The Ancient Japanese Martial Art - Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu

This video, titled "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," was created by "bushinjuku."
It's an introductory video of "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," a traditional Japanese martial art that involves wielding dual "kusarigama," a chain and sickle weapon with a metal weight attached to the end of the chain.
The footage of the techniques, which require a combination of spirit, skill, and strong physique, is truly captivating.

In this article, we'll introduce the origins and history behind the ancient Japanese martial art Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu.

About Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu

Source :YouTube screenshot

Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu was developed as a way for peasants to protect themselves using a sickle and chain as they could not carry swords.
Nowadays, you can learn how the sickle and chain would have been used as a weapon by watching demonstrations performed by Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu practitioners.
You can watch a typical demonstration in this video from 0:13.

The martial art is gaining huge popularity worldwide.
Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu is a martial art in which the practitioner utilizes a dual sickle-and-chain to take down an opponent.
A heavy weight is attached to the end of the chain which aids in attacking and defending against an enemy.
You can see how this is used from 0:58 in the video.

The weight at the end of the chain can also be used to disarm an opponent.
You can see how this is done at 1:46 in the video.
From 3:10, you can also watch footage of the weight being used to smash plant pots from a distance, something that requires great skill and technique.
Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu is steadily gaining popularity, and as well as demonstrations like the one in the video, there are also Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu competitions and mixed style competitions with Kendo practitioners being held.

The Origin and History of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu

Source :YouTube screenshot

Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu started as a form of self-defense, after that Ju-jitsu developed as a form of unarmed combat and following that, Kendo (a form of fencing with Japanese swords).
Near the end of the Edo Period (1853-1868 AD) it was still a well-kept clan secret, with varying schools or styles (such as Otomeryu) only being passed down to other clan members.

The Shinmen Nito Shinkage Ryu school (opened by Shinmen Bensuke) derived from a two-sword fighting style called Niten Ichi Ryu passed down by Miyamoto Musashi.
By the time the third generation master Matsumura Yoshitaka appeared, the "Shinmen" part of the name had ceased to be used.
Currently the fifth generation master Shimamura Shu passes down the ancient practice of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu through his training.
He is based in the city of Kochi, in Kochi Prefecture .

Summary of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu, a Traditional Japanese Martial Art

The video "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," created by "bushinjuku," shows masters of the ancient martial art demonstrating a variety of techniques.
The popularity of Japanese ninja and samurai has brought about a rise in the number of people overseas undertaking Japanese martial arts training such as Ju-jitsu, Kendo, and Karate to name just a few.

There has also been an increase in the number of foreigners making visits to Japan to receive further training in the homeland of their martial art.
The techniques performed in this video, which require a high level of skill and are the result of many years of training, are nothing short of impressive.
This video is a must-watch for all Japanese martial arts fans!

【Official Website】Nihonkobudoukoukai, Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu
http://www.nihonkobudokyoukai.org/martialarts/077/