Kama
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Kama
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The bladed
weapon, the kama was a genuine farmer's tool. It was used as
a weapon in many villages for centuries. This weapon brings
to the practitioner the feel of steel and the hint of fear a
live blade gives. The techniques for the kama include any number
of multiple slashing, hooking, thrusting and blocking maneuvers,
executed with two kama, or Nichokama. The corner of the blade
to the shaft should have a groove cut into it for catching the
Bo and other weapons without the blade digging into and getting
stuck into the attacking weapon.
The weight of the shaft is dependent upon the strength of the
user and should be tapered to the butt end with increasing thickness.
This allows for ease of catching and sliding when changing grip.
The blade should add sufficient weight to ensure it is the heaviest
point in the weapon. This also allows for ease of usage. The
length of the weapon should extend to about 3cm passed the elbow
when held in reverse grip. The handling of the weapon is the
same as the Sai.
The dexterity of the fingers is paramount to the changing grips
the weapon affords and needs in kumite. Most students commence
with wooded Kama to ensure safety and acclimatization before
moving to the more demanding live blades.
