), but the modern-day techniques were compiled and incorporated no later than the 17th century, by the unification (tan'isshin, 丹一心) of Harayuki Uemon Ujisada (原志右衛門氏貞), hence the name.

Yet, his lineage harkens back to a priest who lived in the early 15th century, named Nen Ami Jion, as the ryuso (founder).

The original inspiration for the kusarigama is the ordinary scythe (kama) which was used by peasants to harvest crops and by infantrymen to clear out vegetation when on campaign.

[1] As a practical weapon, the scythe-part of the IR-kusarigama is used to strike, slash or thrust at various parts of an opponent's body, including neck, hands, wrists and solar plexus.

[1] The chain can be swung as a flail and used to ensnare the opponent's sword, limbs or even the body itself[1] making it difficult for the swordsman to maneuver or using his weapon effectively.

In the Isshin-ryu system of modern times there a total of 30 training-forms (kata) divided into three series, Omote, Kage and Oku.