Weapons and Equipment of the Ninja     |   home
Ninja-to   |   Bo and Jo   |   Kusarigama   |   Kyoketsu-shoge   |   Shuriken   |   Tetsu-Bishi   |   Shuko and Ashiko   |   Manriki Gusari   |   Ono   |   Bokken   |   Fukiya   |   Poison-tipped Darts   |   Metsubishi/Mitsubishi   |   Throwing Knives   |   Throwing Spikes   |   Kamas
Manriki Gusari
Bitmap Image
     One of the most simple but effective weapons was called manriki gusari.  This weapon consisted of a three-foot length of chain with weights at both ends.  This weapon was designed as a defensive weapon, but the ninja used it as a deadly offensive weapon.  Because of its small size, it was easily hidden and removed from its location.  It was usually swung around at high speeds, the weighted ends able to crush bones and the chain could entangle the enemy.  It was often used to tangle an enemy's weapon and the enemy at the same time.  The weighted ends, when spun around an opponent, would cause serious damage once they hit.