Does anyone know how the kusarigama was carried by warriors skilled in its usage? Since the Isshin ryu kusarigama has a long chain, demanding a high level of tenouchi, this must have been thought of. A sword is always carried so that it can be rapidly drawn and used, but sometimes I wonder about the kusarigama...this must have been a limiting factor.
Could it be that, if it wasn't held in the hand at the moment, it wouldn't be used at all if suddenly attacked? Could it have been an exclusive dueling-weapon? Or were there methods for rapid employment? There may have been different preparations for this in different traditions, but it must have been thought of?
Anyone?
Regards,
Ulf Undmark