How Would a Katana Swordmaster Fight with a Buckler?

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Let's ask Seki Sensei | Learn Katana Skills Online

Ай бұрын

Everyone, thanks for waiting. Another series of “Seki Sensei trying out Western weaponry.” However, it might not be such a big surprise for Seki Sensei this time. Because in Asayama Ichiden Ryu, we actually have a history of training with one-hand shields.
So today, Seki sensei, the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 400 years of history, will try fighting with a buckler and a Wakizashi or Uchi-katana. Not only will he introduce some Kata that could have used a shield, but also do some free sparring with Tsukada Sensei, so please watch this video until the end. By the way, tickets for the 3-day training camp in Japan held by Seki Sensei and Let's ask Shogo are now on sale! Check out our Patreon page for more information!
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@letsasksekisensei Ай бұрын

⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ 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. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime. On the other hand, even if you already belong to a different dojo or Ryuha, as long as you’ve clarified it with your Sensei, you are free to join. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kKiIpM2Jx8jPnoE.html | This is an example of our lessons: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e56PY9l10byRaHk.html) 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking 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. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime. On the other hand, even if you already belong to a different dojo or Ryuha, as long as you’ve clarified it with your Sensei, you are free to join. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bt5_fNBpz9jSk5s.html | This is an example of our lessons: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7F0dZSjucy8gIE.html) 💻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 💰Please support this channel through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)💰 ko-fi.com/letsasksekisensei The Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, of which Seki Sensei is the 22nd headmaster, was one of the most popular Ryuha styles during the Edo period. In our golden age, we had over 7,000 students nationwide. Today, we only have 100 students. Our dream is to revive the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu while Seki Sensei is still the headmaster. We want future generations to remember Seki Sensei as the legendary Sōké who brought back the glory of our Ryuha. Your donations will be used to cover Shogo's travel expenses to visit the main dojo from Kyoto, KZfaq video shooting costs, online lesson operation costs, and training camps in Japan and overseas. 🛍The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Katana, Dōgi Training Gear, etc.): Tozando🛍 tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything that Shogo uses for their katana training is bought at this shop… Shogo still uses the first training katana he bought in 2016 and is still in good shape! ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aMdyftCI0rDUeqs.html 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/

@darrylviljoen6227 26 күн бұрын

Was not expecting the guys from the wagaki band in the intro.

@skulblaka17 Ай бұрын

I like to see Seki sensei laugh. He is not just there to teach, but he is enjoying every moment of it too.

@douglaslewandowski2999 Ай бұрын

He did laugh. It was one of those Japanese laughs, more of a grin.

@megaman992 Ай бұрын

In this way he gets to flex his brain and think of new techniques outside the box, and experience threats that would otherwise never be considered or thought of. And he still enjoys every second of it

@Mandred85 Ай бұрын

@@megaman992 Also don't underestimate a true masters joy for learning. An apprentice might think he knows enough, a master is alsways looking out for improvements. It's this mindset that makes anyone a master in their skills and arts.

@WiiMan25 Ай бұрын

Yeah, I recently watched Jesse Enkamp's video on how training and sparring in the dojo should be seen as a form of educational play just as much as a form of training, just like how animals learn to hunt and fight from playing. I get that same impression from watching Seki sensei. It all looks like educational play.

@Rose_Butterfly98 Ай бұрын

I don't think people get into that job if they don't enjoy it. Our head instructor always seemed so happy dueling with us, the few times we actually got to meet him. Even when he lost the duel he was laughing. Especially when we did weird things. Like when I went double shield. I might have won that one because it amused him so much he couldn't fight properly

@thebiologist8662 Ай бұрын

Curious. He uses the buckler to cover his flank expecting an attack from the katana on that side, which is very Japanese and not how Europeans used the buckler defensively, but then he switches to the offensive in the same style Europeans did. Defensively, the buckler covered the hands from above, and offensively, the buckler is used the same way he did.

@Mandred85 Ай бұрын

Due to it's small size and light weight, the effective use of the buckler is of course limited to more active, offensive styles, wich made perfect sense with the appearence of side swords and rapiers, wich where also way more agile and nimble compared to longswords and such. The buckler is also a very intuitive shield, supporting movements you would naturally do to engage strokes, like trying to grab a stick, clup or anything blunt, by forcing the blade off balance when punching it.

@irrelevantfish1978 Ай бұрын

I believe there was at least one sword and buckler treatise (Marozzo, maybe?) that used the buckler more like Seki sensei does than the I.33-esque forms you guys are describing. My understanding is that while in most schools the "default" buckler position is far forward in order to provide a "cone of defense," that has the downside of obstructing vision of the opponent and limiting sword motion. The school I'm thinking of generally keeps the buckler lower, more retracted, and to the side, though not to the extreme seen in the video.

@thebiologist8662 Ай бұрын

@@irrelevantfish1978 I guess there are always different styles for everything. The default defensive resting position I know is buckler over hands, while if you want to be more aggressive, you keep it forward, as you describe, in order to protect yourself while pressing your attack.

