Ninja Climbing Gear Historically, Ninjas were excellent free climbers and they also had a variety of specialized tools to help in scaling walls or cliffs. Shuko, or hand claws could be used in climbing as well as a weapon in hand to hand combat. Likewise, Ashiko were spikes attached to the feet that could be used in climbing, as a weapon, or to provide traction on icy surfaces. A final tool that is very useful for climbing is the grappling hook. Originally developed for use in navel battles, a three or four pointed hook can be used to place a rope, either for ascending up or making a quick escape down from a wall, roof, or ledge.