🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp 2025: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop ⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ Sign Up HERE (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo (th-cam.com/users/LetsaskShogoYourJapanesefriendinKyoto). ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style ❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future) 🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍 🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101 *🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set 🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069 🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533 🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189 🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781 🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501 🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons: Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up? A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons. Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback. Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use? A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length. The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training. Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style? A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all. The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing. 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻 sekisensei.com/ 🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵 Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi) Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ th-cam.com/video/2aBKmWmJpJw/w-d-xo.html 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu
On the Long Katana: purely a personal observation, but I think it is a more sound approach to what's being described here: if you're going to take such an extra long sword with you --- presumably because the reality you existed in was that dangerous --- you may as well carry it by hand, or do it like you would carry a long, heavy log on one shoulder... for both practical and swordsmanship actions (at any given instance). If you draw a sword like that (via the "improved" method), due to its extra length ---- forget about the time when a servant having to hold the sheathe for you, as you pull forward, as also demonstrated ---- another master swordsman who draws a normal sword, at any given instance of sword drawing situation, would likely have cut your neck or chopped one of your arms off... before you could unsheathe that spear-length sword. There's a reason why, throughout history, many "great ideas" never made it out of the experimental phase! P.S... yes, I happen to think the Japanese Katana, in general, is probably the most exquisite and most deadly sword ever devised, of all the warring human cultures that have devised knifes and swords for fighting purposes... So, this is NOT a criticism of the Katana, extra long or normal length...
@@kiabtoomlauj6249I agree with you if both are at proer distance for the short katana to reach flesh. But honestly, I'd never do that if I have a ô-Tachi or longer. Also once drawn Seki Sensei shows that the uses the blade as a shield with his hand up high, like for a sliding parry. That would block or deflect any right after with like, a half swording rising cut,
Sorry to be a back seat driver but you can also sheath and unsheath the Long Kitana by laying it over the upper neck and shoulders at a slight angle lower towards the handle and higher towards the end of the sheath. You let the handle fall away from the sheath and nudge the sheath away as it gets to the end of its travel with your weak hand. Not that you can try it after having parted but maybe you will encounter a practice one of similar length.
Seki Sensei is so stoic when sitting there but his face lights up with joy and passion when he is demonstrating his art. He truly loves what he does. I really enjoy these video's
Demands respect simply by demonstrating his skills but is a kind and joyful person at the same time. This man has found bliss in live. There is no better teacher than one who has both the absolute respect and sympathy of his pupils on top of exceptional skills.
Sensei walks the line between lovely grandpa happily showing off his collection to his tow grandsons and the most deadly weapon master alive. Got to love that 🤣
Grand Master Seki is definitely one of a kind. I have dealt with a couple Grand Masters and they didn't seem as patient and willing to share the knowledge this man does. This is not to say I lacked respect for my Grand Masters, they both helped me as a youth in the arts, which has perserved my life on several occasions and that I am forever be grateful. My Grand Masters have passed and I for one miss them . I blame my sucess in lfe on them. It seems rare today to meet someone like this Grand Master who seems to love sharing his knowledge. Thank you so very much for sharing.
There re two kinds of masters. First the guys who reach that level for their own desire only. These are the ones who dont have the patience for others and are hesitant to share their knowledge. Because of their ego and pride they dont enjoy to teach. Their art might shine while they re alive but death takes us all and so their art vanishes. And second the re masters like Seki Sensei. They do it for the art they master, being part of something bigger than themselves. They find joy in sharing their knowledge and because of that being something they enjoy they also have the patience. Art needs to be groomed and for that you have to hand over the torch to the next generation. The art of masters like Seki Sensei will live on and shine this way.
It's so impressive to see the trust between teacher and student, Ituka doesn't even flich a single bit when Seki Sensei uses his weapons without a heads-up because he knows his skills and experience
I am someone who has been learning Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Archery ever since I hit the age of six (I am seventeen right now). And a few years ago I have started to learn historical european fencing (Long Swords ect) and I have always been interested in Japanese sword fighting. I love watching these videos and I am seriously thinking about starting to learn how to fight with a katana.I love watching these videos and I am wishing all the best for everyone of you. Thank you for these videos.
incredible content. big thanks to sensei for great performance and to team that put video together so that international audience can also appriciate it.
