the horseshoe tekko practitioners concern themselves not so much with the forward evolution of the weapons as with the preservation of the original Okinawan cultural "jutsus" or "art forms". Advocates of the horseshoe version argue that the design best suits the functions as passed down in traditional kata for the weapon. Specific features of the horseshoe tekko, not found in the stirrup version, allow for new and interesting applications to emerge. In form and function, the horseshoe tekko more closely resembles a specialized knife such as a "double knife," a miniature "moon knife" or "duck knife". Unlike "brass knuckles" that rely primarily on "bludgeoning", the horseshoe tekko emphasizes "shielding against" (blocking) and "hooking" (capturing) incoming weapons attack, as well as "stabbing" an opponent or "hooking" anatomically vital points. Current practitioners Current practitioners of tekko kata include those in the lineage of Master Taira Shinken also called Ryukyu kobudo, which features the kata Maezato no tekko. Other tekko kata include Maezato no tekko (Ryu Kon Kai), Akamine, Takemyoshi, Miyazato, Kakazu, Kaneigawa, and Matayoshi (odo). The kata include heavy use of slashing and stabbing movements. The tekko of Okinawan kobudo (weapons kata) can be used to grip, squeeze and impale various parts of the anatomy at close quarters. The use of tekko remains an eclectic weapon used by select martial artists to practice discipline, and to express an ancient form of art. Current experts in the area usually will not teach the discipline unless the prospective student already has displayed appropriate demeanor over the course of many years for the training in other martial arts areas. A variant of the weapon, known as the tekkō-kagi (手甲鉤, lit. "back of the hand hooks"), whose shape has four iron nails like bear claws attached to a metal ring. Worn over the hands, the claws could be used for scraping and striking. It is used for both offensive and defensive purposes as the wielder can slash and defend with natural hand motions. On top of that, with proper technique, it could be used for ensnaring and disarming weapons. Popular culture The tekko inspired the adamantium claws of the famous mutant warrior Wolverine in Marvel Comics. Tekkos were the most iconic weapons used by the Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One was used by the Ultimate Ninja, and briefly by Leonardo in the 2003 TV series. Two were twice used by Raphael in the 2012