isshinryu Kusarigama!" Ironically there is a karate ryu of the same name, that I took as a child.

[@mariazingg3098]

Was the Ito wrapping around the rayskin colorful for the katana back then?

[@kairinase]

Looking at the techniques, those chain balls can be replaced with a bike locks, prayer beads, rosaries, or even thick scarves... as long as you have something pliable to work with!

[@nicholasjonas2505]

Can you teach us about the naganita and the onabu-geishas?

[@joacogomezmontero6071]

The mijin is very similar to the boleadoras, a traditional hunting tool from argentina. The only difference is that is made out of rope and leather wrapped stones, so interesting to see how different cultures come to similar desings without ever coming into contact with each other

[@deankaprolet3994]

Guy makes it look so easy to swing it around and catch it.

[@thomaselmore1155]

Used a chain with tapered octagon shaped end weights. Manriki

[@badweather1690]

6:11 wow he really had to dodge there

[@CromCruachTheElderK]

Damn, I hope the Katana guy is okay.

[@jyothu9064]

Can i know where is seki sensei’s dojo? Please😊😊😊

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Similar weapons were known as "slungshots" and bolos. Very popular in the West.

[@Ja-EdenCheese]

Please talk more about other japanese flexible weapons

[@yisraelaker6696]

Where can i purchase the chain and ball or kusari fundo

[@endlessnoodle3056]

6:32 when would katana just stay in one place after an attack?

[@brandondoe4673]

Intro reminds me oceans eleven

[@blackswordshinobi]

use just like kursrai fundo in same matter kursrai mean chain fundo mean weight the matter is blocking hitting and griping and swing kursrai fundo was both shinobi and samurai weapon shot out Fondmetal of the kursrai fundo it basic form

[@TheCCBoi]

Like a ancient samurai Sukeban Deka!

[@SuneEvert]

How would kamagusari against kama look and what would be respektive strengths and weaknesses?

[@yonblek4542]

I would be curious to see him use a fencing sabre..

[@monicab204]

That was fabulous! I love the history on this unique weapon. Seki Sensei is masterful using it. If it was me, I would hit myself many times.😅 Thank you for this amazing video. ❤

[@kohikan5180]

If you train at all with any staff techniques you will find you can easily adapt to the chain.

[@robpelarde4734]

That's how you learn, 😊

[@vksasdgaming9472]

It is interesting to notice that Okinawan kobudo had kusarifundo which generally seems to have been longer and with heftier weights. There is also modern gang-fighting implement of chainlock that uses padlock as weight.

[@znail4675]

A heavy motorcycle locking chain with lock on the end would be a serious weapon! I got one for locking my e-bike and I just realized it's potential.

[@vksasdgaming9472]

@@znail4675 No doubt about it causing nasty wounds on hit (even bike chain scratches nastily), but after brief experimentation I found bicycle chain too awkward and if motorcycle chain is similar it applies to as well. That uneven bending is really unpleasant. Regular chain with weighted ends is good enough if concealment is most important or nunchaku if more raw power is needed.

[@nobodyimportant8859]

When seki sensei smiles he has a very childlike look to his face. He ages very well. People usually guess 7-10 years younger than my real age

[@gwheeler1609]

I trained with Kusari for a while. It was just as dangerous to me in the beginning lol

[@robpelarde4734]

Amen!

[@MrRourk]

A lot of those same moves can be done with formidable piece of plastic called Sjambok.

[@derricktalbot8846]

SOMEBODY GET THAT MAN A WHIP!

[@varencilator]

I see that wooden training glaive :)

[@mattgonzales810]

🙏

[@theovets]

Mijin work as throwing bolas

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

👍

[@katakesh8566]

Low cost, highly effective, can be extended for better range, useful in striking and grappling The spear and the chain are imo are the pinnacle of weapon design

[@BionicBurke]

Aside from the striking with it, it seems there would be no reason to create specific kata for the chain. These techniques are already well explained in rope/belt kata.

[@KateJohn2013England]

👍🙏

[@Meepo316]

From how he throws the weapon, wouldn't that be telegraphing your movement to your opponent. At 3:50, he starts with the step and underhand throw motion that would make it very easy for someone to guess what he was about to do. Wouldn't that take away the element of surprise? I ask this with all due respect, but as a person trained in western martial arts, this seems to be a bit complicated and difficult to maneuver compared to another concealed weapon like a knife. Also it seems like when he does the demonstration he doesn't teach the counter to the weapon. Thats a little strange. I understand this weapon can be very deadly, but chain weapons are always a danger as much to the user as the opponent.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

could you ask seki sensei if he could make a video about the kusarigama?

[@letsasksekisensei]

He is actually an instructor of the Kusarigama too, but his style prohibits him from showing the skills outside the dojo.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

@@letsasksekisensei that's both awesome and totally sucks. but thank you for responding.

[@ShadowrunnerSR3]

Interesting weapon, but I'm curious if there are any techniques against stabbing attacks?

[@robpelarde4734]

Yes, most definitely, do research

[@mikedubovs1574]

I've worked with chains.. in Russian systemema.. you need to flow like water against it.. you move in it and with it you learn to accept it the flail and chain.. you need to allow it.. or it will break you but you allow it also bollow etc. it can be thrown or in close contact you not to allow it to hit yt and flow into it to defend yourself

[@mikedubovs1574]

Like a sword.. flat force does nothing it needs angle and movement.. but flat force can be blocked with no damage to flesh. Like cut a rope..push down flat.. no forward or angle movement

[@mikedubovs1574]

See how sensai.. grabs with wrist and around body you do that same to defend.. it is very nasty.. but if you allow it it can't hurt

[@Soviet_raccoon]

Can a knunchaku be used the same way?

[@Mark-vy5qs]

Just get Seki Sensei to use a Chinese Meteor Hammer. The... the rope dart thing but it has a ball at the end, not a dart.

[@kevinnarron7406]

Only problem I have with that defensive block against the overhead Katana attack is what metal is the chain made of preventing it from being cut by the Katana. I'd think it would cut through the chain unless it's made of exceptional metal.

It's made of beskar, so no worries.

[@robpelarde4734]

Not really, good stance great sword maybe?

[@znail4675]

It's actually not as much of a problem as it may look as the chain is not a solid stick, but will "bend" to slow the weapon down over a bit of distance.

[@kevinnarron7406]

I wasn't thinking clearly. I now know that it's very hard to cut through a chain with a Katana. My bad.

[@jordanleslie8722]

Do you guys spar if so could we get a video of the sparring sessions

[@astranix0198]

Mijin, three balls? Three chains?

[@radleytadong]

So the Mijin was the Japanese counterpart of the Bolas?

[@killerwolf7415]

Bruce Lee used a version of this when he was street fighting

[@ashbirk4681]

Is there a difference between kusari-fundo and tama-kusari? The techniques look the same

[@letsasksekisensei]

There are different ways to refer to the same weapon!

[@ashbirk4681]

@@letsasksekisensei that’s what I thought, the kusari fundo is my favorite weapon 😃