In Japanese martial arts can be found several weapons that use Kusari or chain.
Such as Kusari Gama, Surujin or Chigiriki.
Kusari Fundo or also Manriki Kusari is the smaliest of them. This weapon can be easily worn hidden in the pocket and was often used for self-defense. Since it has no blade were also often used to ensure people without ever occurred to their greater injury.
The most famous school of techniques Manriki Kusari is Masaki Ryu. This school has weights at both ends of the chain so that´s why it is possible to use both ends of the chain to potential strikes and attacks. Because Manriki Kusari of Masaki Ryu is symmetrical are techniques also symmetric and use both hands substantially aligned. It also contains a techniques where an attacker is tied by chain.
Unlike Masaki Ryu has Kusari Fundo in Meifu Shinkage Ryu weights only at one end and the other end has a small loop that is worn on the little finger of the right hand. So that´s why there is no slipping from the hand after attack. From this loop chain passes through the hand which is firmly griped with the other fingers and leaves palm between thumb and forefinger to control the chain. The left hand is used only to capturing of weight.
In Meifu Shinkage Ryu is Kusari Fundo used only as a striking weapon and school curriculum contains no tying and hedging techniques. It is for the reason that Kusari Fundo works in Meifu Shinkage Ryu as a substitute of Katana.
Standard length of Kusari Fundo in Meifu Shinkage Ryu is 72-76 cm, which is slightly longer than in Masaki Ryu but it is about the same length as a katana. The standard weight is between 180-200 grams.
In Japanese martial arts was Shurikenjutsu used in support of the fight with a sword. Shurikenjutsu has always been developed in connection with the techniques of the sword. In modern times, however, it is not possible to wear a katana in public. Therefore, the katana Meifu Shinkage Ryu replaces Kusari Fundo, which continues to work with shurikenjutsu.
Kusari Fundo must remain hidden until the very last moment of the attack. If you lose this benefit you lose the whole fight.