@turbopowergt Ай бұрын

I think it’s also covering from a potential second opponent’s strike.

@Bkwrm88 Ай бұрын

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing! I'm not all the way through the video yet, but I would expect an occidental swordsman to present the buckler out front and launch attacks with his sword from behind the cover of his shield. Very cool to see!

@AndrianTimeswift Ай бұрын

Interestingly, both sensei instinctively hit upon some standard European fighting stances. You can find illustrations of fighters taking up the stance with the shield out in front, or with the shield over the head. Seki-sensei's strategy of getting his opponent used to him fighting only with the sword, then suddenly surprising the opponent with the buckler was very clever. I'm curious to know what Iai techniques Seki-sensei might use with the buckler. Would they be any different from usual?

@Hydracat404 Ай бұрын

This is obvious because they are skilled swordsmen. Knowing the bases well, they know exactly where to put the buckler to defend. And then you have the parallel stances the original buckler techniques are build on. Watchig them show you exactly why it is so important to practice the basics.

@minhducnguyen9276 Ай бұрын

It also shows how common certain fighting techniques are that experienced fighters intuitively figure them out even in the first time. I train MMA and watch a channel from coach Ramsay Dewey. He said boxing should be compared to sword and buckle fighting than any other kind of weapon fighting. In both cases you use your lead hand to parry attacks and create openings for your own attacks with the dominant hand.

@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145 Ай бұрын

I love & respect that Seki Sensei is not only willing to experiment with foreign weapons but enjoys doing so! This video series also helps show how despite cultural & weapon differences the basics are fairly universal in weapon arts.

@ShadowDragon8685 23 күн бұрын

Exactly. What _makes_ it, is that Seki Sensi is clearly a man who likes to _learn,_ whether that's from ancient manuscripts, or by taking something unfamiliar and trying it out. ... I would now love to see what Seki Sensi would make of a European _ballista,_ like Tod of Tod's Workshop has made. Just to see him walk around it, voice his opinions on it, and watch it operated and see what he thinks about the whole affair.

@stefschouwenaars9562 2 күн бұрын

@ShadowDragon8685 yeah I'd love to see him use something completely different like a halberd or a battleaxe

@ShadowDragon8685 2 күн бұрын

@@stefschouwenaars9562 that would be interesting. I don't know for certain, but I'd bet money Seki Sensei at pay least has picked up and played with a naginata a time or two. So he probably knows at least the basics of what he's doing with a polearm, but it would be interesting to see him try a completely foreign one, with the hammer-spike.

@ShawnValsean Ай бұрын

I always loves these, when Seki Sensei has a new weapon or tool to figure out

@turbopowergt Ай бұрын

Yeah, he’s like a kid with a new toy.

@azrealkistner8679 Ай бұрын

@@turbopowergt we should make a vote to see how he would use a scimitar

@turbopowergt Ай бұрын

@@azrealkistner8679 I vote yes!

@azrealkistner8679 Ай бұрын

@@turbopowergt alright boys were getting a little traction lets keep it up

@AzraelThanatos Ай бұрын

You know, I'd love to see Sensei's reactions to more obscure weapons and swords. A macuahuitl would be VERY interesting to work with

@milsharkie Ай бұрын

That would be an incredible video if it could be done, but the problem I foresee with the macuahuitl is there's no way to make one that is both authentic and safe for sparring. Obsidian has a tendency to sharpen on impact by shaving off slivers of itself, and that's very important to the macuahuitl's feel and effectivity. As a result, I don't know how a training macuahuitl could even be constructed. Obviously it wouldn't actually use obsidian, but what could be a replacement that would both feel the same in the hand and to defend against as a real macuahuitl, but be safe enough for sparring? Defending against a macuahuitl is not like defending against any other sword as your blade can either grip tightly if you impact in the spaces between the obsidian shards or slip easily when impacting the obsidian itself.

@chaos_omega Ай бұрын

@@milsharkie Purpleheart Armoury makes a macuahuitl trainer. It is made from nylon, I believe.

@crazypetec-130fe7 Ай бұрын

I'd like to see him use an Indian madu.

@chaos_omega Ай бұрын

@@crazypetec-130fe7 That would be spectacular. I love shields like that. Zulu shields are similar, as well as the shield of the Dinka people. Also the Chinese gou rang, which has hooks for trapping and manipulating blades.

@thejapanarchocommunist Ай бұрын

Problem is you can't import one into Japan; most weapons aren't legal.

@Sbv-25 Ай бұрын

I think it’s impressive that there are shield kata that have been passed down despite their short historical lifespan

@atom8248 Ай бұрын

I think they meant more like a short time of popular usage, they still occasionally see use even in the late Muromachi period and into the Edo period.

