The Cyprus Bujinkan Dojo Kyoketsu-shoge Seminar took place on March 5-6 under guidance of Sensei Micheal Efstathiou. Special thanks to all instructors and students for creating this very memorable experience.
************
The Kyoketsu-shoge which means "to run about in the fields and mountains", is a double edged blade, with another curved blade attached near the end at a 45-60 degree angle. This is attached to 3 to 5 meters of rope, chain, or hair which then ends in a large metal ring.
Almost exclusively used by the ninja, the Kyoketsu-shoge had a many useful applications. The blade could be used for slashes as well as thrusting stabs. The chain or cord, sometimes made from human hair or horsehair for strength, could be used for climbing or binding an enemy. The long range of the weapon combined a cutting tool along with the capability to strike or entangle an enemy at a 'safe' distance. When skilled with this weapon it could be used to against a sword to rip it from the opponents hands rendering him harmless. The Kyoketsu-shoge cord and ring was sometimes used to wrap around an enemy's legs and trip them.
Typically the round ring was flat vs round in cross section for a firmer more solid grip since the ring was also used for strikes and deflective blows in use. This tool was also used as a climbing aid and could be thrown and lodged into V shaped areas like tree branches.
