About Ninja Claws

Contributor

By Kent Ninomiya
eHow Contributing Writer

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Ninja claws are a climbing tool and weapon used in feudal Japan by assassins and spies known as ninja. Ninja claws are also called shuko or neko-te, which means hands of a cat in Japanese. Ninja claws are bars with curved spikes on them that are strapped on to the hands or feet. They are used for climbing, walking on slippery surfaces and fighting.

Features

Ninja claws are usually made of steel or some other kind of metal. They feature four or five sharp spikes that curve downward so they do not cut the fingers when wrapped around them. Many are attached to the palms or balls of the feet with straps of nylon or leather. Traditional shuko did not have straps. There were two metal loops. One went around the hands while the other looped the wrists. They were attached with a leather connecting strap.

Function

The primary use of ninja claws is climbing. They are used the same way a cat uses its claws. When climbing a tree, the ninja claws dig into the bark giving the climber a foothold on what otherwise would be a smooth tree. When climbing walls, the ninja claws grip bricks, stones or other cracks to provide a hold that would be much more difficult with fingers. Ninja claws provide a climbing advantage when trying to mount any barrier or obstacle.

Benefits

Properly fitting ninja claws should fit comfortably in the palms of the hands. They are somewhat concealable when fists are closed except for the bands wrapped around the outside of the hands. Since ninja claws are relatively small and light, they can be carried and hidden with ease. Ninja claws also provide traction on slippery surfaces like ice or very wet mud. They act like an animal's claws providing a sharp grip.

Effects

There are several effective fighting techniques that are performed with ninja claws. They can be used to block weapons. Since ninja claws are made of metal, the weapon can even be something sharp like a sword. The curved claws can be used to hook and trap a weapon, allowing the ninja to disarm an opponent. Ninja claws make martial arts strikes especially devastating. Blows to the base of the neck, sides of the head and eyes can maim or kill an opponent in an instant. Swiping with ninja claws can easily tear flesh. The catch and backward pull of the ninja claws is an especially damaging technique.

Warning

Ninja claws are dangerous weapons. They are illegal in California, New York, Massachusetts and several other states, cities and countries. Check your local laws before purchasing or using ninja claws. Be very careful not to scratch yourself or anyone else while practicing with ninja claws. They leave permanent scars.