On close observation of the Kusarigama kata of Isshin Ryu, you can notice something quite startling - there are some movements where the Kusarigama effectively mimics a Jo.
I found this a little startling when I first noticed it - even though it should probably come as no surprise. Isshin Ryu was originally a comprehensive martial art, however the Kusarigama was subsumed in to Shinto Muso Ryu.
On first thought you may think that it would be ported across unchanged, however this would make little sense - it does however mean it is hard to draw conclusions about Isshin Ryu as it is to my mind obviously adapted.
I often look at blocking a sword cut with the chain and flinch, and then try to come up with ideas about how this may work - are they attacking the arms in reality, are they smothering etc?
Blocking in this manner may of course make a lot of sense with the Jo.
If I look at the following items I can clearly see an Shinto Muso Ryu influence - I therefore wonder if they should be disregarded in terms of authentic Kusarigama?
TSUKI HAZUSHI UCHI - an explanation for blocking with the chain?
DO BARAI
KURI TSUKE
MAKI OTOSHI
HIKI OTHOSHI
Opening the front foot and turning the body.
The distance between the hands when holding the Kusarigama is similar to the Jo.
I found this a little startling when I first noticed it - even though it should probably come as no surprise. Isshin Ryu was originally a comprehensive martial art, however the Kusarigama was subsumed in to Shinto Muso Ryu.
On first thought you may think that it would be ported across unchanged, however this would make little sense - it does however mean it is hard to draw conclusions about Isshin Ryu as it is to my mind obviously adapted.
I often look at blocking a sword cut with the chain and flinch, and then try to come up with ideas about how this may work - are they attacking the arms in reality, are they smothering etc?
Blocking in this manner may of course make a lot of sense with the Jo.
If I look at the following items I can clearly see an Shinto Muso Ryu influence - I therefore wonder if they should be disregarded in terms of authentic Kusarigama?
TSUKI HAZUSHI UCHI - an explanation for blocking with the chain?
DO BARAI
KURI TSUKE
HIKI OTHOSHI
Opening the front foot and turning the body.
The distance between the hands when holding the Kusarigama is similar to the Jo.
