The subject of how to use a kagi or hook is rarely seen in ninjutsu. It seems obvious that its a climbing tool and it is, but are there any other applications?
There definitely are, and they are associated with hojojutsu, or the art of restraining people with string, cord and rope. Now, when you look at hojojutsu (once you get past the more risqué applications...) there seem a great many intricate knots, twists and turns. These seem quite impractical in the middle of a physical confrontation, and indeed should be more viewed as a way of restraining an opponent that is being held or restrained by third parties.
But there are different types of kagi or hooks. There are the ones used for climbing, and there is also a smaller one that can be used to secure loads and restrict an opponent in a conflict.
This is small enough to be concealed in the hand an is held with the string in the palm or in the sleeve. The string is coiled in a figure of eight pattern so it will unravel without snagging. Then when an opponent attacks the hook can be set in clothing and various anatomical openings to start securing the opponent. As the conflict progresses the rope / string is bound around limbs, throats and other vulnerable areas to bring down an opponent.
There are no set kata with this, the principle though is create loops and draw the string through. Use the hook to encourage pain compliance. Do not neglect your taijutsu to utilise the kaignawa (hook rope).
There are more modern hooks / grapnels as well. There are gravity grapnels that can also be used to pick up objects as well as hook onto edges. These open up more possibilities and flexibility in this tool of the ninja.
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