Weapons Gallery

Chain Weapons, Restraint Arts, and Edo-Period Traditions

Masaki Ryu is a traditional Japanese martial system associated with the manrikigusari (万力鎖), a concealed chain weapon developed for restraint, control, and non-lethal defense. The tradition preserves techniques connected to Edo-period martial culture and the historical methods of Japanese security arts.

万力鎖

Early Years in Japan

日本時代

My father entered the United States Army on February 2, 1950 at the very young age of 16. He was promoted to Sergeant Military Police Investigator in Kokura Kyushu Japan after a year of service.

Around the same time he began practicing Judo and was awarded the rank of Shodan (first degree) by the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1953. During this time he became acquainted with Mr. Yumio Nawa.

Style

Kodokan Judo

Rank

Shodan (1953)

Location

Kokura, Kyushu, Japan

Mentor

Yumio Nawa

Period

1950-1953

The Nawa Connection

Nawa Sensei is the current headmaster of a martial tradition known as Masaki Ryu.

Here is a letter in Japanese from Nawa Sensei describing his first meeting with my father. (English translation by Mizutani Tomonori.)

Manrikigusari Collection

Nawa Sensei is an expert in the Japanese martial arts of Manrikigusari-jutsu (weighted chain).

Here is original Edo Period Masaki Ryu Manrikigusari, from my collection authenticated by Nawa Sensei and pictured in my father's book entitled Spike and Chain.

Here is a original Meiji Period KinShin Ryu Manrikigusari authenticated by Nawa Sensei in his above letter, from my collection and pictured in my father's book Spike and Chain.

Kusarigama Archive

Nawa Sensei is also an expert in Kusarigama-jutsu (the art of chain and sickle). Here are some very rare Kusarigama from my collection. Note the first pictured Tokugawa Period Kusarigama has a polished oak handle that is wrapped and lacquered. Two retaining rings at top and 1/4 of handle. Kama blade is straight, single edged, and appears to be specially forged. The chain is clearly hand-forged, rare and very difficult to find. The weight is also hand forged.

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Shuriken-jutsu

Nawa Sensei is also a expert in Shuriken-jutsu (the art of throwing small bladed weapons). Here are various types of shuriken given to my father as gifts by the current Soke, Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th Soke of Togakure Ryu.

Jutte collection

His proficiency in Judo combined with his previous experience with knife throwing allowed him to quickly become proficient in these arts. My father was the first non-Japanese to be hold a Masters Instructor's Certificate (Menkyo Kaiden) in the Classical Japanese Martial Arts of Masaki Ryu Manrikigusari Jutsu, Edomachichikata Jutte (a feudal age police art which used a fork shaped iron truncheon), Kusarigama Jutsu (Sickle & Chain art), and Shuriken Jutsu. Here are some various Jutte from my collection these were obtained in the 1950s and 1960s.

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Rare Artifacts

Above is a rare signed and chop stamped fan by Risuke Otake Sensei of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu (大竹利典源健之). The Kanji on the fan reads Katsu Jin Ken "Active Life Sword Person."

CONTEXT & NOTES

Masaki Ryu Manriki Kusarijutsu continues to be preserved through historical research, archival documentation, and dedicated practitioners.

The relationship between Yumio Nawa and Charles Gruzanski helped introduce traditional Japanese chain weapons and classical martial arts to Western audiences while preserving important historical traditions.

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