Manriki is a throwing chain, generally about 11 inches (279 mm) long. When used with a whipping motion of the wrist, it can injure or knock out opponents at a considerable distance. Often at one end of the chain it had a round weight for extra punch or a pointed weight (like an arrowhead).

People studying ninjutsu train using this weapon by training with a cord with a knot on the end. Even without it being metal, it can be surprisingly effective.