@carlosbeltran804 17 күн бұрын

@@atom8248 yes but not really, the shields that they tend to use were big wall shields they planted as temporary archer positions more than using them as normal shields

@atom8248 16 күн бұрын

@@carlosbeltran804 I'm not talking about the stationary shields

@alexanderren1097 Ай бұрын

Sensei really is a master! You could take freeze frames of what he’s doing here and put most of it side-by-side with drawings straight out of i-33 and many other European fighting manuals

@DinnerForkTongue 27 күн бұрын

That's what having the universal basics down pat gets you. Lovely to see, isn't it?

@marcinsikocinski4661 Ай бұрын

I would like to see a cooperation between this channel and some legit hema channels like Matt Easton's. It's clearly visible that for a skilled martial artist like the Seki Sensei some things just seem natural, he can take new weapon and understand its purpose using the moves similar to those found in martial arts on the other side of the globe. I think it would be fascinating to hear Seki Sensei and a HEMA expert discussing similarities and differences in martial arts. Anyway thanks for this video. It was fun to watch 😀

@YukonWilleh 22 күн бұрын

I would also love to se a hema expert and seki sensei.I think a european trip would be a great way of doing a series of videos, most of the hema channels ive seen are in the UK. And that way he can see the real stuff without all the hassles of Japanese customs

@Kar4ever3 19 күн бұрын

An obvious choice would be Metatron as he speaks Japanese and have trained some Japanese swordsmanship too.

@Cruxador 10 күн бұрын

I would love to see Seki Sensei go through Matt Easton's collection with him and experience that wide array of weapons, first trying it and then discussing the historical context

@chaos_omega Ай бұрын

Fighting with wakizashi & buckler reminds me of tinbe & rochin from Okinawan kobudo. It would be interesting now to see Seki Sensei with the rapier or longsword paired with the buckler, fighting against katana.

@angelmeier4382 Ай бұрын

Now I'm waiting for Matt Easton or Skallagrim to react to this. They will surely share insight on buckler techniques and I'll learn a lot. The video was cool. Seki Sensei can easily adapt while enjoying every moment of that. He fought swiftly and was pretty good at it - although in my opinion Europeans who actually trained a lot with shields would keep the shield in front much more. There is a technique where you bring your shield forward to keep your hand covered while attacking with the sword - so you basically block and attack at the same time. I would love to see Seki Sensei with a bigger shield. Either a large round viking style shield or one that Normans used?

@GadreelAdvocat Ай бұрын

I liked the style of holding the buckler up slightly over the head. Could imagine a battlefield scenario using the jingasa as a shield to block out the sunlight ahead of you and to prepare for an oncoming weapon.

@geoshark12 23 күн бұрын

That is an actual European buckler technique

@jonwesick2844 Ай бұрын

Great fun! Love the Kenjutsu/HEMA cross fertilization!

@CCgivemeawedgy Ай бұрын

We need to see Seki Sensei use a Greatsword now, Claymore, maybe even a Zweihander!

@Mikshvert Ай бұрын

Illegal in japan, but hope one day master travels outside

@CCgivemeawedgy Ай бұрын

@@Mikshvert I mean, they could just make/buy a plastic or foam version like they did with the longsword.

@sr71silver Ай бұрын

A full size greatsword would certainly be interesting but a stereotypical claymore is only a few inches longer than the plastic longsword he used in a previous video. Not really different enough to warrant a new video.

@datkhornedog899 Ай бұрын

@@sr71silver What about weight and shape?

@sr71silver Ай бұрын

@@datkhornedog899 Marginal difference at best. The Braveheart style claymore is at the larger end of longswords but it is still very much a longsword. The weight difference is measured in ounces or grams. As for shape, the blade profile is a bit different but that would only matter in cutting and thrusting tests. Which you can't do with a plastic sword. Oh, and the quillons are a bit longer on a claymore. But that's not worth a whole new video.

@alphastronghold715 Ай бұрын

The ease of him learning the techniques with a buckler shows why swashbucklers were a thing. Little historical fact: swashbucklers were originally called that because ordinary travelers would often lash a buckler to their hip for quick use along with their sidearm. As they would travel the buckler would “swash” around making a distinctive sound. Due to their small size, ease of carry, cheap construction, and uncomplicated use, bucklers were very common for self defense in the Middle Ages. I am curious to see how Seki Sensei would use something like a Norman kite shield, though I expect it to be somewhat similar to what we’ve seen here.

@iligyf 19 күн бұрын

Norman Kite Shields were used by horsemen mostly. However there are the Eastern Roman Shields (that resembled the Norman shields) that were used by the infantry. There were used strapped along with a long Kontarion (spear). But the Japanese didnt have good/enough cavalry & their infantry was semi-professional at best. We have to go to the 14th-16 century when Ashigaru start to become common.

@silverhand9965 Ай бұрын

I always appreciate just how good Seki Sensei is at spacing. It's like it's become a fully natural skill for him

@dlatrexswords Ай бұрын

Thanks so much Sensei and Shogo for showcasing these awesome techniques! Not long ago I made a video reviewing the writings of Portuguese missionary Luís Fróis (1532 - 8 July 1597) in his work "Tratado em que se contêm muito sucinta e abreviadamente algumas contradições e diferenças de costumes entre a gente de Europa e esta província de Japão", and it was fun to see he specifically noted the use of small shields in Japan during the end of the Muromachi when he was visiting. Thanks so much for sharing more about the history of tedate in Japan!

