Kung Fu and Ninja Throwing Stars (Shuriken).
Multi-pointed throwing weapons called Shuriken (pronounced "Sure-ee-ken"), were
an indispensable part of the tonki arsenal used by the NINJA , secret agents of Japan's
feudal era from the 13th to 17th Century. The shurikens consisted of little, hand-thrown
weapons with anywhere from 3 to 10 points. Altogether there were 20 different kinds of
shuriken, depending on the shape: triangular, 4 pointed, star-shaped, 6 pointed,
swastika-shaped, 8 & 10 pointed stars.
THE POPULAR MULTI-POINTED SHURIKEN STARS: Shurikens were used as a nuisance weapon
- only momentarily stopping pursuers. Struck in the arm or hand an opponent could be
prevented from effectively wielding a sword. Constant practice made the Shurinken
instinctive to the Ninja, who could hit a dime at ranges up 30 feet.
HOW TO THROW THE STAR
There are a number of styles for throwing the shuriken. In some, the star is held full in
the hand so that it is hidden from the opponent's view. Another involves throwing more
than one star at a time in a spread out pattern. One of the easier styles is to grip one
point between thumb and forefinger and throw overhand or sidearm with a quick springing
motion, somewaht like a frisbee. Overhand is more like a dart. The star will stick best if
it is thrown so that it strikes the target board level with the grain of the wood.
THE GRIP: For short distances, hold the star by the end of the point as shown on
Figure 1. The turn of the star can be varied either by the force it is thrown or by
changing the grip. A star held with the hand further up the point as shown in Figure 2
will make a slower turn than when held as in Figure 1. (Figures 1 and 2 on back.)
JUDGING DISTANCES: It is very necessary that the star thrower learns to judge
distances accurately. Unless he is able to do so, his throwing skill will have to develop
entirely by trial and error. The beginner should start his practice and develop his
individual "feel" for the star with a half-turn throw at this distance. Practice
a uniform half-turn throw untill you can land your star in the target consistently.
THE PRINCIPLE OF "THE TURN": In the hands of an expert star thrower, the
star will make an additional half-turn every three feet beyond the distance which you
establish as your own "half-turn" distance. Depending on the force with which
you throw, you can soon master a "turn-and-a-half" throw at a distance of
approximately 14 to 16 feet. Remember, while you are learning, it is not important to
throw a star hard. Master a steady uniform throw, and later, when you have developed
accuracy, it will be easy to throw your star harder and farther. This simple principle can
be applied with a uniform throw up to distances 30 feet or more. Obviously, the grip and
power of the throw will vary with individuals. But the foregoing instructions are
recommended as an invaluable guide for the beginner. Only by watching the exact way the
star hits the target can the amateur determine whether he needs more or less force,
distance or grip change, to make the star stick properly at these distances.
THE STANCE: As with the grip, the stance will vary with the individual, but in
general, the stance is the same in star throwing as it is in throwing any object at a
target. Face the target in your natural throwing position with the left foot slightly
ahead of the right.
(For left-handed people, the right foot ahead of the left.) Grip the star as instructed
and, shifting the body weight to the right foot, raise the arm as you would be in a
natural throwing position. Be certain that the point is held vertical and throw in a
strict overhand motion, shifting the weight of the body in a smoothly coordinated movement
with the arm, so that at the point of release the weight is nearly all on the left foot.
TO SHARPEN: Use a file on the thin edge and work forward, making a chisel point. A
needle point will weaken the tip.
TARGETS: For out-of-doors practice a good target can be fashioned from a 2-foot
square of heavy board (soft pine boards are best), on which you can paint a bull's-eye or
any other design or finish.
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