Seki sensei is amazing, and you can tell he loves sharing his knowledge which is honestly great, he also appreciates things which aren't popular necessarily but specialized skills which are rarer today and need preservation. The 5 shaku sword is amazing. Tekkan could also be used worn on the inside of the hand for scratching and grabbing on and some styles could help in blocking swords if you were skilled.
I see TH-camrs who are always debating what weapon is the best. This is funny to me because if they really knew what they were talking about they would know it has nothing to do with the weapon, but all about the hand that wields it. This is what I love about Seki Sensei He has the hand of a true warrior. Any weapon is a good weapon when in his hands, Respect.
That's just not true. Each weapon that becomes popular is optimized for a certain context: on horseback, on foot, against armored enemies, against unarmored enemies, in a crowd, in a duel, against specific weapons, etc. A katana would fail against a rapier/dagger in an open field duel, but a rapier/dagger would fail in close quarters or in a crowded melee. Similarly, a gladius would fail against a spear, but a spear would fail against a gladius and scutum. Most blades would fail against chain mail, but chain mail would fail against a mace or a bec. The natural advantage certain weapons have in certain contexts is comparable to weight classes in MMA. While a smaller skilled fighter might defeat a large unskilled fighter, at the professional level where everyone is skilled, this is exceedingly rare. The bigger guy just has a natural advantage in MMA, even if he isn't quite as skilled as his much smaller opponent. Similarly, a less skilled cutlass will probably defeat a more skilled montante on a boat.
I have to thank You and Seki Sensei for these great videos. They're extremely informative and exactly the kind of reference I am looking for as an illustrator working on a Samurai comic. I'm constantly looking forward to these videos.
Very interesting method to draw that behemoth of a sword! It's also very similar to the method shown in the Ming dynasty martial arts manual "Dan dao fa xuan" (單刀法選) for a very similar type of sword. You'd first draw from the handle, and then grab onto the blade to pull it out the rest of the way.
They're both kind of the same weapon,ming Dynasty adopted the nodachi after encounters with pirates creating the wodao( nowadays name miao dao) and finding a Kage-ryu manual that the pirates have on them, other Schools teach how to do it solo in a practical sense.
@Eagle1, It is interesting how Japan adopted the Chinese zhanmajians & zhanmadaos in making the zanbato...then evolves it into a nodaci...and then the Chinese in the later dynasties adopts the Japanese nodachi to create their own long two handed daos beginning with the Ming era Changdao. It's gone full circle.
Realistically it was never drawn this way. Nodachi's for example, were already out of the sheathe and set aside or carried when in combat. No one would actually use this stand of unsheathing in a 1v1 scenario either, for obvious reasons.
Much respect to Seki Sensei for acknowledging the solo drawing of the large katana as "theatre" and "not for fighting". A lot of times it seems these things are portrayed as actual things you would do on the battlefield, were as in reality its just not practical. That being said, it obviously takes a lot of skill, Seki Sensei makes it look very smooth but I bet its seriously hard to do correctly! Now I want to buy a 5 shaku katana to try it 🤣
Solo drawing with Nodachi was done in a practical setting and before the Edo period by other schools, even outside Japan such as the Ming Dynasty where the adopted it after dealing with pirate that use it showing how to do it with two or one person.
@@eagle162 thanks for the info Eagle! Though I assumed it was in relation to this specific method as theatre rather than solo drawing in general, I probably should have said "this solo drawing" and not "the solo drawing" 😊
@@voidremoved "you really have no idea" is hostile and condecending, I had already addressed his point in a previous reply, and a more respectful way to say it would be like how Eagle 1 replied. And do you really think calling me "snowflake" is clever? Do you think my feeling were hurt? I think you should have a word with yourself, why did you feel the need to comment and attempt to insult? Are you not familiar with this chanel because I see Shogo trying to promote respectful honest discussion between budoka, you don't seem to understand this.
7:10 Master Seki Sensei one the best master martial artist out there if is not the best if you want to be the last one on the battle field highly recommended 7:10
A small thing here 😊 I really enjoy how this video is in both languages. As an English speaker I love hearing the context from Sensei and then hearing your explanation. Thanks for another great video!
I BOW IN RESPECT. I own and practice with a 150cm (blade. Total length 184 cm) katana. It never occurred to me to use this method, nor to use it in a dance (cho tou no mai) . I draw the blade in the Chinese dao style. Many many thanks. I truly learn something great today.
