According to written records the person responsible for the development of this weapon is Dannoshin Toshimitsu Masaki, one of the most famous and skilful swordsmen of his day. While assigned as Head Sentry for the main gate of Edo (Tokyo) Castle, it was the responsibility of Masaki and his disciples to guard against the intrusion of bandits. It was at that time that Masaki became aware and gravely concerned that should an attempt be made to breach the gate of the castle, it would certainly result in the heavy flow of blood. Masaki’s convictions dictated that such bloody battles should not take place before such an important place. After some thought Masaki developed the Manrikigusari, meaning manriki – 10000 power and gusari – chain.
Throughout time this weapon has been a key instrument for restraint and protection without the unneeded use of force, and then in its later years was included in high school curriculums throughout Japan. The study of this weapon was practised, until some students misused it, causing the course of study for weapon to discontinue. Today at Ogaki Castle there are approximately 15 Manrikigusari displayed with a complete history, which is all that remains of this dying and almost extinct art.
Due to the small size the Manrikigusari was easily carried and concealed anywhere on the person. It was used to restrain and block weapons. It also had non-violent uses, such as: securing a horse or pulling someone from a waterway.
The construction of the Manrikigusari is of chain of varying lengths from one to three feet in length, with a weight secured at each end made of brass or iron.
The Manrikigusari (Weighted Chain) can develop many skills and can be self-disciplining in practice, just like the ease of executing a throwing technique within Jujitsu; the Weighted Chain becomes an extension of the hands and develops a fluid movement that evenly balances the coordination of both hands. The combination of these and any of the weapon arts gives the advanced practitioner a new outlook and challenge that can only benefit their martial arts training.
Some of the technique categories and basic examples of use are as follows:

Gripping Attacks

1 Same Side Grip - Half Chain - Kote Hineri
2 Same Side Grip - Half Chain - Shiho Nage
3 Cross Grip - Half Chain - Kote Gaeshi
4 Cross Grip - Half Chain - Ude Gatame
5 Sleave Grip - Half Chain - Ude Garami
6 Double Hand Choke - Full Chain - Tie-up Seoi Nage
7 Bear hug Behind (O/A or U/A) - Full Chain - Kubi Nage

Striking / Kicking Attacks

8 Hook Punch - Kote Gaeshi
9 Hook Punch - Shime Waza / Tai Otoshi
10 Hook Punch - Straight Arm Lock Come Along
11 Jab Punch - Ude Gatame
12 Jab Punch - Ude Garami
13 Back Fist Punch - Ushiro Tsuri Komi Jime
14 Over Head Punch - Combination Punch - Ushiro Jime
15 Low Punch - Ude Gatame / Shime Waza
16 Low Punch - Ushiro Ude Garami
17 Mae Geri - Foot Throw
18 Yoko Geri - Block / Strike
19 Mae Geri - Under Hook Block - O Uchi Gari

Striking attacks – Weapon Combination Defence

20 Jab Punch - Baton / Chain - Kote Gaeshi
21 Jab Punch - Baton / Chain - Shiho Nage
22 Jab Punch - Baton / Chain - Kote Hineri
23 Jab Punch - Baton / Chain - Ude Gatame
24 Over Head Punch - Baton / Chain - Ushiro Jime

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