Another short metal chain whip.
PRACTICE THIS OUTDOORS. I have only seen this
weapon in Japanese and Okinawan martial arts where it is known
as a kusarigama (kama or sickle with a chain). Like the simple
chain and the
chain whips, this would be a very challenging
weapon to teach. It is also very difficult to photograph when in
motion, so I am relieved that it is not taught. Tactically, I am
not optimistic the chain could serve as effective defense
against long weapons such as a spear or against double short
weapons. In particular, the hand holding the kama is very
vulnerable -
perhaps a crescent-shaped hand guard could be
added by some future weaponsmith. Likewise, the hand throwing or
whirling the weight does not have much protection either. On
offense the only striking surfaces would be the comparatively
short kama blade and the weight. I am unable to determine when
Chinese metalworkers first made chains - if there were serious
copper chains (as opposed to a bracelet or a necklace) the
technology could be very old. Pumps incorporating chains were in
use at least by the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD). |