@ShadowDragon8685 23 күн бұрын

This is incredible. My first thought is that the _Scottish_ dueling tradition entails a claymore sword, and a buckler. If I recall correctly, one of the best techniques Scotsmen equipped for this would use when getting into a duel with a swordsman who was not trained with or against shields, was that they could basically control their opponent's eyes _with_ the shield; by controlling where they looked and limiting where they could strike, they could open up advantages to make moves that had nothing to do with the shield _except that_ the shield was _not_ going anywhere near their sword. Another trick, of course, was saying something affable like "I can't fight an improperly armed man! Here, take my buckler, you need it more." The other guy, usually, would take it, because they'd have a vauge understanding that it's better to have a shield than not to have a shield (in general true, since they would have been using one-handed swords alone), but because they've not trained with it, they over-focus on using it. The point, thus, is that it seems Seki Sensi has _intuited_ that first technique, but he's also done something I'd never even _thought_ of; holding the shield in reserve, even keeping it hidden! That's... _Brilliant,_ honestly.

@Proidysweet Ай бұрын

I love how immediately, after 'finishing' his opponent, Seki Sensei looks in the camera :D He is like, 'Done!'

@DinnerForkTongue 27 күн бұрын

He's so naturally charismatic 😄

@albruitstuart8408 Ай бұрын

Something the gentleman in blue was lacking and Seki Sensei realized quickly is the buckler works best when it is used at the same time/tempo as the sword. In Ms I.33 we learn to use the buckler to cover our sword hand when engaging the opponents blade. You see Seki Sensei do this several times and it was extremely effective.

@lionofthemorning7997 Ай бұрын

The fact he began to intuit how to incorporate the buckler into his movements & was so close to how it was used in the west is a joy to see. It’s a testament to his mastery! I’d love to see what he devised after a few months of toying it.

@atlasisshrugging Ай бұрын

No offense to Seki Sensei, but the highlight of this video is seeing Yuko Suzuhana, Kiyoshi Ibukuro, Daisuke Kaminaga from Wagakki Band in the introduction! They are only there for a few seconds in the background, but the beautiful voice of Suzuhana instantly caught my attention and I had to rewind the video just to make sure I was not mistaken. But as always, Seki Sensei's insights are informative and entertaining. Thanks to both of you for these videos.

@Markbell73 Ай бұрын

How Seki Sensei immediately adapts the buckler and innovates with it is a master class.

@the1sonder884 25 күн бұрын

A Skallagrim and Seki Sensei video sharing weapons and fighting styles would be insanely interesting to watch.

@KynElwynn Ай бұрын

I always thought the reason samurai did not use a shield was how the armor evolved and the larger shoulder plates, the sode, would kind of have a similar function, glancing blows off to the side.

@lucasfv1357 Ай бұрын

Perhaps the amount and quality of steel at the time factored in? Perhaps military leaders prefered to concentrate their good steel in weapons

@digitaljanus Ай бұрын

It's more likely because on the battlefield their primary weapons were the bow and long pole weapons, where shields can get in the way of effective use. (I've seen art of Japanese archers using something like pavises, large portable shields that sit on the ground that the archer crouches behind between shots, similar to medieval European crossbowmen.) But the _sode_ probably increased in size to compensate for the lack of shields.

@danjager6200 Ай бұрын

@@lucasfv1357 You would think so, but you can make a good shield with lacquered wood which was a well known construction technique, so availability of steel wouldn't have been an issue. What @digitaljanus said is more likely.

@lucasfv1357 Ай бұрын

@@danjager6200 Makes sense

@atom8248 Ай бұрын

@@lucasfv1357 That is barely a factor pre-ww2. Japan used to export blades by the thousands to other places in Asia, like Ayutthaya (Thailand). Iron shields also exist, I only know of examples from the Edo period though. They're rectangular and about the size of a larger buckler.

@Hamond1989 Ай бұрын

While Seki Senseis techniques in free sparring are very far away from what I learned of Sword and Buckler, I found it very interesting that he used the Buckler in a way very close to how I learned to use a parrying dagger fighting with rapier and dagger, imho once again proving that some in some ways martial arts are universal, thanks for the interesting video

@gameragodzilla 27 күн бұрын

Given he was adapting dual katana katas with the buckler, that probably explains it since the dual katana styles use the blades similarly to how parrying daggers would be in HEMA.

@PenumbranWolf Ай бұрын

I think an interesting take on this would be an iron or reinforced Gasa of some kind. Instead of the classic "I toss my hat into the air as a distraction" you could just use it as a shield.

@velazquezarmouries Ай бұрын

Also Ive seen couple of depictions of small square te date shields used during the Sengoku period on horseback but most of them involve pistols as opposed to swords

@AnimeSquirrel 20 күн бұрын

These sessions with Seki Sensei are so fun. Watching a master of his craft learn and adapt quickly to find what works for what he knows shows how skilled he is. And he looks like he's having so much fun. I can't help but smile watching him perform.

