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.
If you have ever tried throwing a dart at a dartboard you know that it takes some practice to get really good. The same caution should be used as when throwing darts. Don't practice in an area where someone could walk in front of your target unexpectedly and clear the area around and behind the practice target of anything that might break if you hit it. Now you need a target. You can buy a really nice looking one if you want, they are worth it, or you can just use an old sheet of plywood with a target drawn on it.
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 expect to hit a bullseye from 50 feet on your first throw. Build up the distance from the target as your ninja warrior skills improve. Put the target a distance about 10 or 20 feet from you to start off with. You can increase your distance as you get more accurate with your throws. Remember, safety, safety, safety. Clear your practice area of anything that might break and make sure no one can get hurt.
Now for your stance, place your feet apart about the width of your shoulders. Nice and comfortable. If you are right handed, move your left foot forward about one footstep ahead of your right. If you are throwing with your left hand switch your feet, right foot forward of the left. When you throw the throwing star you will be shifting your weight to the forward foot.
Next, pick up your throwing star and hold it securely between your thumb and forefinger. Tilt your wrist forward so that the throwing star is now parallel with the ground. Keep your eyes focused on the bullseye of your target. Bring the throwing star toward the right side of your head (if you are throwing with your right hand) and in one smooth motion, shift your weight to your leading foot as you snap your wrist and arm toward your bullseye. You want to release the throwing star when your arm is parallel to the floor. Stretch your throwing arm out completely as if you are quickly pointing towards the bullseye. Do not take your eyes off of the bullseye.
A lot of people think that a throwing star has to be thrown with a lot of force. Like you are trying to throw a fastball! Not so. The real trick is not the speed with which you throw but with the amount of spin you put on the star. That is why we snap our wrist. A well spinning star will wind up being thrown more accurately than a hard thrown star.
Don't get discouraged. Just like any other skill it will take a lot of practice. Hey, Ninja warriors were not made overnight! - 31491
If you have ever tried throwing a dart at a dartboard you know that it takes some practice to get really good. The same caution should be used as when throwing darts. Don't practice in an area where someone could walk in front of your target unexpectedly and clear the area around and behind the practice target of anything that might break if you hit it. Now you need a target. You can buy a really nice looking one if you want, they are worth it, or you can just use an old sheet of plywood with a target drawn on it.
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 expect to hit a bullseye from 50 feet on your first throw. Build up the distance from the target as your ninja warrior skills improve. Put the target a distance about 10 or 20 feet from you to start off with. You can increase your distance as you get more accurate with your throws. Remember, safety, safety, safety. Clear your practice area of anything that might break and make sure no one can get hurt.
Now for your stance, place your feet apart about the width of your shoulders. Nice and comfortable. If you are right handed, move your left foot forward about one footstep ahead of your right. If you are throwing with your left hand switch your feet, right foot forward of the left. When you throw the throwing star you will be shifting your weight to the forward foot.
Next, pick up your throwing star and hold it securely between your thumb and forefinger. Tilt your wrist forward so that the throwing star is now parallel with the ground. Keep your eyes focused on the bullseye of your target. Bring the throwing star toward the right side of your head (if you are throwing with your right hand) and in one smooth motion, shift your weight to your leading foot as you snap your wrist and arm toward your bullseye. You want to release the throwing star when your arm is parallel to the floor. Stretch your throwing arm out completely as if you are quickly pointing towards the bullseye. Do not take your eyes off of the bullseye.
A lot of people think that a throwing star has to be thrown with a lot of force. Like you are trying to throw a fastball! Not so. The real trick is not the speed with which you throw but with the amount of spin you put on the star. That is why we snap our wrist. A well spinning star will wind up being thrown more accurately than a hard thrown star.
Don't get discouraged. Just like any other skill it will take a lot of practice. Hey, Ninja warriors were not made overnight! - 31491
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