Types of Kama Blades

The kama is a martial arts weapon derived from the sickle or hand scythe used by farmers in Okinawa, a prefecture of Japan which includes Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. Variations of the traditional weapon are produced for showiness and ease of use in martial arts combat, as well as for non-sharp practice weapons. When Japan invaded what is now Okinawa Prefecture in the 1600s, only Japanese soldiers could carry weapons, so Okinawans used agricultural implements such as the kama as weapons.

  1. Traditional Kamas

    • The traditional instrument has a wooden handle and a curved steel blade with a razor-sharp inner edge. It has a weak point where the sickle attaches to the wooden handle, so the blade was redesigned for martial arts use. The basic kama is still used to cut grass, rice, weeds and sugarcane on Okinawa.

    Steel-Bladed Martial Arts Kamas

    • A stronger blade, the natagama, was designed by having the blade run past the curve of the original kama and down into the handle. The corner of the blade to the shaft has a groove to catch the blades of other martial arts weapons so the kama blade doesn't get stuck in the other weapon. In martial arts, kamas are used in pairs.

    Vented Blade Kamas

    • Steel blades are pierced with holes of descending sizes along the length of the blade to decrease air resistance. Blades vary in length from 7 to 10 inches.

    Kamas for Youth

    • Smaller-bladed and lighter-weight kamas are available for children and teenagers learning kama use. They usually have pierced blades and are unsharpened steel. The edge is capable of being sharpened.

    Practice Kamas

    • Sharpened kamas are dangerous weapons capable of removing hands or fingers and inflicting serious body wounds. Kama blades made of foam, wood or unsharpened metal are often used for practice sessions.

    Demonstration Kamas

    • Showy, lighter-weight kamas made of titanium or aluminum and designed for their aerodynamic qualities are used in martial arts demonstrations to showcase technique and style. They are not intended for use in sparring sessions. Blades are usually vented with holes or some sort of decorative design like lightning bolts. Handles are often colored with glitter, holographic designs, chrome, paint or even illuminated with LED lights.