I had to applaud / clap my hands for Seki Sensei during his Noto using the O-tachi. It takes centrifugal momentum similar to the uke sneaking up from behind technique. Thanks Shogo cool stuff.
Very impressive video. Nodachi were certainly used for strenght demonstration on the battlefield, but were also said to be quite effective against cavalery and other weapons, a bit like european claymore. It evolved to become nagamaki, wich is said was used widely in Takeda Shingen army, because of it's efficiency.
To be more specific, weapons like Greatswords, great axes, and other large sweeping two-handed weapons were often used by shock troops and honor/body guards, greatswords and great axes in particular also have a reputation for being used against cavalry, all the way from China and Japan, to the Huscarls of the Norse and Saxons. For shock troops and guards they were popular cause with the wide sweeps they could do, they could hold and drive multiple enemies back at once. The nagamaki itself came from the common practice of half-swording (which was a thing in Japan too, not only Europe) the nodachi in order to make it better in close quarters, and eventually someone had the idea "Why not just extend the hilt up to where you usually grip the blade when half-swording?"
The Nagamaki might be older than the Nodachi and may have first come about during the Heian . However though much like the Nodachi the oldest examples date back to the Kamakura. This is from the book The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Kōkan Nagayama
Ah its awesome to see bo shuriken being demonstrated as usually its all about throwing stars, and they are difficult to get used to throwing properly! I remember many years ago when I started training, at a seminar one instructor was showing us the use of bo shuriken and explained how it would be used in close quarters (as opposed to the mythical idea of ninja throwing them at great distance with super human accuracy), he said something along the line of "for example, if you wanted to try and blind your opponent..." then proceeded to throw it right into the eye of the paper target we had set up! (It was one of those shooting type targets with a guy holding a gun printed on it) He further explained that of course in the heat of things its not likely to be this accurate but it was awesome to see! I have also been told that senban shuriken (aka throwing stars) were not only used to throw, but in close quarters as a hidden weapon using the sharp edges to slash the opponent. Perhaps you could ask Seki Sensei about this Shogo-san? :)
Thank you, Sir Shogo and Sheki Sensei for producing these videos. Truly awe-inspiring performances, principles and concepts, but the underlying philosophy, respect and cultural pride emanates from each topic. We are from the Philippines and we hope you get to produce more.
I would so love to learn how to draw that katana, I absolutely love the beauty of sword demonstrations like that, the elegant movements with something so beautiful.
Wow. So many different types of weapons! The diversity of weapons supporting different fighting styles is truly fascinating. XD really putting western blacksmiths to shame with all these different weapon ideas. I especially like the episode where you show the fighting pipe. Not only classy but also surprisingly effective.
I can't remember how long I've admired, and wanted a real katana. I did some research and apparently it's quite difficult to acquire, I've been going back and forth to Japan -- and each time, I always wanted a katana. It feels very familiar to me.. hopefully one day I may finally acquire such a blade, and learn the way to fully take care and master it as well.
Another insightful video! I have seen some styles wear the outer belt but I assumed they were doing this because it looked cool and they were wrong. Admittedly my ego prohibited me from seeing the bigger picture. Lesson learned. Please keep these videos coming! Thank you!
I have been looking for drawing references for sword fighting and other techniques. This channel is an absolute treasure and I wish you guys the very best! good luck with your channel!
So here is a suggestion, Rurouni Kenshin is one of the things that got me into Japanese swordsmanship and a lot of the show is about explaining techniques like battoujutsu etc however as I learned about true kobudo I realized most of these techniques in the show are wrong or exaggerated. It would be interesting for Sensei to go over these and perhaps find places where these techniques overlap with real life.
I must say this was very useful to me as I own a sword that same length. Due to my height and arm length I've been able to draw it using normal methods, but Its not the most comfortable draw. This method may very well open up new options for me. Can't wait to start practicing this. And the fact that its guardless should help too.
Thank you for the amazing video series about this Kōryū style! Please delve in to their Yawara. Also I did not know qny other than the Ishiguro Ryū had rope dart curriculum in its Ryūha. Amazing!
1:45 I do not understand how this would incapacitate the attacker, or at least prevent the blade from connecting with the defender’s head or shoulder. Please explain.
