Ninja Training - Star Shurikens
Ken Shuri
Some weapons will cross martial art systems, but the throwing star is exclusively associated with ninja training. The depiction of the use of throwing stars in movies, also known as shurikens, makes it look very easy, but for a beginner, having any accuracy at all with a throwing star requires considerable practice.
The only way to gain skill with throwing stars is to practice frequently, as is the case with any type of ninja training. I recommend using a large target, at least 4 feet square made from pine boards attached to a piece of plywood. When you are just starting out, the larger your target is, the better. Be sure to keep your training area well clear from people or property that could be damaged by a thrown star or a ricochet from the target. As you develop some skill, you can use a smaller target atteched or drawn onto the large target to further work on your accuracy
Most movies depict ninjas throwing stars side-arm like a pointy frisbee, with the star held parallel to the ground. While they can certainly be thrown this way, throwing a star side-arm with accuracy is extremely difficult. If you are intent upon learning to throw stars side-arm, make sure to allow lots and lots of room around your target, and be prepared to do a lot of searching for the stars that will likely be flying off in all directions.
Rather than the side-arm technique, I recommend that beginners first learn to throw stars overhand, similar to the way one would throw a knife. This will allow for efficient ninja training and faster development of throwing accuracy.
If you do go with the overhand technique, I suggest setting up your target with pine boards aligned so that the grain of the wood is perpendicular to the ground. This will make it easier for the stars to stick in the target rather than bounce off.
To begin with throwing, I recommend standing about 20 feet from your target. This distance is close enough that you'll have a reasonable chance of success when you first start practicing, but is far enough away that you are not likely to get severely hurt if the star ricochets back at you. Your ninja training will not progress very well if you catch a throwing star in your eye, so the additional precaution of eye protection is strongly recommended.
In order to develop accuracy in a short amount of time, it is important to learn to focus on your target. With the eye on the side of your throwing arm, look straight ahead at the target and keep your eye focused intently on the target at all times.
While gripping the star loosely between your thumb and first finger, bring your arm straight out in front of you until the star is lined up between your eye and the target. Next, raise your hand above your head by bending your elbow. Refocus your vision on the target and then quickly throw the star by straightening your elbow and letting the star go at the moment it enters your line of sight to the target. As with any form of ninja training, once you learn the basic technique, with practice comes skill.
As you get better with throwing stars, you can use smaller targets, or you can try throwing from a longer distance. If you choose to try longer distance throws, it is important to maintain good form and not force the throws to go further, as this will greatly decrease your ability to hit the target.
Practice and time will improve your throwing star abilities. With some practice and improvment, I believe that throwing stars will become a favorite aspect of your ninja training.
Shuri Ken is an avid practitioner of the ninja arts. To obtain more beginner's training tips on throwing stars and other ninja weapons and techniques, he recommends you visit ninja training. Click here for other http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=37312&b=79 unique 'ninja training' articles.
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