MikeCim said:
I was wondering which disipline uses Kamas?
Welcome!
The kama (sickle) is used in kobudo, the study of Okinwan weapons, and hence is most often seen in certain styles of Okinwan Karate (Isshin-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Ryukyu Kempo are some of the major Okinwan styles--not that any particular org. of one of those necessarily uses the kama). I see it most commonly with Shorin-ryu, but that's just my experience. You can also find it in Japanese Karate and sometimes in Tae Kwon Do schools (intended for use in kata competition).
Also what is the difference between Kenpo Karate and Aikido Karate? Thanks for all the help.
Big, big difference. See the Kenpo and Aikido fora here!
Kenpo or Kempo refers to many different arts. Probably you mean some variant of American Kenpo, founded by Ed Parker. It's derived principally from Southern Chinese Kung Fu, heavily modified, and teaches through forms and a lengthy series of two-person mini-forms called techniques. There's an emphasis on strikes, but it includes locks as well. Sometimes weapons are taught, including the baton. It is not strictly speaking a form of Karate but it is commonly called Kenpo Karate nonetheless. Again, there are other types of Kenpo/Kempo so perhaps you mean a different art.
Aikido is also not a form of Karate. It's a Japanese style derived from jujutsu. It emphasizes locks and throws, taught through partner practice. Some styles don't use any strikes at all, and others use them to help set-up the locks. There is often an emphasis on its philosophy of self-defense with minimal injury to the attacker, though some styles don't consider it to be so non-violent! It takes a while to become effective with it--longer than with most arts. Often weapons including a short staff (4 feet long) and/or a wooden or real samurai sword are taught.
Both of these descriptions are so overly simplified that they're sure to offend those who practice these arts, but I hope this post is helpful to you. Again, I encourage you to check the old threads in the sub-fora dedicated to these arts. In particular, I know there are some current discussions in the Aikido forum about its variants and effectiveness that you might find interesting; additionally,
MartialTalk has a very large contingent of American Kenpo practitioners.