This video was very educational. Thank you very much for making it. The long katana draw was very enjoyable to watch. It looks like it uses the throw draw from and earlier video. There are some interesting techniques out there for drawing such long katana’s. On the tenshinryu TH-cam channel they have a few videos drawing an odachi. It is not quite as long as the one in this video.
oh wow... Kozuka... I got those in some katanas I bought years ago and thought they were letter openers. :D I learned something new today! So awesome. :D
I need to learn that draw! When I was a lad I bought a nodachi in a mall gift shop. Not a real sword, but it only cost about $100. It's about 68 inches long. I recently was trying to figure out how to draw it when I noticed that the edge was finer than a mall sword should have. It's not razor sharp, but it can draw cut paper. I guess it's a better mall sword than I thought. Now I need to learn to draw it. Just to learn.
When sensei said " Tekken" i automatically catched on it because of the video game TEKKEN, it used to be my favourite back then partly because of the games name Tekken was so catchy and cool, but it never occurred to me to me to google its meaning until now that shougo san translated it for us " metal fist" indeed it's so catchy and cool.
Thank you for showing the draw technique for the Odachi. I just got one this summer and wondered how to draw it. I ended up using an over the head draw technique, but it wasn't very practical because then I had to drop the sheath instead of having it in my obi.
Old American technique's involve quick drawing like western movies but, I think this stuff is really interesting too. I want to be the first cowboy swordsman!
I'm a big fan of yours shogo. And seki sensi is an amazing man. So much knowledge and skill. Amazing technique and wisdom. I love everything about it. Much love and respect to the both of u.
🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp 2025: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop
⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔
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Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo (th-cam.com/users/LetsaskShogoYourJapanesefriendinKyoto).
❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime
❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime
❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history
❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style
❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future)
🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍
🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101
*🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set
🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069
🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533
🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189
🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781
🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501
🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons:
Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up?
A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons.
Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback.
Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use?
A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length.
The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training.
Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style?
A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all.
The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing.
🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡
Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining
Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo.
❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime
❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime
❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history
❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style
💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻
sekisensei.com/
🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵
Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi)
Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko
Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta
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#katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu
The First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty should've taken a few lessons from this guy to avoid running around and struggling to unsheathe his long sword.
On the Long Katana: purely a personal observation, but I think it is a more sound approach to what's being described here: if you're going to take such an extra long sword with you --- presumably because the reality you existed in was that dangerous --- you may as well carry it by hand, or do it like you would carry a long, heavy log on one shoulder... for both practical and swordsmanship actions (at any given instance).
If you draw a sword like that (via the "improved" method), due to its extra length ---- forget about the time when a servant having to hold the sheathe for you, as you pull forward, as also demonstrated ---- another master swordsman who draws a normal sword, at any given instance of sword drawing situation, would likely have cut your neck or chopped one of your arms off... before you could unsheathe that spear-length sword.
There's a reason why, throughout history, many "great ideas" never made it out of the experimental phase!
P.S... yes, I happen to think the Japanese Katana, in general, is probably the most exquisite and most deadly sword ever devised, of all the warring human cultures that have devised knifes and swords for fighting purposes... So, this is NOT a criticism of the Katana, extra long or normal length...
@@kiabtoomlauj6249I agree with you if both are at proer distance for the short katana to reach flesh. But honestly, I'd never do that if I have a ô-Tachi or longer. Also once drawn Seki Sensei shows that the uses the blade as a shield with his hand up high, like for a sliding parry. That would block or deflect any right after with like, a half swording rising cut,
Sorry to be a back seat driver but you can also sheath and unsheath the Long Kitana by laying it over the upper neck and shoulders at a slight angle lower towards the handle and higher towards the end of the sheath. You let the handle fall away from the sheath and nudge the sheath away as it gets to the end of its travel with your weak hand.
Not that you can try it after having parted but maybe you will encounter a practice one of similar length.
@@kiabtoomlauj6249 the longer swords are often for use when riding on horses 🏘.
Seki Sensei is so stoic when sitting there but his face lights up with joy and passion when he is demonstrating his art. He truly loves what he does. I really enjoy these video's
Thank you for your support
always strange to see I replied to a comment that the coward chooses to remove! then i have no idea what I was even saying.
