Customer Reviews

Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
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Don't be fooled by the title. The publisher simply added the word "ninja" to help sell more copies. This is an interesting look at two ancient and obscure martial art weapons; the manriki chain (a two foot long chain with weights on each end), and the spike (similar to throwing knives).

But let's get the history straight. Dating back maybe a thousand years, different versions of these weapons first originated in Shaolin China -- then later were copied by the Japanese samurai -- and eventually ended up in the hands of a few ninja clans. Just giving credit where credit is due.

This book helps keep these two weapons alive. Spikes & chains are quite deadly in their application...including to an unskilled user. Be warned! Today, they are outlawed by the majority of police departments worldwide, and getting caught carrying these around will land you behind bars.

This is a benchmark book on the subject by the late Charles Gruzanski. The use of a short chain with weighted ends employed by a trained practitioner can be deadly effective against an unarmed opponent, which this book will show.

This book covers the art and science of the Japanese weapons fighting forms and employment of the short-chain and Shuriken. In the book the vital spots of the body are meticulously delineated, and the basic combat use of the chain is taught in graphic, easy to understand photographs and text. The proper methods of perforating your target with throwing darts/Shurikens are explained in detail. As well as how to construct your own "tools" of the trade. For the practicality of these techniques for the combatant is were these techniques fall short. As both methods require time, training and experience to get skilled, to be of any practical use in the short term. But it is somewhat entertaining training.

Overall this book has limited information of value for the combatant. But is ideal for the novice and advanced pupil of martial arts.

This book has become a classic because of its historical value. The original title was Spike and Chain. This also was the first book ever published on the use of the Manrikigusari. The author was a Chicago police officer and police academy instructor. The late Charles Gruzanski was also a student and instructor of karate.

This excellent book covers all the basic principles and techniques of using the Manrikigusari, the throwing stars and spike. Since the original copy was no longer in print, it used to be difficult to get a copy of this book. This new paper back edition with a new title(Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken)will no doubt become a good seller.

In conclusion, if you are into the Japanese Samurai arts and desire to learn the basic use of the spike and chain, this book for you.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Bushi Satori Ryu Tanto-jutsu manual).

This is the book which was once known as "Spike and Chain". When I was in the 8th grade I discovered that the principle of "kani-me" (crab's eye) as described in the shuriken-jutsu section was very effective in improving my dart scores. I am disappointed however that the author has added the word "ninja" to the title to capitalize on the public's fascination with these rather unsavory characters.

i found this book help full in learning about the chain and shuriken