Kama (tool)

Kama (鎌) are Okinawan and Chinese 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 ball and chain are attached to the end of the Kama, it becomes a kusarigama, a formidable (if hard to master) weapon because its range makes it extremely difficult for opponents to approach the wielder.

A similar weapon called Lian, possibly an ancestor of the Kama existed in China since ancient times.