How to Throw Throwing Stars

Ninja throwing stars, or Shuriken, are deadly weapons carried by the ancient Ninja and used in martial arts competitions today.

The ninjas are legendary warriors famous for their skills as assassins. Traditionally, a ninja carried multiple weapons, including swords, sai and throwing stars. Known as shuriken, the stars are projectile weapons, surrounded on all sides by a sharpened blade. Shuriken can have anywhere from three to eight points, and can resemble a square blade or a star. When thrown correctly, these weapons are deadly from up to 30 feet away.

Things You'll Need

• Deck of cards
• Shuriken
• Target

Instructions

1. Purchase a deck of cards to practice your grip and throw. Cards allow you to practice your throwing technique without injuring yourself or others. Set up a target, and try with real stars only after you get the hang of the technique.

2. Curl your index finger and lay the corner of a card (or the point or corner of your shuriken) flat on the side of your finger. Put your thumb over the top of the card or star to hold it in place. Don't clamp down tightly on the shuriken. Keep your grip loose so that it can slide from your grasp as you complete the throw.

3. Bend your arm at the elbow, bringing your hand across your body to the opposite shoulder. Keep your thumb on top as you continue to hold the shuriken. Hold your wrist straight, keeping it in line with the rest of your forearm. For an overhand throw, bend your elbow and bring the star up past your ear, thumb toward the ear. Keep your wrist straight.

4. Straighten your arm and let the shuriken slide out of your grip. Don't let your wrist bend. The power in your throw comes from the snap of your arm as a whole, and snapping your wrist can ruin your aim.

5. Practice your throwing technique slowly until you are comfortable with it. Gradually speed up and increase your power as you throw the shuriken.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice outdoors in a secluded area when you start using real, sharpened shuriken. These are weapons, not toys, and can cause severe injury or even death. Always check that no one is in front of you or around your target when you throw shuriken.

References

• "The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art"; Stephen K. Hayes; 1981