Demands respect simply by demonstrating his skills but is a kind and joyful person at the same time. This man has found bliss in live. There is no better teacher than one who has both the absolute respect and sympathy of his pupils on top of exceptional skills.
I hope he knows that we enjoy his videos
Sensei walks the line between lovely grandpa happily showing off his collection to his tow grandsons and the most deadly weapon master alive. Got to love that 🤣
That's the premise of a blockbuster right there
This dude has so much grace and all of his moves are smooth as hell
Grand Master Seki is definitely one of a kind. I have dealt with a couple Grand Masters and they didn't seem as patient and willing to share the knowledge this man does. This is not to say I lacked respect for my Grand Masters, they both helped me as a youth in the arts, which has perserved my life on several occasions and
that I am forever be grateful. My Grand Masters have passed and I for one miss them . I blame my sucess in lfe on them. It seems rare today to meet someone like this Grand Master who seems to love sharing his knowledge. Thank you so very much for sharing.
There re two kinds of masters.
First the guys who reach that level for their own desire only. These are the ones who dont have the patience for others and are hesitant to share their knowledge. Because of their ego and pride they dont enjoy to teach. Their art might shine while they re alive but death takes us all and so their art vanishes.
And second the re masters like Seki Sensei. They do it for the art they master, being part of something bigger than themselves. They find joy in sharing their knowledge and because of that being something they enjoy they also have the patience. Art needs to be groomed and for that you have to hand over the torch to the next generation. The art of masters like Seki Sensei will live on and shine this way.
Owning a 60 inch katana you have no idea how much I needed this video in my life
These weapons were portrayed in the movies and anime as ninja weapons but knowing they are all actually samurai weapons makes the samurai more cooler.
Often ninja were samurai after all. Shinobi as a term does also cover roles such as military scouts or saboteurs
They’re weapons period
No #1 ninja weapon is a garden scythe
Not exactly some of these are shinobi/ninja weapons but samurai used a lot more than just their katana
"shinobi" were a job, like a spy. A samurai was a warrior caste. A samurai could absolutely also be a shinobi
Sensei is so wise and proficient.
It's so impressive to see the trust between teacher and student, Ituka doesn't even flich a single bit when Seki Sensei uses his weapons without a heads-up because he knows his skills and experience
I am someone who has been learning Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Archery ever since I hit the age of six (I am seventeen right now). And a few years ago I have started to learn historical european fencing (Long Swords ect) and I have always been interested in Japanese sword fighting. I love watching these videos and I am seriously thinking about starting to learn how to fight with a katana.I love watching these videos and I am wishing all the best for everyone of you. Thank you for these videos.
How he draw the long sword was really impressive
incredible content. big thanks to sensei for great performance and to team that put video together so that international audience can also appriciate it.
If only they have dojo in my country!
The 5 shaku katana is crazy awesome.
Seki sensei is amazing, and you can tell he loves sharing his knowledge which is honestly great, he also appreciates things which aren't popular necessarily but specialized skills which are rarer today and need preservation.
The 5 shaku sword is amazing. Tekkan could also be used worn on the inside of the hand for scratching and grabbing on and some styles could help in blocking swords if you were skilled.
I see TH-camrs who are always debating what weapon is the best. This is funny to me because if they really knew what they were talking about they would know it has nothing to do with the weapon, but all about the hand that wields it. This is what I love about Seki Sensei He has the hand of a true warrior. Any weapon is a good weapon when in his hands, Respect.
That's just not true. Each weapon that becomes popular is optimized for a certain context: on horseback, on foot, against armored enemies, against unarmored enemies, in a crowd, in a duel, against specific weapons, etc.
A katana would fail against a rapier/dagger in an open field duel, but a rapier/dagger would fail in close quarters or in a crowded melee. Similarly, a gladius would fail against a spear, but a spear would fail against a gladius and scutum. Most blades would fail against chain mail, but chain mail would fail against a mace or a bec.
The natural advantage certain weapons have in certain contexts is comparable to weight classes in MMA. While a smaller skilled fighter might defeat a large unskilled fighter, at the professional level where everyone is skilled, this is exceedingly rare. The bigger guy just has a natural advantage in MMA, even if he isn't quite as skilled as his much smaller opponent. Similarly, a less skilled cutlass will probably defeat a more skilled montante on a boat.
