Throw Your Ninja Stars Like an Expert
Throw Your Ninja Stars Like an Expert
Ninja stars, formally known as shuriken, are iconic tools associated with the stealth and strategy of ancient Japanese warriors. While most people think of them as weapons from ninja lore, their real-world history and application go much deeper. Today, they are used for both martial arts training and recreational target practice. Knowing how to use ninja stars properly isn’t just about theatrics; it’s about understanding technique, safety, and precision.
What Are Shuriken?
A shuriken is a small, bladed throwing weapon, traditionally crafted from metal. The word literally means “hidden hand blade,” and the tool was never meant for direct combat. Rather, it served as a distraction, deterrent, or tool of surprise. Shuriken were sometimes dipped in toxins or used to sabotage, injure, or confuse an opponent. Modern ninja stars come in various designs: classic four-point stars, multi-point variants, and specialized shapes. While they can differ in size and weight, most are designed to be throwable and to stick into wood or other soft targets.
Proper Use of Ninja Stars Today
In contemporary settings, ninja stars are primarily used for sport and martial arts training. The key to effective use lies in grip, distance, angle, and release. Most throwing techniques start with a pinch grip, holding the star between your thumb and index finger. This grip allows a smooth release and better control.
Five Main Ways to Throw Ninja Stars
Here are five reliable techniques for throwing your ninja stars, along with their unique applications and performance differences.
Overhand Throw
This is best for beginners and long-distance throws, and considered the most traditional and widely used throwing style. With a pinch grip, hold the star close to the center (or slightly lower for larger stars). Pull your arm back and bring it forward in a smooth motion, releasing the star naturally. The motion is similar to a knife throw and can generate good spin and accuracy. This move works because it’s easy to control, powerful, and consistent. The overhand throw is excellent for learning how much force and rotation is needed to hit the target accurately. It's also the most forgiving in terms of learning curve.
Sidearm Throw
This is best for medium-distance throws and varied angles. You need to hold the star in the same pinch grip, but instead of an overhead motion, swing your arm sideways like you’re throwing a frisbee. Release the star at a horizontal angle, allowing it to spin naturally toward the target. This method is fast, fluid, and useful for throwing from behind walls or in tight side spaces. It's slightly less intuitive than overhand but offers more control at shorter ranges and works well in rapid-fire scenarios.
Backhand Throw
Best for retreating or throwing behind you, this technique involves throwing the star from behind your back. While running or turning away, you can pull your arm back across your body and release it toward the target. The grip remains the same, but timing and release are critical. It can be used to simulate surprise or escape tactics. It’s a dramatic throw with real utility in tactical practice but requires precision, as it’s harder to aim when not facing the target directly.
Underhand Throw
Short-distance throws and quick access are the best reasons for this move. With the star held more toward the center, pull your arm back in an underhand motion and swing it upward toward the target. This method works similarly to an underhand toss in sports, but with sharper focus on trajectory. It is a good move because it gives the throw a different arc and spin. The underhand method can generate surprising power and is particularly useful when you’re close to the target but want to maintain stealth or quick movement.
No-Reload Throw
This is best for throwing multiple stars in succession. You need to hold two or more stars at once using your thumb to hold them together. Release one at a time in quick succession—using any of the previous methods. Start with just two if you're new, as shuriken are sharp and easy to mishandle. This technique is designed for rapid multi-throws without needing to reach for more stars. It requires practice to maintain accuracy while switching hands or fingers between throws. Ideal for advanced users practicing combat flow.
Comparing Throw Styles and Materials
Different stars perform differently based on their size, weight, and shape. Larger stars often require a grip closer to the edge, while smaller ones are best gripped near the center. On soft targets like foam or pine, even cheaper stars will stick. But on hardwoods like oak, penetration varies significantly by throw type and star quality. Overhand throws generate the most reliable penetration, especially from distance. Sidearm and underhand offer unique attack angles. Backhand and no-reload are better for movement or flair but require more precision.
Make Your Move with Expert Shuriken Throws
Ninja stars are more than just pop culture weapons: they’re precision tools that require skill and discipline. Whether you’re throwing overhand for accuracy, sidearm for speed, or underhand for stealth, each method has its advantages. Mastery comes with practice, safety, and understanding the strengths of each technique. So grab your target, respect the tool, and start honing your skills like a modern-day ninja.