@PenneySounds Ай бұрын

Personally, I'm just a big fan of the attitude that "dedication to tradition" and "openness to new ideas" do not have to be conflicting ideals.

@MartinGreywolf 18 күн бұрын

We also saw how big a problem the buckler can be for people who rarely have to deal with it - it is purely defensive so there is no baiting it into an attack, which means your first attack is almost guaranteed to fail. You either need to trick that buckler with a feint or make two (or more) attacks, one to draw the buckler out and another to strike an opening. Which is easier said than done because both of these leave you kinda open to counterattacks unless you do them really, really well. (A curved blade also *sometimes* allows you to stab into an extended buckler arm under the buckler's rim, but it depends on how curved it is and how big a buckler you are dealing with) What little we have on fighting with large shields (mostly Bolognese tradition) even shows us that a fight with large shields could become a long (for sword fights, so... 4-5 blows) exchange that is centered around you wanting to force your opponent to move that shield as much as possible until you find and opening - most likely because he moved the shield a bit too far in his haste.

@FirstLast-wk3kc Ай бұрын

Buckler is my favourite shield. Great to see it here too! I have no time to watch the video immediately, but when i come back I'll post my thoughts if it would feel needed. Thanks for being awesome!

@resolute123 Ай бұрын

The fact you have the Wagakki Band doing the intro I know this channel is going to explode, plus having your Sensei experimenting with different swords and equipment and sharing his knowledge is going to appeal to a lot of viewers! Well done! What would your opinion be why the Japanese decision to discard shield in formation combat or dual? I know in siege warfare, the Japanese used barriers as shields and strange "balloon" when riding a horse to intercept arrows, but seems to discard a hand shields.

@bukio8432 Ай бұрын

what a privilege that we can hear seki sensei’s insight from anywhere in the world! thank you for these videos, they’re a great look into this rich tradition :)

@JeveGreen 20 күн бұрын

5:26 What I love about this moment is how closely it mirrors one of the more common sword and buckler techniques, where hide your sword hand behind the shield and use them together to rush an opponent, catching their blade with both the sword and buckler and finally counter. It's not a particularly advanced technique, but figuring it out without any previous training in that particular style is still impressive.

@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145 Ай бұрын

Really awesome that Sensei & Shogo are offering the training seminar! What a great opportunity and an amazing way using the internet will bring people together!

@warrikata Ай бұрын

I love shields of all types. I'm going to go get popcorn and watch this one! 🍿

@catalinacurio Ай бұрын

I love that you are both enjoying the exercise. 😊

@shinomori69 Ай бұрын

I love these videos. Seki-sensei always brings a level of mastery that's a joy to watch.

@Thor847200 17 күн бұрын

Good video. Would have liked to see 1 fighter with Sword and shield vs 1 fighter with 2 swords.

@Karma8Kami Ай бұрын

Cool watch as usual, found it interesting how the younger fellow got trapped in focusing on the blades tip while the sensei always kept track of the hands and went for blocking at the base to mitigate force, I recognise that from different martial arts trainings but never thought to implement it into weapon counters, got something new to practice now, thanks.

@johnstuartkeller5244 Ай бұрын

Seeing tools with which I am familiar used from a different perspective and tradition is always fascinating and enlightening. Thank you, sensei.

@aaronwright6058 Ай бұрын

Excellent demonstration!! I truly enjoyed this!

@SkepticalCaveman Ай бұрын

Wonderful to see. The buckler is great for duels. It works great with thrusts using a rapier for example. Usually the buckler used with a fully extended arm since it blocks more that way.

@howardnenno1806 Ай бұрын

I have enjoyed all of these. Seki Sensei seems to take genuine joy in martial arts and trying new things.

@tabletoptaproom 27 күн бұрын

Thank you, this is both entertaining and informative. Love this show.

@artandazola Ай бұрын

Thank you for the great series.

@benm5913 Ай бұрын

I've come to love this series. Please continue forever.

@GOBRAGH2 Ай бұрын

Excellent video! Its interesting to see sensei excited in trying something new AND he's effective with it!

@edi9892 Ай бұрын

A few concepts: 1) you punch or use hammer fist and strike with the rim of the shield. With a steel buckler, this can easily kill! 2) there are mostly two schools of fighting with a buckler: A) using it in front and obscure the enemy's vision. This is quite defensive. B) move it always with your main weapon to guard your weapon hand from counter cuts. 3) like a parrying dagger you can also use it after you parried with your main weapon to pin the enemy's weapon so that you get a free hit... 4) speaking of daggers: Both the Irish Targe and the Indo Persian buckler were used with a dagger in the same hand as the shield! 5) The worst match up for small shields are rapiers. Thrusts tend to glance off bucklers and still penetrate you! That's where point 3) comes in as a tactic...

@KlausBeckEwerhardy Ай бұрын

I like my bucklers too. And ir is a joy to see the two of you having so much fun with this.

