After the Verdict introduces the reader to an effective martial arts device called the Sen-Riki. Is this device fact or a product of the author’s imagination? The Sen-Riki is real and truly amazing. This article will give you some background on the inventor, the inspiration behind this invention, and a sneak peek at what Part 2 will reveal on its uniqueness and various uses. You’ll need to read After the Verdict to see how it’s used by the characters.
The Inventor
The inventor is my brother, Christian Van Den Heuvel, Jr. As his sister, I get to claim the boasting rights. As a humble man, you’ll never hear him brag.
He is an engineer with a history of incredible inventions, most of which are owned by his former employers. You may have been one of the millions who watched the launch of the solar arrays for the International Space Station. He developed the process and designed the equipment that assembled the Solar Array blankets–only one of his many inventions.
As a newcomer to the deep south and a late bloomer, he was targeted by bullies, coming home with swollen black eyes. It didn’t take too long for him to take matters into his own hands, which led him to the serious study of Taekwando.
The last encounter with the bullies left my brother as the only one standing. Although he became a black belt in Taekwando and even fought competitively, he also studied Akido and Brazilian Jui Jitsu (which he loved). The ancient Japanese weapon used by the temple guards, the Manriki-Gusari, inspired this invention.
The Sen-Riki’s Inspiration
The Manriki-Gusari, also known by the names Kusari-fundo, manrikigusari, or manriki is a handheld weapon consisting of a chain (kusari) with a weight (fundo) that was attached to each end of the chain.
It was used in feudal Japan and is still used by the temple guards today — the guards are not permitted to use guns or sharp objects to protect the temple. However, the Manriki-Gusari is just as deadly.
There were no set rules on how this weapon was constructed, so the weights and chain came in various shapes and sizes. A typical chain could vary between about 11 and 48 inches while the weight would also vary in shape and size. Despite the variation between the Manriki-Gusari, the size and shape of the fundo on the same weapon was usually the same, but not necessarily as depicted in this photo from a Japanese museum.
Although the Sen-Riki is inspired by the Manriki-Gusari, its unique features not only make it versatile, but allows for quick access, and it’s easy to carry on your belt, purse or pocket. In Part 2, you’ll get a closer look at the wide variety of ways it can be used, its many benefits, and tips.
You can find it at www.dasriki.com and take a sneak peek at the Sen-Riki in action.
A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?
Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal.
Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life. Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding.
The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana.
With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict?
You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second.
Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.
On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. A selfie revealed his last known location was the summit. Search Beyond is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.
The search was covered by the media far and wide. J.C.’s pleas for volunteers brought in many from along the entire Front Range. Why did so many come forward? It was J.C. and Kimo’s care, concern, persistence, loyalty, and dedication to finding Brian that exemplified true friendship—and that is a contagious type of friendship experienced by very few.
(C) 2024 Karen VDH Fischer
