Changes

==History==

==History==

The precise origin of the [[kusarigama]] and its use are probably lost to us.  However, it is likely to have evolved from the standard kama, or sickle.  This was an agrarian implement for cutting plants, such as rice, in the field, but also used in stables to quickly harvest grass for the horses or even used to cut horses free in the event of a fire.  The ''kama'' dates back to at least the seventh century.  Serge Mol dates it to [[Fujiwara Kamatari|Nakatomi no Kamatari]] (614-669), later called Fujiwara no Kamatari, who defeated Soga Emishi and his son Iruka in 645.  He observes that ''Sho Shô Ryu'' claims their ''kama'' techniques come form [[Fujiwara Kamatari|Nakatomi no Kamatari's]] ''Koden Ryu''.<ref>Mol, Serge (2003), ''Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts'', Kodansha International, Tokyo, Japan. p. 32</ref>

The precise origin of the [[kusarigama]] and its use are probably lost to us.  However, it is likely to have evolved from the standard kama, or sickle.  This was an agrarian implement for cutting plants, such as rice, in the field, but also used in stables to quickly harvest grass for the horses or even used to cut horses free in the event of a fire.  The ''kama'' dates back to at least the seventh century.  Serge Mol dates it to [[Fujiwara Kamatari|Nakatomi no Kamatari]] (614-669), later called Fujiwara no Kamatari, who defeated Soga Emishi and his son Iruka in 645.  He observes that ''Sho Shô Ryu'' claims their ''kama'' techniques come form [[Fujiwara Kamatari|Nakatomi no Kamatari's]] ''Koden Ryu''.

The addition of the chain may have come from the combination of the ''kama'' with the ''konpi'' (a weighted chain).<ref>Mol 2003 p. 35</ref> [[Isshin Ryu]] is considered, by some, to have been the pioneer school of kusarigamajutsu.<ref>Mol 2003 p.145</ref>.  In the Edo period, this became a popular weapon of women.<ref>Mol 2003 pp. 146-149</ref>

The addition of the chain may have come from the combination of the ''kama'' with the ''konpi'' (a weighted chain).  [[Isshin Ryu]] is considered, by some, to have been the pioneer school of kusarigamajutsu..  In the Edo period, this became a popular weapon of women.

Different schools of kusarigamajutsu use different [[kusarigama]].  Some have the chain attached at the base of the handle, others have it attached at the blade.  Some blades are straight, others are curved.  Some are only sharpened on one side of the blade, others are sharpened on both.  These factors also influence the use and the techniques.

Different schools of kusarigamajutsu use different [[kusarigama]].  Some have the chain attached at the base of the handle, others have it attached at the blade.  Some blades are straight, others are curved.  Some are only sharpened on one side of the blade, others are sharpened on both.  These factors also influence the use and the techniques.

==Footnotes==

==Footnotes==

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[[Category:bujutsu]]

[[Category:bujutsu]]