Spike and Chain: Japanese Fighting Arts

Spike and Chain: Japanese Fighting Arts by Gruzanski, Charles V.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780804805407.

This two-in-one book introduces secrets of two little known branches of the martial arts of Japan. The first involves the use of the manrikigusari, a length of chain with with weighted ends, used in various ways for self-defense. The second part of this book deals with Shuriken-Jutsu, which came some time later. It involves the use of metal spikes(shuriken) of various lengths and shapes, which are either thrown or used as hand weapons. The art today is a dying one and presently in Japan, there are believed to be only a handful of men left who are practiced in theshuriken technique. For martial arts enthusiasts, this book will prove interesting and informative reading. A warning is issued by the author, however, to those who attempt to use themanrikigusari and shuriken for wrongdoing, for injuring others or damaging property will result in physical and spiritual destruction. Even the broadest interpretation fo the law will classify them as deadly or dangerous weapons. Remember that the weapons and techniques illustrated in this book cannot injure anyone by themselves. It is the person behind them that really makes them dangerous.