Sabuir-ryu sojutsu (Spear fighting):
Shiojutsu Ken Ri Kata Ichiryu Katsuchu Batto Jyu. This is one of the two groups that demonstrated cutting techniques in armor, something I have never seen in person. Interestingly, Google Translate returned "First class armored sword drawing technique" for the characters.
I believe this is Chikabushima-ryu Stick fighting:
Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu. The kusraigama is a traditional Japanese sickle attached to a chain with a heavy iron weight at the end. The weight and chain are spun and either used for strikes or to wrap the enemy's weapons and either disarm or disable them, at which point the kusari (sickle) would be used for the coup de grace.
You will note here that kusarigama is being used for actually strikes. This is very high level, and shows the trust that the master and student have. This has been true as you have watched most of the videos; the ability to control the weapon to the point of either almost making contact or making contact is one of the first things I suspect is taught and emphasized at any martial school. Anyone can hit something; it takes control to get within a hair's breadth or even make contact without injury.
Uff da TB.......quite the effort in today's post with all the longer vids. The years spent, the training, discipline, repetition.....admirable. Were there many spectators there with you TB?
ReplyDeleteNylon12, especially in the smaller groups, what you are seeing is likely the soke, or the head of the style. One definition says that "...they are the living embodiment of the school’s lineage and tradition." They have dedicated their lives to the preservation of the art.
DeleteThere were two levels for spectators. The lower one was maybe 50% full.
Makes me ponder what skill I might have that I could entertain a group of aficionados in an arena. I'm not sure making furniture out of wood would have enough visual impact.
ReplyDeleteEd, I disagree. Aficionados can and will spend hours watching a thing because they appreciate the details and craft. That is true of any activity, be it martial arts or making furniture.
DeleteI never realized how many disciplines there are in Japan. A few have been popularized over here, but the rest are pretty much unknown. I was especially interested in the kusraigama. I have two Japanese sickles and they are among my favorite yard tools. Not so sure I'd get even close to mastering one with a chain and weight!
ReplyDeleteLeigh, one of the historical anomalies of the samurai class is how much more numerous they were than similar warrior castes in Europe. The number I have heard is that 1 to 2% of European nations were hereditary military classes like knights; in Japan the samurai class (including the ruling daimyos, etc.) were more like 10%. As a result, the warrior mindset seems to have had much more of an impact on Japanese culture and thinking that its equivalent in Europe.
DeleteMost samurai, especially during the Edo Period (1600-1868) received a cash stipend every year. While many filled administrative roles, many others served as guards or simply trained. As a result, different weapons schools proliferated.
And it was not just the warriors. It is theorized, for example, that the kusarigama was originated not by the samurai but by peasants who were using what they had at hand to defend themselves (in Edo Japan, wearing a sword would have been illegal especially for farmers). Open hand techniques and Okinawan schools may also find their beginnings in peasants trying to defend themselves against bandits - or samurai.
Were they wiping the blood off before putting the swords in their sheaths? Or were they just being extra graceful after they killed their enemy? These videos were pretty fascinating.
ReplyDeleteBecki, that is very astute of you to notice.
DeleteChiburi (or chibouri, I have seen it both ways) it literally "blood throw". It is an action intended to remove blood from blade, but just as much intended to dry any residual blood (you are never going to get it all off). If not completely or near dry, the blood will act as a glue in the saya (sheath) and prevent a quick re-draw. Also, of course, it will eventually cause rust.
I did not take videos in my previous visits and I should have. It is a joy to be able to share this part of Japanese culture.