Kama (鎌 or かま, Kama) are Okinawan and Japanese weapons that resemble traditional farming devices similar to a scythe. It was originally a farming implement, used for reaping crops.
During the annexation of Okinawa by the Satsuma, all traditional weapons were outlawed. This led to the development of the kama and other Kobudo weapons. It is sometimes known as a 'Hand Scythe'.
When a kunai and chain, ball and chain or bare chain itself are attached to the end of the Kama, it becomes a kusari-gama, a formidable (if hard to master) weapon because its range makes it extremely difficult for opponents to approach the wielder. The Kusari-gama is a part of the 18 disciplines of Ninjutsu.
The Kama is a formidable weapon against weapons such as the sword or Bō because of the curved blades - users are able to trap or block such long weapons with one Kama and attack the opponent with the second.
Kama are often included in weapon training segments of tae kwon do and aikido.The kama is a sickle-like tool used in cutting rice and can be found all throughout
Asia.
However, the Okinawans are given credit for utilizing this agricultural tool as an organized method of combat.
