How to Throw a Throwing Star
The shuriken is an ancient Japanese weapon more commonly known today as a throwing star. They were used by ninja as a supplemental weapon to their swords. They are extraordinarily dangerous and illegal in many places. If used properly and legally, throwing the shuriken can be an important part of a martial arts program. Follow these steps to learn to throw a throwing star.
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Instructions
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Find a proper target. Throwing stars stick well in things they can penetrate. Drywall or a piece of plywood works well. Draw a bull's eye or silhouette on the surface so you can work on your accuracy. Place your target in an area where there is nothing living or breakable around it. Do not let other people stand near you or your target when you practice with throwing stars.
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Choose your throwing stars. First be sure it is legal for you to possess throwing stars where you are. Throwing stars come with four to eight spikes. The ones with more spikes stick better. Realize that a throwing star does not need to be razor sharp to stick. Thin blunted edges often stick better and wont cut your fingers. Thick and heavy throwing stars with very sharp points are harder to throw. Look for throwing stars that are flat and uniform. They fly better.
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Stand about 20 feet from your target. Look to your left and then to your right. If you see anything in that arc that is alive or breakable, then move your target. It will take a while before you throw a throwing star with reasonable accuracy. You don't want to hurt or break anything while you learn. If you are right handed, stand with your right foot one step ahead of your left. Feet should be shoulder width apart. If you are left handed switch your feet.
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Hold the throwing star firmly between your thumb and bent index finger. Concentrate on the point on your target where you want the star to hit. Bring your hand with the throwing star toward your body as you bend your wrist inward. In one motion, shift your weight to your front foot as you snap your wrist and arm toward your target.Release the throwing star level to the ground at the moment your arm is stretched completely out. Follow through by pointing your hand at the point on the target where you want to hit. Focus on snapping the throwing star so it spins fast. Spinning the throwing star is far more important that throwing it hard. A spinning throwing star will fly straight and stick in the target. A star that is just thrown hard could go anywhere.
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Attempt to throw multiple stars with this technique when you become experienced. Once you have mastered throwing one throwing star you can try to throw several in quick succession. Hold a stack of throwing stars in your non throwing hand. After releasing one throwing star, return your hand to the pile and get the next one off the top. Fire the stars in rapid succession paying strict attention to form. Your body should not move much. Your arm should be shooting the throwing stars.
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Try the overhand technique if you are having trouble with the side arm throw. If you are right handed, stand with your left leg forward. Hold the throwing star between the thumb and bent index finger of your right hand. Raise it up over your shoulder. Focus intently on the spot on your target where you want the throwing star to hit. All at once shift your weight forward to your left foot while you snap your arm and wrist down. The throwing star should be vertical when you release it. This is important for accuracy. Concentrate on spinning the throwing star. A fast spinning throwing flies straight and true. If you are left handed, switch your feet.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many ways to throw a throwing star. The simplest and most widely used are included here. The others are best studied by experienced martial artists in a dojo. Consult a martial arts expert if you wish to learn other ways to throw shuriken.
Throwing stars are extremely dangerous and should never be thrown in the direction of anyone or anything alive. They can maim and kill. They are also illegal in many areas. Follow all laws and only use throwing stars under safe conditions and the proper supervision of a martial arts professional.
