In addition to their famous swords, the Ninjato, Ninja warriors also carried what is known as shurikens, or throwing stars. Many first rate Martial Arts training programs include the use of the throwing star in their training.
Using a throwing star requires practice and in order to practice you need a target to throw at. Common sense, right? Well it should be but it is very important to recognize that throwing stars can be dangerous and safety is of the utmost importance. Never fool around by throwing them at someone. There are very nice Ninja target boards you can buy but you don't have to. A simple piece of plywood with a bullseye drawn on it will suffice. Make sure you place the target in a location that you cannot hurt anyone or break anything if you miss the target.
The other thing you need in order to practice is a throwing star. You will have quite a few different styles to choose from. Consider the number of points or spikes on the star as well as the thickness. A throwing star, also known as a Ninja star, that has more points on it and is thinner is better for practice. You do not have to be concerned that the points are very sharp because a thinner, duller edge will actually stick better.
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.
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.
Remember all those holes in the wall next to your dartboard when you first started throwing darts? Well, don't expect to become an expert at throwing stars right away either. Give it time and a lot of practice and you will see your skills as a ninja warrior improve.
Author Resource:
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