Kusari Fundo

Manriki

Kusari Fundo – Unknown Facts about Kusari Fundo

Kusari Fundo is a weapon of concealment popularized by the art of Ninjutsu. This weapon is historically associated with Ninjutsu or Japanese feudal police. There was a time in feudal Japan when swords are not allowed to be carried.

A concealed weapon is therefore needed. This resulted in the development of this weapon as an alternative protection for the law enforcer of that time. Other names given to this weapon include marikigusari or manriki.

When translated the weapon is referred to as ten thousand power chain. As most chained weapons are, the weapon looks simple however, it can be deadly when used by the right person.

Kusari Fundo needs the user to be that close to the opponent to maximize its effectiveness.

This chain is around 46 to 76 centimeters long and is weighted at both ends. It is consists of two parts which are the chain part or kusari and the weight on either side or fundo.

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The design is perfect because it can be used for various purposes like close grabs, throws, strikes, and chokes. It must be kept in mind that most effective Ninja weapons are those that look deceptively simple.

Even skilled martial arts artists will fumble like a kid while they try to use the weapon. Some weapons are flexible but, these can be hard to control. On the plus side, this can produce a good advantage against opponents once mastered.

It is not surprising why this weapon is considered as an essential part of the Ninja weaponry. Most of these were created with steel handles especially those that are used for fights and battle. The chains are made of steel as well.

Basic Movements using Kusari Fundo

Most students use it by swinging through the air using one hand and striking the target using its weighted end. Some students shoot using the weight like those of a dart.

This looks simple enough but, the student must be aware of the fundamental movements to be able to use the right angle, distance, and timing.

Without gaining mastery over these movements using the weapon would be ineffective. To make matters worse using the weapon the wrong way can backfire to the owner. It can cause accidental wounds or hurt him

Kusari Fundo
Image: Itai Handler via Flickr

Rolling Around the Neck with Kusari Fundo

This is when momentum and body movement is used to catch, swing and strike the opponent with the use of the chained weapon.

This includes a hand roll that allows a user to roll, catch and throwback an opponent with the use of the weapon and backhand. This specific movement will allow the user to choke his enemy at the back of the neck.

Find a comfortable way to execute these rolls around the neck by using either one of these strikes: top strike, backhand strike and upward/uppercut strike.

By knowing about these movements it would be easy to fight opponents and caught them off guard. They will never know what hit them because the opponents are on their backs in no time.

Because of the metal property of Kusari Fundo this causes the weighted side to drop down upon impact.

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Grabbing the Arm

Use the Kusari Fundo to create a parrying move and grab the arm of the opponent. When the attacker tries to fight off using a punch this can be leveraged in such a way that with the use of the weapon and this specific movement this will not allow the opponent to move.

This shows the flexibility of the weapon. Other weapons are not as flexible as this one during sticky circumstances

Use proper footwork and spacing

The right kind of spacing allows the user to strike or parry the opponent’s blows. It is always wise to check the flexibility of the weapon before a fight to ensure the user’s safety if he tries to swing it out

Chest Hit

A looping technique can be used to stay in control. Once the user breaks free from the opponent’s grab he can cause serious damage to the sternum, nose, and neck of his opponent. Hitting the sternum will immobilize the opponent

Short Chain Choke

One wrong step made by the opponent can immobilize the attacker using a choking hold and his Kusari Fundo. This is one of the aggressive moves used during combat.

Featured Image Source: Samuraiantiqueworld [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons