Rec and Sports

Ninja Weapons – How to Throw a Throwing Star

The throwing star, or shuriken, is a centuries old Japanese weapon that was often used by ninja warriors as an additional weapon to their swords or Ninjato. If used correctly the throwing star can be part of a good martial arts training program.

Just like dart throwing practice, find yourself a target. It does not have to be a store bought one. You can use a piece of plywood or even an old piece of drywall. Draw a bullseye on it and you have yourself a good throwing star or throwing spikes practice target. Use caution! Make sure there is no one around or that no one could suddenly enter your field of practice. It is a good idea to practice outside away from any thing that could break if you miss. Also, make sure the target is stable.

Next, make sure you choose the best throwing stars for practice. Throwing stars come in many designs with a variety of the number of spikes. If you get ones with more spikes the chances are better they will stick more often. Don’t be overly concerned about how sharp the spikes are. In fact, those stars that have a thinner, much duller, edge stick better. The thicker heavier ones can be much more difficult to throw with accuracy.

Don’t start off by standing so far away from your practice target that the chances of hitting the target itself, let alone the bullseye, are diminished. Place yourself anywhere from 10 to 20 feet in front of the target. If you find that even that is too far at first, move a little closer for now. Until you get good at the throwing technique itself it is important that you at least hit the target. Make sure your practice area is free of people and animals

It will improve your accuracy if you are standing the right way when you release the throwing star. If you will be throwing right handed stand with your feet about shoulder length apart and move your right foot back one step. Do the opposite if throwing left handed. The main principal is to make sure you are balanced and comfortable when you throw.

Hold the star properly. Grasp it firmly between your thumb and index finger. The proper technique of throwing your ninja star is pretty simple. With the throwing star in your grasp, bend your wrist forward slightly. Bring your throwing hand back alongside your ear, bent at the elbow, and snap your arm and wrist forward toward the target. You want to snap your wrist and release the throwing star when your arm has become parallel to the ground. From the time you have the star in your grasp until 1 second after you have released it, your eyes should be focused on the bullseye of the target.

Don’t throw the star with the intent of trying to put it through the target. The speed of the star is not the most important thing. It is the amount of spin you are able to put on it. The better your wrist snap when releasing the more spin will be on the star. The more spin you put on the star the more accurate your throw will be.

If you want to become a true ninja warrior, don’t give up. Practice, then practice some more, and then some more. You will master the technique needed to become skilled at the throwing star.

Learn more about Ninja Warrior weapons visit www.YourGreatestProtection.com. See the various types of quality throwing stars available today.