What is tekko-kagi?

Tekko-kagi is a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of a metal claw attached to a metal handle (usually made of brass or iron). The claw is curved and serrated, and its design is similar to that of a tiger's claw. Tekko-kagi was used by the ninja and samurai warriors during the feudal period of Japan (from the 12th to the 19th century) as a self-defense tool and as a weapon for attacking and disabling the enemy. Tekko-kagi could be used to catch and control the enemy's sword or other weapon, or to disarm and incapacitate the opponent by targeting sensitive areas such as the face, neck, or hands. It was often used in combination with other weapons such as the shuriken (throwing star) and the kusarigama (sickle and chain). Today, tekko-kagi is mainly practiced as a martial art and is recognized as a weapon of traditional Japanese martial arts.