Kusarigama - Red Oak Made in JapanComposition: Red oak, Chrome Plated Brass ChainLength: 46 cm (blade: 16.5 cm)Tsuka (handle) diameter: 27 mm x 37 mmChain length: 142 cmWeight: ~600 g (without chain: ~390g) 'Kusari' means chain, and the 'Kama' was originally a farming tool, a short sickle. Combined, it forms the 'Kusarigama', a weapon used mainly in Okinawa, designed from simple tools to bypass laws against the possession and carrying of weapons in medieval Japan.A wooden weight is attached to the end of the fairly long chain to enhance its usage as hooking weapon. This model is made of Japanese red oak with a oil polish finish and the chain is made of chrome plated brass with invisible joints. Brass is significantly less resistant than steel. This is a choice for safer Kusarigama training, allowing the chain to break if needed (especially for techniques that include wrapping the chain around the neck). Kusarigama Jutsu, the art of handling the Kusarigama, is difficult to master, containing a set of techniques using the chain and/or sickle, ranging from direct attacks to disarming the opponent from distance.Here you can watch an example of Kusarigama techniques of the Araki Ryu demonstration on our YouTube channel.