I have to thank You and Seki Sensei for these great videos. They're extremely informative and exactly the kind of reference I am looking for as an illustrator working on a Samurai comic. I'm constantly looking forward to these videos.
Same, I had such problems to find good references, and video material works the best
Wow, seeing a sword that long on a battlefield must have been terrifying!
1:47 Good to see Koby and Garp’s training finally animated 😂 all jokes aside, these videos are so informative!
Very interesting method to draw that behemoth of a sword! It's also very similar to the method shown in the Ming dynasty martial arts manual "Dan dao fa xuan" (單刀法選) for a very similar type of sword. You'd first draw from the handle, and then grab onto the blade to pull it out the rest of the way.
They're both kind of the same weapon,ming Dynasty adopted the nodachi after encounters with pirates creating the wodao( nowadays name miao dao) and finding a Kage-ryu manual that the pirates have on them, other Schools teach how to do it solo in a practical sense.
I love that the comment section gathers even more information of the topic
@Eagle1, It is interesting how Japan adopted the Chinese zhanmajians & zhanmadaos in making the zanbato...then evolves it into a nodaci...and then the Chinese in the later dynasties adopts the Japanese nodachi to create their own long two handed daos beginning with the Ming era Changdao. It's gone full circle.
Realistically it was never drawn this way. Nodachi's for example, were already out of the sheathe and set aside or carried when in combat. No one would actually use this stand of unsheathing in a 1v1 scenario either, for obvious reasons.
Why do I think a sword that long is used by horseman? Seems to be perfect for horse.
So incredible the unsheathing of the katana, so fluid! Super impressive
Mr. Shogo and Sensei look as happy as I donwatching your videos🎉
Much respect to Seki Sensei for acknowledging the solo drawing of the large katana as "theatre" and "not for fighting".
A lot of times it seems these things are portrayed as actual things you would do on the battlefield, were as in reality its just not practical.
That being said, it obviously takes a lot of skill, Seki Sensei makes it look very smooth but I bet its seriously hard to do correctly!
Now I want to buy a 5 shaku katana to try it 🤣
Solo drawing with Nodachi was done in a practical setting and before the Edo period by other schools, even outside Japan such as the Ming Dynasty where the adopted it after dealing with pirate that use it showing how to do it with two or one person.
@@eagle162 thanks for the info Eagle! Though I assumed it was in relation to this specific method as theatre rather than solo drawing in general, I probably should have said "this solo drawing" and not "the solo drawing" 😊
@@jisoenman what's with the hostility? See above reply to Eagle.
@@SeekerOfCheese thats not hostile. Man up snoflake
@@voidremoved "you really have no idea" is hostile and condecending, I had already addressed his point in a previous reply, and a more respectful way to say it would be like how Eagle 1 replied.
And do you really think calling me "snowflake" is clever? Do you think my feeling were hurt?
I think you should have a word with yourself, why did you feel the need to comment and attempt to insult? Are you not familiar with this chanel because I see Shogo trying to promote respectful honest discussion between budoka, you don't seem to understand this.
7:10 Master Seki Sensei one the best master martial artist out there if is not the best if you want to be the last one on the battle field highly recommended 7:10
A small thing here 😊 I really enjoy how this video is in both languages. As an English speaker I love hearing the context from Sensei and then hearing your explanation. Thanks for another great video!
I BOW IN RESPECT. I own and practice with a 150cm (blade. Total length 184 cm) katana. It never occurred to me to use this method, nor to use it in a dance (cho tou no mai) . I draw the blade in the Chinese dao style. Many many thanks. I truly learn something great today.
I had to applaud / clap my hands for Seki Sensei during his Noto using the O-tachi. It takes centrifugal momentum similar to the uke sneaking up from behind technique. Thanks Shogo cool stuff.
i love the way the Japanese turn everything they do into a work of art.
Very impressive video. Nodachi were certainly used for strenght demonstration on the battlefield, but were also said to be quite effective against cavalery and other weapons, a bit like european claymore. It evolved to become nagamaki, wich is said was used widely in Takeda Shingen army, because of it's efficiency.
It was used in battle but there's no evidence for it being used against cavalry.
@@eagle162 Yes, that's the reason I used the term "said".