@mattsw104 Ай бұрын

Love you guys. Its good to hear his perspective. Cant wait for skall to react

@nivyathibaak9727 23 күн бұрын

Yeah I could see his curiosity. Usually teachers would be embarrassed and feel humiliated if they were outdone by their students (of course not everyone). But still I felt refreshing how he was literally enjoying even when once or twice the other one (supposedly his student) managed to hit him somehow. I would also appreciate that student though, he didn't feel smug or something. Again they both took it like it was a part of learning which was very good to watch and something essential to understand.

@MrSJPowell 22 күн бұрын

This was quite interesting. As always, it's a pleasure to see his depth of experience shine through when handed something he's unfamiliar with, and still be able to use it quite well, finding pros and cons with it. Thank you Seki Sensi for sharing your experience, and for being eager to show how you learn.

@Pinkstarclan 26 күн бұрын

love this series! sensei is very insightful & curious, and has such a great attitude towards learning :)

@Zelmel 27 күн бұрын

Very cool! I love these "Seki Sensei trying out Westery weaponry" videos!

@shadowthedragon7151 29 күн бұрын

I know Sensei has done a video on a longsword, but to REALLY test his martial prowess, I would like to see his take on a Zweihander/Montante greatsword! Its a very unique weapon to fight with, more like a polearm than a sword. I love this series, keep up the good work!

@randallpetroelje3913 Ай бұрын

Asayama Ichiden ryu is a very old school and I love Seki sensei and you for bringing this for teaching.🙏😃

@davedudeip Ай бұрын

i love the sparing videos and hope to see more!

@JMan5437 Ай бұрын

1:48 Would love to see Seki-Sensei use a naginata!

@nazarnovitsky9868 25 күн бұрын

Thanks for the new video ! 😊

@lingling4891 Ай бұрын

I love these kind of videos where you give Seki Sensei a western weapon or shield in this case and see what he would do with it. I think this is very helpful in reconstructing how they were used!

@chuckmikey001 Ай бұрын

just goes to show if you know the basics of kobudo you can pick up anything and use it as a weapon or defensive tool in an effective way

@edi9892 Ай бұрын

Probably also a beer mug... (In the game Hellish Quart, they made a mod, where a drunkard fights with a saber and a wooden beer mug)

@B..B. Ай бұрын

I like to see that most of his motions are not waste movement, he can move so smooth that is amazing and dreadful. Years ago I was immersed in training so I could do my style with smooth and fluid, that alone made me better, now to think in facing someone who mastered it 🥶🥶

@Trumpeter252 23 күн бұрын

I love this. Recently been learning sword and buckler techniques from Ms. I.33 manuscript. Like a lot of the other comments are saying, buckler is mainly used for as a defensive thing creating a cone of defense to defend against attacks. It's definitely it's own still to use both the buckler and sword in tandem as that feels like its own skill to fight in that way, but Seki Sensei definitely knew how to handle it in his own way. I appreciate the sort of blending of cultures and ideas here. Thank you!

@m.y.nasution9494 Ай бұрын

I am by no means a weapon expert whatsoever, but watching an old gentleman gets excited over a "new toy" feels refreshing to me (and i truly dont mean it as an insult, mind u, but rather as a compliment instead). It's a good self-reminder to always be humble, keep discovering & learning - despite age or expertise - on whatever field your interest is in.

@eruantien9932 19 күн бұрын

Gratifying to see Seki Sensei see the buckler as the weapon it is. Many people view shields as armour, forgetting you can strike with them.

@DGFTardin Ай бұрын

Seki Sensei is so fun to watch in action! I love the sparring especially

@samihook6863 Ай бұрын

It is so awesome to be able to follow these videos ❤

@Braindazzled Ай бұрын

This was fun! I imagine a buckler is in many ways, like a jutte. Nice new video opening, BTW!

@palomapaivareis2005 23 күн бұрын

omfg, what a beast the sensei is, so good at its art well done and thank you

@Mattiniord Ай бұрын

I really liked to see how Seki Sensei incorporated the buckler and his analysis of how some techniques in his system may originally have been done with shield or bucklers. Many of things he did I can recognice from medieval sword and buckler, including the buckler being used as a large knuckle duster up close. Also letting go of your buckler when it is advantageous to take hold of the opponents sword arm mirrors European medieval techniques. One thing that might be fun for you to try out that I personally like is to grab the opponents blade or spear without letting go off the buckler. As long as the buckler ain´t too big this can be very effective. It has the usually limitations and dangers that comes from grabbing the opponents blade and must be done decisively. But it is something that can truly suprise even an expirienced opponent. If you have nothing in one of your hands any expirienced opponent will be aware that you can use your free hand to grab or grapple. But if you have a buckler in one and a sword in the other it is easily forgotten. In I.33, the oldest preserved fencing manual in Europe (ca1310-1325) it can be preformed from the technique Fiddilboge against an opponent that come at you with a cut down from his right. After you have blocked the attack, depending on the situation, you can grip the weapon with your left hand, holding the buckler while your sword is providing contact and security from his weapon. As soon as you have grabbed the weapon you bring the sword around over your head and strike him fast.

