The kyoketsu shoge was a weapon used almost exclusively by the ninja of the Japanese region called Iga. The weapon was a combination of dagger and hooked blade attached to a length of cord with a four inch metal ring affixed at the opposite end. The length of cord, in ancient days crafted from womens or horses hair (due to its strength and resilience), was approximately ten to fourteen feet and would be used to swing the metal ring. Kyoketsu Shoge article, images and content © 1995 by Joe Maurantonio. All rights reserved.