A5+Traditional+Weapons

= = =Traditional 日本 Weapons ☺= = =
 * Katana**　（かたな）

The Katana was a sword carried by the samurai. This sword was unique because it had a curved blade and was carried with the blade up instead of most swords which were carried with the blade down.The Katana had a very long handle in order for two hands to be used, it was also single edged.(Katana are distinguished from broadswords for the extremely sharp edge and the slightly curved blade.The beauty of a katana appears on its blade and edge.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbtbvt0oEYk&feature=related = = = =


 * Nunchuks**　（ナンチャク）

nunchucks were two wooden sticks connected by a rope or chain. they were not a popular weapon because they were relatively inefficient compared to a sword.traditionally both pieces of wood are the same length but there were some that were asymmetrical. Nunchucks were popularized in modern culture by use in movies and games. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unX4TkQgdQ0 - This video shows how much skill has a person has when it comes to nunchucks


 * Sai** (さい）

Some people believe that the Sai was intended as a weapon, but others believe it was used for measuring stalks, plowing fields, planting rice, or to hold cart wheels in place. sai were typically carried in threes so one could be thrown or there was a spare if one was lost



**Kusarigama** （くさりがま）

The Kusarigama is a Traditional Japanese weapons that consists of kama (the equivalent of a sickle) on a metal chain with a heavy iron weight on the end. It was believed that the ninjas used this weapon by swinging the chain in a large circle over the user's head, and then slashing it forward to steal the opponent's weapon or to immobilize his arms or legs. This allowed the user to easily rush forward and strike with the sickle.




 * Shuriken** (しゅりけん）

Shuriken are some of the most popularized Japanese weapons. but, contrary to popular belief these "throwing stars" were not used primarily as a killing tool. they were used to support the users main weapon. they were occasionally used for stabbing as well. they were often used for other purposes like sticking them in the ground to hurt whoever stepped on them. Some were also buried in dirt or animal waste o they could rust and give who ever they were thrown at an infection. they also were not made of stainless steel like the ones sold in knifr shops today. they were usually made from easily accessible materials like coins or washers.


 * Bõ** ( ぼう）

The bõ is a long staff made of wood. The type of wood and flexibility varies but the traditional bõ is exactly 1.82m long and is made out of a tapered hardwood like white oak.The bõ is believed to have originated as an implement used to hold buckets but when okinawa was invade and weapons were taken away the bõ was used as a new weapon because it couldn't be confiscated.




 * Yumi** (ゆみ）

the yumi was the bow traditionally used by the samurai. It was massive at over 2 meters tall, The Yumi is asymmetrical and the grip is not in the middle. the grip is found about two thirds up the bow. some people believe it is like this so it would be easier to shoot while kneeling while some believe it was like that to make it easier to fire from horseback.