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Kusari Fundo 鎖分銅 Training Rope “How to Make a Safe Training Rope and Special Knots”

Fundo Nawa Musubi - Weighted Rope Knot

By: Billy Ristuccia

Bujinkan Yotsume Dojo

www.yotsumedojo.com Merry "Almost" Christmas! I would like to explain how I make my training rope which perfectly simulates the feel of a real Kusari Fundo (weighted chain). There is a kind of rope knot that you can learn to make that will simulate the heft and feel of a real weight (Fundo). This special knot will never come loose and only tightens and becomes harder the more you use your rope in training. The total length of a Kusari Fundo varies. However, the one I will explain here is around: 30" to 31" with the Knots tied on both ends. You will be able to easily simulate various types of weights in a rope knot form. IMPORTANT: Remember that after you tie knots on both ends of the rope you want the total length to be around 30" to 31" not shorter. So be sure to leave enough extra rope on each end for the knots.

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Begin with a 3/4" braded rope around 6' long. There will be plenty of extra rope for you to work with.

2. Fold one end of the rope where you will begin to tie the knot. You will need around 2’ or 3’ of rope for the knot.

3. Cross the end of the rope over the top of the “Main Line”. Then go under the “Main Line” and back over the

“Loop Line”. Match your rope to the figure above.

Main Line

Loop Line

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4. Now bring the end of the rope back under the “Loop Line” and back over the “Main Line”. Match your rope to

the figure above. All you need to do is repeat the above steps to add more length to your rope’s knot.

5. Now bring the end back under the “main Line” and back over the “Loop Line”. Match your rope to the figure above.

NOTE: If you wish to make a safe training knot that can be used to strike safely in training you can tighten up your rope at this point by pulling the “Main Line” tight. Cut the end of your rope and burn the end with a lighter to prevent it from fraying. You can put a drop of Super Glue on the end as well to secure it in place. See the figure below for a finished rope with safe knots on both ends.

This is a safe training rope with two loops that make a lighter knot that is safe for striking.

If you wish to make a longer rope knot continue with the instructions.

Main Line

Loop Line

Main Line

Loop Line

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6. To make a longer and heavier knot that simulates a larger Fundo (weight) continue to wrap the end of your rope

around the “Main Line” and “Loop Line” 4, 6, or 8 times. You can match the length of your rope knot to the metal weight of your Kusari Fundo. See the figure below for what 2, 4, 6, or 8 loops will look like when finished. When you have decided on the length of your rope knot, cut the end of your rope and burn the end with a lighter to prevent it from fraying. You can put a drop of Super Glue on the end as well to secure it in place.

Main Line

Loop Line

2 Loops 8 Loops 6 Loops 4 Loops

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Safety Measures and Precautions: 1. ROPE FIRST: Train with a rope until you become proficient with the basics of the weighted chain.

2. SOUND CONSTRUCTION: When training with a chain you must make sure the construction is sound before using it in training.

3. ROPE BURNS: During training, be careful of rope and chain burns especially when the weapon is around the neck and in direct contact with the skin. Do not pull the weapon off your training partner. This will tear their skin.

4. THORNS: When training outside with rope, try to avoid having the rope touch the ground. You must check the line of the rope to insure there are no thorns caught in the rope that can be picked up easily when the rope comes into contact with dry grass. There is a Kuden (oral transmission) behind this.

5. TAI SABAKI: When handling rope or chain you must move your body offline when swinging or snapping the weight out to strike. The weight will bounce directly back and strike you as well if you are using poor Tai Sabaki by remaining stationary in place.

Happy Holidays to You and Your Families… Please Train Hard and Train Safe!

Bufu Ikkan!

Billy Ristuccia

Bujinkan Yotsume Dojo

www.yotsumedojo.com