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Although ninja training involves the use of several different weapons, no weapon is as uniquely ninja as the throwing star, or shuriken. In movies, ninjas are shown throwing stars with increadible accuracy, but a beginner would be doing well to hit the side of a van parked twenty feet away. 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. To develop throwing accuracy relatively fast, and to get the most efficient use of your ninja training time, I recommend that beginners work on learning to throw stars overhand, similar to the technique used for throwing knives. For those who opt to practice the overhand technique, It is recommended to set up the target with the grain of the pine boards running up and down rather than side to side, as this will allow the stars to stick in the wood better instead of bouncing 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 become more skilled, you can increase the difficulty of your star throwing by using smaller targets or by throwing over greater distances. When throwing over greater distances, be sure to stay within a range in which you can maintain good technique and not have to try to throw the star too hard, as this will reduce your aim considerably. With repeated practice, you will improve considerably in your throwing star skills. I think you will find throwing stars to be one of the most fun parts of your ninja training.
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About the Article Author
Shuri Ken is an avid practitioner of the ninja arts. For beginners who wish to gain more knowledge, he recommends you visit ninja training.
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