Kama jutsu is also called "Kama nu ti". About 700
years ago, in King Eiso's reign, agricultural tools such as
hoes and sickles began to be made of iron. Along with these
farm tools, many weapons were imported from mainland Japan and
China in that era. Kama was first used as a weapon by farmers
around 1314 when warriors and farmers rose up against King Tamagusuku's
oppression. As a result, three chieftains were established.
Today's Kata came into being after Chinese martial art were
brought into Okinawa. In this jutsu, a pair of Kama are used
separately or connected with a string. There was also a Kama
attached to a 150cm Bo. The effect of a Kama increases when
used in a pair. In fighting, another Kama is hidden behind the
back for throwing. The angle of the Kama to its handle is 90
degrees, but it can be 30, 45, or 60 degrees when used in a
pair, increasing its killing efficiency. It is said that even
sword masters avoided fighting Kama masters. Our Grand Master,
the late Shinko Matayoshi, was so skilled at this Kama-jutsu
that he was referred to as "Matayoshi the Kama".