To be more specific, weapons like Greatswords, great axes, and other large sweeping two-handed weapons were often used by shock troops and honor/body guards, greatswords and great axes in particular also have a reputation for being used against cavalry, all the way from China and Japan, to the Huscarls of the Norse and Saxons.
For shock troops and guards they were popular cause with the wide sweeps they could do, they could hold and drive multiple enemies back at once.
The nagamaki itself came from the common practice of half-swording (which was a thing in Japan too, not only Europe) the nodachi in order to make it better in close quarters, and eventually someone had the idea "Why not just extend the hilt up to where you usually grip the blade when half-swording?"
The Nagamaki might be older than the Nodachi and may have first come about during the Heian . However though much like the Nodachi the oldest examples date back to the Kamakura. This is from the book The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Kōkan Nagayama
@@Necrodermis Interesting. I've seen japanese peoples sometime confusing nagamaki and naginata, though.
as 3rd dan in shotokan, i admire the art, the patience and discipline here
ty for the upload, deep bow
Ah its awesome to see bo shuriken being demonstrated as usually its all about throwing stars, and they are difficult to get used to throwing properly!
I remember many years ago when I started training, at a seminar one instructor was showing us the use of bo shuriken and explained how it would be used in close quarters (as opposed to the mythical idea of ninja throwing them at great distance with super human accuracy), he said something along the line of "for example, if you wanted to try and blind your opponent..." then proceeded to throw it right into the eye of the paper target we had set up! (It was one of those shooting type targets with a guy holding a gun printed on it)
He further explained that of course in the heat of things its not likely to be this accurate but it was awesome to see!
I have also been told that senban shuriken (aka throwing stars) were not only used to throw, but in close quarters as a hidden weapon using the sharp edges to slash the opponent. Perhaps you could ask Seki Sensei about this Shogo-san? :)
Thank you, Sir Shogo and Sheki Sensei for producing these videos. Truly awe-inspiring performances, principles and concepts, but the underlying philosophy, respect and cultural pride emanates from each topic.
We are from the Philippines and we hope you get to produce more.
I would so love to learn how to draw that katana, I absolutely love the beauty of sword demonstrations like that, the elegant movements with something so beautiful.
That Sephiroth's Masamune looks as fine as ever! Incredibly smooth movements.
So very interesting. Very professional and masterful. Really enjoyed learning.
Seki sensa throws very well and has great control and skill I wish he would have thrown multiples I would have liked to see his technique
Wow. So many different types of weapons! The diversity of weapons supporting different fighting styles is truly fascinating. XD really putting western blacksmiths to shame with all these different weapon ideas. I especially like the episode where you show the fighting pipe. Not only classy but also surprisingly effective.
These videos are just fantastic. Thank you for bringing this treasure of historical knowledge to the internet!
Like many others I too have always wondered how to draw Sephiroth's sword and thanks to this video I am now enlightened.
I scrolled way too far to find a Sephiroth comment
😊
I can't remember how long I've admired, and wanted a real katana. I did some research and apparently it's quite difficult to acquire, I've been going back and forth to Japan -- and each time, I always wanted a katana. It feels very familiar to me.. hopefully one day I may finally acquire such a blade, and learn the way to fully take care and master it as well.
Another insightful video! I have seen some styles wear the outer belt but I assumed they were doing this because it looked cool and they were wrong. Admittedly my ego prohibited me from seeing the bigger picture. Lesson learned. Please keep these videos coming! Thank you!
Thank you so much for offering these videos in english; a serious wealth of knowledge here and I'm glad its available.
Master is very versatile with many weapons. Respect!
Dear god... Seki Sensei it's BADASS as hell! And a very passionately person too =D
Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.
I have been looking for drawing references for sword fighting and other techniques. This channel is an absolute treasure and I wish you guys the very best! good luck with your channel!
This is true art for me! Really good.
1:35 that remind me about castlevania
Very interesting. Thanks to everybody that created this.
Master seki is super incredible
Old, not very good aikidoka here. I love the arcane weapons explanation. Thank you.
Sensei looks so happy demonstrating the art, It’s awesome !
After the first video I watched I subbed; this is the coolest channel ever!🙏
This channel rocks! Good luck with success .
Be so grateful to see the demonstration.
So here is a suggestion, Rurouni Kenshin is one of the things that got me into Japanese swordsmanship and a lot of the show is about explaining techniques like battoujutsu etc however as I learned about true kobudo I realized most of these techniques in the show are wrong or exaggerated. It would be interesting for Sensei to go over these and perhaps find places where these techniques overlap with real life.
