Ninja Crap
Disclaimer
This material has been made available for research and reference purposes only. Readers are strongly advised against obtaining or manufacturing any of the weapons referred to herein, as the majority are unlawful to possess. It is not our intent that anyone break the law or wrongfully harm others. Be aware that the majority of the weapons referred to are currently available from numerous sources, and may very well be encountered in the hands of criminals. We feel that it is important to know what one might be facing when confronted by criminals on the street.
Ninja Crap
Ninjutsu can teach warriors a great deal about stealth, improvised weaponry, and self- hypnosis. Masters of the art have been retained by our government as instructors for the Special Operations Command, whose Delta Force and SEAL Teams have, in turn, instructed elite law enforcement units (such as the FBI Hostage Rescue Teams, the DEA’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Teams, and the SWAT teams of many metropolitan police departments).
However, the vast majority of persons claiming to be ninja can uniformly be classified as “ninja freaks.” The typical ninja freak is seriously mentally ill, has limited contact with reality, and is invariably a social outcast. He has learned his “skills” through martial arts magazines and action-adventure movies. He may have purchased books (usually of dubious credibility) purporting to disclose “Secrets of Invisibility,” or “Death Touch” techniques. The ninja-freak will always have a costume (usually either a polyester ninja outfit bought via mail order, or a black jumpsuit with mask and gloves) hanging in his closet, and will often walk the streets dressed entirely in black.
While a few serious martial artists may choose one of these items as a potential “backup” weapon, the ninja-freak will rely almost exclusively upon them (in addition to a tanto or dagger), usually carrying several concealed upon his person at any given time. Be advised, even though the typical ninja-freak is a psychotic loser, he has probably practiced extensively with his weapons and will always attack with intent to kill (although he may be over-confident in his ability to do so).
THROWING STARS
Throwing stars, also known as shaken, come in numerous shapes and sizes. They are usually between 3″ and 4″ in diameter, with between 3 and 8 points, and are typically wafer thin and constructed of poor quality metal that does not take an edge. Better quality stars exist, made of heavy steel and taking a fine edge, but they are quite expensive, usually over twenty dollars apiece.
Weapons similar to the throwing star include: ring like chakrum, rectangular steel “throwing cards,” Chinese tassled darts, common finned darts, and various novelty weapons (such as the silly “Batman” star).
Throwing stars, and other small concealable missle weapons, are typically carried in clusters of three or more, which are slipped into special pouches which are affixed to one’s belt, dropped in a pocket, or sewn inside clothing. If a pouch is not used, they will snag and tear pocket linings. Sometimes a detachable star is seen attached to a belt buckle. Small dull stars are sometimes worn as pendants or attached to key rings, but they are useless as missle weapons.
Stars can be thrown numerous ways with great accuracy up to about thirty feet, although proficiency requires weeks of practice. If desired, an entire handful can be put into flight simultaneously (with drastically reduced accuracy). Stars tend to have poor penetration and are unlikely to cause serious injury. Their primary purpose is to deter pursuit or harass from a distance. Certain nasty individuals have been known to file grooves along the points to better retain toxic paste, but that would make transport extremely hazardous.
At grappling range, even a poor quality star can be grasped in the hand and raked across exposed flesh or driven into bone, although it would be difficult to safely get a secure grip on stars with more than 4 points.
Typically, throwing stars are poor weapons and are illegal to carry nearly everywhere. Hollywood has vastly over-rated their effectiveness. They are not recommended.
GARROTTES:
Garrottes are typically a length of wire, cable, or knotted cord with a small grip at either end (typically a ring, loop, or peg, though full-sized handles are occasionally seen). They are primarily used to assassinate someone from behind via strangulation (although a thin piece of piano or trapper’s wire can cut into the throat like a cheese slicer). They are not commonly thought of as a defensive weapon, however, they can also be used to block, trap, and lock. In earlier days, they were favored by spies and partisans to silently eliminate sentries. . . they are usually cleaner than a knife and are much more accessible than a crossbow or silenced firearm.
Garrottes are usually simply dropped in one’s pocket, but they can be concealed in waistbands, pant legs, sleeves, or hollowed watches. Wire saws, guitar strings, bootlaces, ties, and thin belts can all be used like a garrotte. The thuggee scarf (a traditional weapon of one of India’s largest sects of murderous highwaymen) was weighted so it could be whipped around the victim’s neck with one hand for the initial surprise attack. Garrottes make poor weapons, unless you are the aggressor attacking from ambush. There are about a half-dozen ways to attack with the garrotte, but the most efficient involves first slipping the wire over the target’s neck, then instantly turning around (looping and tightening the wire in the process) so you are back-to back with the target, then bending forward sharply (which yanks him off his feet with minimal effort). . . if this is done correctly, there is no defense against it. Strangling someone to death is one of the most brutal ways to kill, as it can take well over a minute to induce unconsciousness and the terrified victim will be struggling as hard as he can. It is a disgusting weapon which robs both actors of their dignity. A garrotte is the improvised weapon of last resort.
NUNCHAKU
The nunchaku (often referred to as “numchucks” or “chukka sticks”) typically consist of a pair of short rods connected by a length of cord, chain, or cable. The rods are usually either 12″ or 14″ in length and constructed of wood (although metal, acrylic, and rubberized rods are sometimes used) They usually have round shafts, but can be octagonal or square, which is far more likely to cause lacerations due to the corners. Sometimes the shafts are studded, which also increases their injury causing potential. Nunchaku are a traditional martial arts weapon and are available commercially from a variety of sources they are also incredibly easy to make in one’s garage workshop.
One modern version of nunchaku consists of a long baton (usually constructed of aluminum) which can be twisted a certain way to pull apart into a set of nunchaku connected by a short length of cable. This weapon is marketed as the “Hide-a-Chuck,” but it is nearly impossible to conceal upon one’s person and is too unwieldy for quick fluid movements. Another modernized version consists of a pair of collapsible aluminum rods (similar to the telescopic baton, but of inferior craftsmanship) connected by a chain. The weapon extends when swung, but generally is not equipped to lock into position. A belt sheath is provided for ease of transport. Both of these travesties fall into the “novelty weapon” category, although some ignorant punks may carry them around in hopes of impressing their friends and intimidating their enemies.
Also worthy of mention is something known as a “mini-chuck.” These are basically a variation of the traditional nunchaku (although there is also a “Hide-a- Chuck” version) with shorter rods (typically 8″) and a longer chain. These nasty weapons are designed primarily for concealment upon one’s person. They cannot be flipped and rolled like traditional nunchaku, making them useless for martial arts forms, but they are good for beating someone with. Their short range makes them best suited for sapping someone from behind. They could conceivably be used for self-defense, but far better options exist.
The nunchaku was made famous by the Bruce Lee movies of the 70s, and immediately became popular with martial arts students and wannabes. They can be twirled in an impressive display, and can easily be swung at speeds exceeding 100 mph. They are difficult weapons to master, however, and many novices have injured themselves. The nunchaku is best used simply to beat someone with. The flexible center makes it far deadlier than a rigid stick, and even an amateur can break bones with one (with minimal effort). Although sheaths are available, they are typically stuck in a back pocket or tucked in a belt. They are a favorite weapon of gang members and street punks, and are often encountered on the street. Although it may be legal for you to possess a set of nunchaku (although some states restrict ownership to certified martial arts students or ban them altogether), carrying them concealed upon one’s person is a crime nearly everywhere.
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