Ninja Crap

FIGHTING CHAINS

True fighting chains include the manrikikusari (sometimes spelled manrikigusari or referred to as a “manriki”) and the kusari-fundo, although more obscure variations exist. Typically, they consist of a length of chain (usually about 2 feet in length) with a metal weight at either end. The weights on the manrikikusari appear to be cylindrical handles, while those on the kusarifundo are more like multi-faceted balls. Both are widely available from martial arts suppliers, and are usually either chrome plated or blackened.

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, the fighting chain can be swung several different ways and used to bludgeon, strangle, block, or bind. In the hands of a street punk, it will be used primarily to beat someone with. The metal weights, swung at speed, can easily break bone. All flexible weapons require practice to be used effectively, and it is easy to inadvertently injure oneself. One should never attempt to emulate the characters in action films who wrap a length of chain around their hand to serve as a form of improvised metal knuckles such foolishness is virtually guaranteed to pulverize one’s finger bones upon impact (unlike solid metal knuckles, chain links are movable).

Similar to the fighting chain is the steel whip used by wushu practitioners. It is a series of metal rods connected by links which can be concealed upon one’s person, but the weight of this weapon and the skill required to utilize it effectively make it unlikely to be encountered. A length of thin chain affixed to a small handle (as seen in the movie Dragon) is an unnamed kung-fu weapon primarily used to whip with. It is not available commercially, but could be easily fabricated.

Street fighters sometimes keep a length of heavy chain in a pocket, wear it as a decorative belt, or hang it from a jacket epaulet. This weapon is especially popular amongst punk rockers and metalheads, as it is easily incorporated into their “costumes.”

Fighting chains are seldom specifically prohibited by law, but would definitely be considered “dangerous instruments” due to the fact that they are specifically designed as weapons and have no legitimate utilitarian use. However, a bicycle security chain with attached padlock is legal to possess (provided, of course, you happen to be riding your bicycle at the time).

CLAWS

Several types of claw-type weapons are known to exist, though they are seldom seen outside of books devoted to exotic weaponry. The two most widely known claws are the tekagi and the bagh nakh.

The tekagi is better known as the “ninja climbing claw.” Several designs of climbing claw exist, but the only one sold commercially has four short curved points that project from a steel bar crossing the palm horizontally and held in place with an array of nylon straps. These are sold in pairs, but typically only a single claw is stowed in one’s pocket until needed. The commercial version can maim someone, but they are rather chintzy and aren’t very good for climbing. They are more of a deterrent than an actual offensive weapon, as they can inflict painful lacerations that will result in jagged scars, but cannot kill unless the throat is torn open. Some misguided people have altered them to fit over their knuckles, but this only results is making the weapon less effective and provides ample opportunity to break a finger. Traditional tekagi are far more substantial and incorporate a vertical bar that can be used to block a sword strike (on the commercial version, this bar becomes a nylon strap).

The bagh nakh was a favorite of one of the many sects of bandits in 19th century India. They consist of an iron bar with a loop at either end and curved claw-like projections along the length. The bar is grasped in the hand so the claws extend between the fingers of one’s closed fist. They are designed to rip out throats and disembowel, making the bandit’s target appear to have been attacked by one of the many tigers that freely roamed the wilds of India in the past. Bagh nakh are not available through commercial channels, though anyone with basic metalworking skills could easily fashion a set. Similar weapons have been fabricated by driving several nails through a wooden fistload.

A guy named Axl out of NYC puts out a line of surreal jewelry in claw like designs. His “Protector” series of silver rings have a claw like projection running along the length of one’s finger that is exposed when the hand is clenched into a fist. Their downside is that they tend to incorporate prosthetic eyeballs (making them rather gaudy) and are in the $500 price range they are said to be popular amongst the bikers and musicians who can afford them. A similar series of rings has an eagle skull design and is smaller and much more affordable (being mass produced rather than hand crafted). He also makes sets of claw like fingertip attachments. Various unscrupulous individuals have mass produced poor quality pewter castings similar to Mr Axl’s designs, sometimes marketed as “finger armor.” Unlike silver, pewter cannot be sharpened into a proper flesh ripping implement.

BLINDING POWDERS:

Blinding compounds tossed, blown, or sprayed into the face of an enemy is a favorite tactic of practitioners of ninjutsu and kali. These can range from annoying distractions, to caustic substances capable of inducing permanent blindness, to toxic substances capable of inducing a variety of possible reactions (paralysis, stupor, unconsciousness, hallucinations, nausea, blistering, etc.) including death.

Methods of delivery can include: emptying a hollow tube of powder with a sweep of the arm, emptying an open pouch with a sweep of the arm, tossing a powder-filled eggshell at the target, blowing powder into the face from a hollow tube, tossing powder from a gloved hand, dumping powder from above, spraying powder from an aerosol canister, or firing a blast of powder from some form of infernal device. In most cases, however, (especially with non- toxic substances, like pepper) the powder is simply tossed from a bare hand.

Common blinding powders can include any of the following, or a combination thereof: cayenne pepper, wasabi powder, black pepper, salt, alum, glitter, iron filings, sawdust, graphite, ashes, scouring powder, sand, gravel, BBs, ground glass, or drain cleaner; however, even nastier compounds (like LSD-25, powdered sulfuric acid, dioxin, plutonium dust, or anthrax spores) are known to have been used in the past (although such highly toxic substances would require specialized containers as well as protective clothing to be utilized safely).

Blinding powders should be kept as simple and as friendly as possible. A handful of aquarium gravel or baggie of cayenne pepper kept in one’s pocket is effective as well as legal. Temporary blindness works just as well as permanent blindness if escape is your primary goal, and the risk of vengeance or legal repercussions is drastically reduced. Besides, it is possible that you might inadvertently contaminate yourself as well.

SHOE WEAPONS

Shoe weapons are weapons hidden in, or attached to, one’s shoe or boot. Most commonly encountered is the shiv secured in a sheath sewn to the shaft (inside or out) of a tall boot. Next would be the flexible blade hidden under the insole or the miniature knife (lock blade or “thumb dagger”) concealed in a hollowed out heel. Seldom seen is the small blade riveted to the toe and used to kick with. Short spikes are sometimes affixed to the toes of steel-toed boots. Sharpened spurs can cut with certain types of kick, but generally aren’t very effective. Metal cleats can inflict multiple punctures to those stomped upon. Rarely seen is the “heel gun,” which fires a .22 LR cartridge from a muzzle in the front of the heel when the back of the heel is struck against a hard surface, like a wall, floor, or sidewalk. The majority of these weapons are little more than ineffective novelty items.

Multipart Page: 1 2