I must say this was very useful to me as I own a sword that same length. Due to my height and arm length I've been able to draw it using normal methods, but Its not the most comfortable draw. This method may very well open up new options for me. Can't wait to start practicing this. And the fact that its guardless should help too.
is that why your nick is Kojiro? 😅
@@jumiknight99 yep you guessed it lol, he is like my favorite historical figure.
I keep showing all my friends this amazing content
I am just loving this channel.
Every video is a gem…thanks again!
It is truly amazing to watch Seki Sensei demonstrate his these techniques! So cool!
Thanks Semi sensei For sharing your art Thanks for your introducing this art
Thank you very much for this amazing glimpse into ancient Japanese weapons!
🙏🏻😁👍
It would have been a site to see Samurai back in the day all badass and using super katanas!
That's impressive. As Sensei said - it's acrobatics.
Looks like its all in the fingertips? Definitely a graceful move when mastered
I will be practicing this draw technique soon as I get a long enough blade. Thanks for the knowledge!
The long katana is literally the IRL version of the Nagakiba from Elden Ring
Thank you for the amazing video series about this Kōryū style! Please delve in to their Yawara. Also I did not know qny other than the Ishiguro Ryū had rope dart curriculum in its Ryūha. Amazing!
Tha k you so much for doing this channel shogo seki sensei I watch his original Channel too but it's nice having it translated thankyou so much
1:45 I do not understand how this would incapacitate the attacker, or at least prevent the blade from connecting with the defender’s head or shoulder. Please explain.
This video was very educational. Thank you very much for making it.
The long katana draw was very enjoyable to watch. It looks like it uses the throw draw from and earlier video. There are some interesting techniques out there for drawing such long katana’s. On the tenshinryu TH-cam channel they have a few videos drawing an odachi. It is not quite as long as the one in this video.
Thank you for sharing these videos. I am now subscribed and look forward to many more!
Thank you Sensei for the demonstration it was very educational and entertaining
cool long katana. thanks seki sensei!
Seki sensei performances is a show aside 🗿🍷
This channel is amazing!! 💚
Wow! That was an awesome demonstration!
oh wow... Kozuka... I got those in some katanas I bought years ago and thought they were letter openers. :D I learned something new today! So awesome. :D
Arigato Seki sensei. very informative.
This is such a fantastic series!
An true master of the art, you guys are awesome ❤
So this is how Sephiroth's Masamune looks like in real life
I need to learn that draw!
When I was a lad I bought a nodachi in a mall gift shop. Not a real sword, but it only cost about $100. It's about 68 inches long.
I recently was trying to figure out how to draw it when I noticed that the edge was finer than a mall sword should have. It's not razor sharp, but it can draw cut paper.
I guess it's a better mall sword than I thought.
Now I need to learn to draw it. Just to learn.
Loved this video. Very interesting!❤️
五尺刀の技はいつ拝見しても御美事です。
So that's why Sephiroth never sheathes his sword.
Finally now I know how Yura and the tarnished draw the Nagakiba.
When sensei said " Tekken" i automatically catched on it because of the video game TEKKEN, it used to be my favourite back then partly because of the games name Tekken was so catchy and cool, but it never occurred to me to me to google its meaning until now that shougo san translated it for us " metal fist" indeed it's so catchy and cool.
So much fun, thank you!
Thank you for showing the draw technique for the Odachi. I just got one this summer and wondered how to draw it. I ended up using an over the head draw technique, but it wasn't very practical because then I had to drop the sheath instead of having it in my obi.
That long sword looks just like Sephroths sword from FF7 super Kool!
Old American technique's involve quick drawing like western movies but, I think this stuff is really interesting too. I want to be the first cowboy swordsman!
I wish to be a disciple of this master. I wish to learn all his wisdom in life and in art of combat.
love this segment. pls do more!
Amazing video will come back for more.
This is such fun to watch.
amazing skills
I'm a big fan of yours shogo. And seki sensi is an amazing man. So much knowledge and skill. Amazing technique and wisdom. I love everything about it.
Much love and respect to the both of u.
Do you think we could get a video where Seki Sensei shows us the techniques that make him most excited?