@mylesbennetcoronadyson6929 13 күн бұрын

Incredible wisdom and facinatingt echniques. Truely traditional kata mixed with origional dynamics. Wow.

@val26874 Ай бұрын

It's interesting how the student prefers to fight with the shield in front and the blade behind, but the master approaches it the other way round.

@ghareebcolt3954 Ай бұрын

Very cool! I really love this series. Seki sensei had some interesting and novel ideas for the buckler. As a HEMA instructor we taught our students to keep the buckler extended in front of them to block off more lines of attack. Upperbody was defended with the shield but for legs the sword or slipping the leg are better options.

@dansharpe2364 Ай бұрын

So....the weapons expert would use a buckler as intended.

@randallpetroelje3913 Ай бұрын

Why ask why

@thebiologist8662 Ай бұрын

Not really as intended. He did the offense in the European style, but the defense was shocking. Normally, you'd keep the shield in a resting position to cover your hands from above and push it forward to attack.

@Feasco Ай бұрын

you seem like an incredibly dull person

@faust8218 Ай бұрын

Not as intended, actually.

@PeppyCat210 Ай бұрын

Congrats you accomplished nothing nor contributed anything

@gunblade7610 Ай бұрын

I absolutely love bucklers! Best civilian (and even battlefield when not dealing with arrows) defensive option. Also the round bossed bucklera are amazing against cut focused weapons.

@iamkrohn 6 күн бұрын

during the free sparing Sensei shows that the buckler was not truly defensive, it was meant to cover openings during an attack. it is not like a full kite or round shield

@daverboy 19 күн бұрын

Holding the buckler at his side is interesting. From what I understand, most traditional buckler techniques involve holding it out as far forward as you can, and either taking advantage of the thrusting ability and length of a rapier, which wouldn't be hindered as much, or take advantage of the double edges of something like a sidesword, making sweeping swinging motions, attacking with both forehand and backhand, *around* the buckler. However, when using one single-handed weapon, you often keep your free hand either across your chest, or at your hip the way Seki Sensei was holding the buckler, in order to keep your hand out of the way of your own weapon, but close enough that you can suddenly reach forward to grapple or even just punch someone in the face, so it is a valid stance, just not normally used for two-weapon fighting.

@wingsofinsanity42 Ай бұрын

Watching sensei effortlessly read you and counter with a buckler is terrifying. Given it's not how he's trained or practiced, but imagine if there was a rapier or backsword held at point behind the buckler held aggressively forward. Terrifying.

@chakatBombshell 28 күн бұрын

The buckler shield would actually go fairly well with a lot of Japanese sword fighting. It's a shield that emphasizes parrying a strike out of the way and getting in on an opponent quickly because you can't really hide behind it.

@remains7209 Ай бұрын

Very interesting to see all these videos and movement. I would be also interested to see how a group combat would be practiced or coordinated in this style. For example 2 v 2, 3 v 3 and 2 v 4 if possible.

@HIMMBelljuvo Ай бұрын

If yu look at how samuarai armour is designed, they seem to have shields on them, such as on their shoulders and as a skirt around their nether regions. That's my impression, at least

@alittlepuertoricanboy1993 Ай бұрын

That's not just your impression, that's exactly what they are meant for

@Music840405 Ай бұрын

yes it is the fact, and we know the reason. They(samurais) are all Archer, and they use katana and spear after shooting all arrows. so they need both hands to be open most of the time.

@atom8248 Ай бұрын

@@Music840405Not really true, army composition depends on time period but there's nothing suggesting that samurai were 100% archers in any period. A lot of samurai went into battle with a naginata, spear, nagamaki, nodachi or other melee arms as their primary. It's difficult to have a polearm as your secondary, I've read about having a spear ready while firing but it wasn't universal and seemed like a thing that was more suited to static positions like barricades, trenches or during sieges.

@Music840405 Ай бұрын

@@atom8248 google "サムライの武器はどう変わったか？　「騎兵と歩兵の中世史」近藤良和著" and read the top page.(google translate is fine) it is common knowledge in Japanese history major.

@stefanklaus1652 Ай бұрын

the Skills the Art of Seki Sensei impresses me every time

@bobtoad8601 Ай бұрын

Sensei is excelent controling the distances

@YukonWilleh 22 күн бұрын

Seki Sensei needs to go on a trip through europe! You could do a whole series on just meeting hema experts, or even going to museums, i think it could be a content goldmine for you.

@Artaimus Ай бұрын

Gods that intro looks so amazing

@achimsinn6189 20 күн бұрын

One thing that is worth mentioning is that the buckler was not a miltaristic weapon that was designed with use on the battlefield in mand, but rather a civilian self defence tool. The smaller size made it much easier to carry on your body while travelling than for example a kite shiled or round shield. Also many cities banned civilians from carrying weapons inside the city, but the buckler was often excluded from that ban due to its smaller size and due to being looked at as self defence item instead of the weapon of a soldier.

