Parts
The chain (kusari)
Typically the length of the forged chain could vary from around 12 inches (30 cm) up to 48 inches (120 cm). The chain links could have many different shapes including round, elliptical, and egg-shaped. The thickness of the chain also varied. Usually the first link of chain attached to the weight was round and often larger and thicker than the rest of the links of the chain.The weight (fundo)
The weight attached to each end of the chain could have many different sizes and shapes. The weights usually exactly matched each other in size and shape. On some of the related chain-and-weight weapons, the weights could be completely different from each other, with one weight much longer than the other, like a handle on one end, or one weight could be round while the other weight could be rectangular. Weight shapes include round, hexagonal, or rectangular. The weight could be fairly light or quite heavy, with the typical weight ranging from 2 ounces (56 grams) to 4 ounces (112 grams).Use
The use of the ''kusari-fundo'' was taught in several different schools, or ''ryū'' (流), as a hidden or concealed weapon and also as a self-defense weapon. The ''kusari-fundo'' was useful when carrying a sword was not allowed or impractical, and samurai police of the Edo period would often use a ''kusari-fundo'' as one of their non lethal arresting weapons.History
There are several chain and weight weapons. One type known as a ''konpi'' is mentioned in manuscripts as far back as the ''Nanbokucho'' period (1336-1392). Masaki Tarodayu Dannoshin Toshiyoshi (1689-1776), founder of the ''Masaki ryū'', is said to have developed a version of the ''kusari-fundo'' while serving Lord Toda, as a bloodless weapon that could be used to defend the grounds of Edo castle.Legality
In the Republic of Ireland, the ''kusari-fundo'' (''manrikigusari'') is classified as an illegal offensive weapon. In Massachusetts in the United States, carrying a manrikigusari in public is considered a felony.Image gallery
Popular culture
* '' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' features kusari-fundos being used by Karai and the Foot Clan. * '' Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' features the kusari-fundo as the character Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)'s main weapon of choice. * '' Sluggy Freelance'' has a character named Kusari who uses the weapon.See also
* ReferencesChristian Russo. Kusari-Dō. On the Warrior’s Path of the Chain. Yoshin Ryu Editions, 2021.
External links
* {{Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment Samurai chain weapons Chain weapons of Japan Ninjutsu artefacts