Shuriken Throwing: How Bo-Shuriken Is Taught at Our Dojo

Shuriken are one of the most famous ninja weapons, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what shuriken really are, how they are thrown, and how shuriken throwing fits into training at our dojo.

Bo-shuriken vs throwing stars

There are two main families of shuriken. Hira-shuriken are the flat, star shaped ones made famous by films. Bo-shuriken are straight spikes. A bo-shuriken comes in many shapes and sizes, but a typical one is a steel spike about 15 centimetres long, similar in size to a pencil.

How far can you throw a shuriken?

A bo-shuriken is usually thrown from distances of up to about 6 metres. Some heavier shuriken can be thrown from up to 20 metres away. Historically, shuriken were used to distract, delay or surprise an opponent rather than as a main weapon.

How a bo-shuriken is thrown

Throwing a bo-shuriken well is a real skill. The grip, the release and the distance all have to work together so the spike turns the right amount in the air and strikes point first. Change your distance and you need to change your throw. Small changes in posture, breathing and release show up straight away on the target, which is why shuriken practice is such a good way to develop focus, coordination and relaxed, efficient movement.

A rare skill in Australia

Chief instructor Craig Guest holds a licence in bo-shuriken and is one of only two people in Australia to do so. Our dojo is fortunate enough to have its own indoor shuriken range with five targets, so shuriken throwing is trained regularly rather than just shown.

Is it safe?

Shuriken practice is done on the range, at the targets, with clear safety rules. Like all our weapons training, it is introduced step by step. Shuriken and throwing stars are prohibited weapons in Victoria, so they must only ever be used within the law. You can read more in our post on whether throwing stars are legal in Australia.

Part of a complete weapons syllabus

Shuriken sit alongside the blunt (staff), flexible (rope) and sharp (wooden sword and knife) weapons in our ninja weapons training. Together they teach distance, timing and awareness that carry straight over into unarmed self defence.

Where shuriken came from

Shuriken were never the main weapon of a ninja or samurai. They were a small, easily carried tool used to distract, delay or surprise an opponent, buying a moment to escape, close the distance or draw a sword. Different schools developed their own shapes and methods, which is why you will find straight spikes, needles, flat stars and other forms. In the Bujinkan, shuriken are associated in particular with the Togakure-ryū, the best known ninja school of the nine schools that make up the art.

What beginners learn first

Like any weapon, shuriken throwing starts with the basics rather than speed or distance:

• Safety on the range. Where to stand, when to throw and when to collect.
• The grip. How the spike sits in the hand so it leaves cleanly.
• Posture and relaxation. A tense arm throws badly. Good throws come from a relaxed body and a smooth release.
• One distance at a time. Learning to stick the shuriken consistently at a short distance before moving further back.

Once the basics are reliable, students can work on throwing from further away, with either hand and from different positions.

How long does it take to learn?

Most people miss a lot at first, and that is normal. Consistency comes with regular practice. Craig's own story is a good example: the first time he ever threw a bo-shuriken was in Japan, in front of Hatsumi Sensei, with only a 60 second lesson. After coming home he practised for about an hour every day for three months before he was throwing reasonably well. You can read that story in our post on training in Japan with the Bujinkan.

What shuriken teach the rest of your training

Throwing a shuriken accurately depends on posture, timing, breathing and judging distance, the same qualities that make taijutsu work. That is why shuriken practice is more than a party trick. It sharpens focus and helps you feel how small changes in your body change the result.

Come and see our shuriken range

Ask about shuriken training when you book. Book a $19.95 trial using the form below, or call 03 9495 1929. You are not under any obligation to join at the end of your trial.