@mouchomouchomoucho3959 26 күн бұрын

Point of a hema practicioner. Normally i star with my bucler hand in front, completly extended. Almost like a wall, buckler slightly tilded to the outside. It works like a barrier better because you force the oponent to comit to a more clear attack. Then move the buckler enough to parry. Just enough while you strike with your own weapon, normally over or under your buckler. Also we have some active parries that involves pushibg the hand of the opponent while you use your weapon to protect you, inmovilizing the oppent. At last a great cheers, i always enojoy seeing people trying new things!!

@Yerza777 26 күн бұрын

Free sparring is the best !

@wargames2195 25 күн бұрын

This is so awesome, this is next level kenjutsu!

@ragingjaguarknight86 Ай бұрын

Nice, he took a stance akin to a fencer's when he started off with the longer blade coupled with the buckler. Seki Sensei really knows his art. And the next weapon I'd like to see Seki Sensei use is a Macuahuitl, Overall, an excellent video! 😎👍

@Amadeo790 Ай бұрын

I think Seki Sensi would love a sword braker (funny thing of the name, the teeth were more to catch the blade rather than break it. Well made swords tended to bend rather than brake).

@nataliefaust7959 Ай бұрын

I think you mean break*! Brake is like applying the brakes of your car. But I'd be curious too! Seki Sensei's opinions on almost anything would get me to click. XD

@Amadeo790 Ай бұрын

lol yea, thanks for correction.@@nataliefaust7959

@LiquidAnomaly Ай бұрын

Very Cool!

@davidfischer9120 29 күн бұрын

Nice display by Seki Sensei and very intriguing techniques based on his katas which show his great skill. It's interesting that he opts to use the buckle to strike the opponent. In the German Tower Fechtbuch I.33 style you are often targeting the fingers of the opponent as the closest vulnerable target or the throat with the rim of the shield to do more damage - break fingers etc.. And the buckle is more used to control the opponents hands or hinder his sight. Again a big thanks to Sensei for providing a unique point of view of what you can do with a buckler.

@MrLolx2u Ай бұрын

Let's also not forget that when when the Mongols attacked Japan and when Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea, all 3 factions that they faced in various times are quite heavy shield users.

@knightly_lady Ай бұрын

Yups true, however a buckler is NOT a shield. Its a modern missconception. 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️ It was never used as a shield. It is a actually a weapon and it also provides protection for the weapon hand. Otherwise when you make a cut you will be completely open! 😅😅

@MrLolx2u Ай бұрын

@@knightly_lady So... What you said is basically a shield. A buckler is also a type of shield and it's also a weapon. HEY GUESS WHAT!!! Guess what's also a shield AND a weapon?! The Roman Scutum and the Greek Aspis lmao

@knightly_lady Ай бұрын

@@MrLolx2u Nopes, a shield protects the body, a buckler protects only a few really important limbs: the arm and hand of the user. It was never invented/used to protects the torso nor the head etc. It was mainly used as a defefence and offence tool for light and unarmoured fights. So when you're a noble lord and walking trough the streets in your civilian clothes you might wear a buckler and a armingsword besides your rondel or bullock dagger. The buckler was mostly used from the late 13th century until the 16th century. In the 16th century mostly for duels. I hope this answered your questions. 😊😁

@MrLolx2u Ай бұрын

@@knightly_lady So... Defense and attack. Again, what you're explaining sounds exactly what a shield does, attack and defend. Just because it's tiny doesn't mean it's not a shield, it is and shields doesn't just come in one form. It's like the Xiphos is known to be even shorter than the Gladius but because it's almost dagger length, you'll still call the Xiphos a sword rather than a dagger so, no, a buckler, despite how god damn small it is, is STILL a shield in essence that it does what you just said, "Defend and attack with".

@knightly_lady Ай бұрын

@@MrLolx2u You definetly got a point! I can apreciate that. However that is just not how it works. Well you know its quite hard to explain how to fight with a buckler so it might be helpfull to watch a few video's about some proper HEMA techniques/fights/sparrings of the sword and buckler. There you will see that the buckler is quite different than shield. You could indeed categorise the buckler side by side the shields but when you actualy fight with it you'll see that it is not really behaving like a shield. Its like Port, Port is kinda close to wine but its not wine, its Port. 😅😂

@christianalbertjahns2577 Ай бұрын

Really cool. Makes me even want to see Seki-sensei perform iai with western sabre

@derekstack7479 Ай бұрын

I never knew that samurai used shields historically. This was a great video, clearly many of the techniques still make sense with a shield despite having evolved beyond its use. Seki sensei wasn't slowed down by it one bit. Thanks, Shogo!

@jeanleduy9923 Ай бұрын

Thanks Shogo, it's good to see that Sensei has fun with the challenge. I notice when he blocks like 上げ受け in karate. Has he studied kobudo? It's interesting to see Sensei using the gladiator's weapon.