What is a Shuriken? Ninja's Self-Defense
ShinobuNinjas carried out espionage, assassination, and sabotage in ancient Japan.
They are said to have engaged in combat using a remarkably diverse array of weapons and techniques.
Among these weapons, the “shuriken” or ninja star, is one of the most famous.
Here are other articles on ninja!
For more information on ninja weapons, Shurikens, swords, and other weapons handled by Ninjas. Who is stronger,the ninja or the Samurai?
1. The Origin of Shuriken
Shuriken are believed to have been used during the Sengoku period (around the 15th and 16th centuries).
In modern times, shuriken are strongly associated with being a weapon actively thrown to kill or injure enemies.
However, actual ninja often scattered them to confuse enemies while escaping.
In essence, shuriken were disposable, supplementary weapons.
Today, the assassination techniques associated with such shuriken are preserved by many enthusiasts.
2. Types of Shuriken Techniques
Shuriken techniques are broadly categorized by purpose into two types: “Delaying Shuriken” and “Attack Shuriken”.
Delaying shuriken
This is shurikenjutsu used to delay an enemy.
The thrown objects require disruptive capabilities over lethality.
Attack shuriken
This is shuriken-jutsu for attacking enemies.
The thrown objects require lethal capability.
There are three types: “Fire-Powered Shuriken” “Medicine Shuriken”, and “Poison Shuriken”.
Fire-Powered Shuriken throws gunpowder or flaming arrows.
Medicine Shuriken throws blinding agents or sleeping potions.
Poison Shuriken throws shuriken coated with feces, urine, or poison.
3. Shuriken Shapes
Shuriken can be classified into two types based on their shape: “flat shuriken” and “spear shuriken.”
Flat shuriken
This is the flat shuriken most people imagine.
Throwing it while spinning provides stability, giving it a higher hit rate compared to spear shuriken.
However, due to their spinning motion, the whistling sound can alert enemies to the attack.
Spear shuriken
These are shuriken with a pointed, rod-shaped iron tip.
They excel in lethality and portability.
They are also characterized by their quieter throwing sound.
However, they have the disadvantage of being more difficult to throw accurately.
4. How to Throw Shuriken
Here's how to throw the most popular flat shuriken.
First, hold the shuriken between the index finger and thumb of your dominant hand.
Then, just throw it like a ball, aiming for the target!
The key is to throw the shuriken upright.
Also, flick your wrist when throwing to impart spin on the shuriken.
It's quite challenging at first, but the satisfaction when you get it right is immense.
5. Places to Experience Shuriken
Ninja Experience Cafes are located in Asakusa and Harajuku in Tokyo, Gion in Kyoto, and Dotonbori in Osaka.
At these cafes, you can train with shuriken while wearing ninja attire.
Beyond shuriken, you can also learn how to handle swords and blowguns.
Special ninja-themed food and drinks are another appealing feature.
6. How to Make a Shuriken with Origami
Origami is a traditional Japanese art form where you create various shapes simply by folding paper.
You can even make a shuriken with origami.
Watch the video, and anyone can easily complete a shuriken using just one sheet of paper!
7. Summary
Shuriken came in a wide variety of shapes, from the classic cross-shaped ones to rod-shaped types.
While shuriken are synonymous with ninja weapons, they were actually not used very frequently.
Ninjas likely kept shuriken as a last resort.
Come experience these iconic ninja shuriken for yourself at the Ninja Experience Cafe!
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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