Ninja Throwing Stars, also called “ninja stars” or Senban Shuriken, were construction tools that could be used as disguised weapons. Not only can they destroy flesh if thrown, they can be used as hand-held blades for scraping, poking and slicing. And they served as hidden boobytraps laced with toxins to poison the unlucky target. Victims don’t last long after that! Ninja stars might be placed along pathways or other spots where someone might accidentally brush against them. Finally, Jjust having to duck from these sharp metal objects coming at you would be a massive deterent from approaching any closer. They don’t have to hit the target to be effective deterents.
Why do ninjas throw objects like shuriken at their targets?
Throwing the type of ninja stars called senban shuriken is one of the basic techniques often taught in Ninjutsu and other martial arts. Other types of shuriken included darts (bo shuriken), also called ‘needles’. Anyone interested in the proper study of the art of the Ninja must learn about these tools.
There are more subtle, advanced techniques for throwing Senben Shuriken once you master the basics. Advanced students find many techniques not found in most dojos. Shuriken training is extensively taught for all ninja and samurai weapons training. The senban shuriken shown in the video above are typical steel training weapons. You can also train with safer rubber ninja stars, sold on Amazon.
Warnings: Ninja Stars -senban shuriken are illegal
It is illegal to possess or transport these weapons in some USA states, check your local laws before training with them.
Do not damage living trees, they are not appropriate targets for ninja star training. Only throw senban shuriken at specially made targets and take care to consider the surroundings as many throws will be errant when training.
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The History of Senban Shuriken
Senban shuriken are a type of traditional Japanese throwing star, typically associated with ninjutsu, the martial art of the ninja. Unlike the more commonly recognized, star-shaped shuriken, senban shuriken are flat, disc-like weapons. They are often characterized by their circular shape and multiple sharp points. The name “senban” means “thousand blades,” referencing their design. But the weapon is not necessarily composed of a thousand blades. Shuriken throwing weapons were believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868), primarily as a tool of distraction or misdirection, rather than a primary weapon of harm. Historical records suggest that the use of senban shuriken was largely tactical, aimed at disorienting or injuring an enemy enough to evade the area. Throwing any objects can give the user a strategic advantage in combat or stealth operations.
The senban shuriken’s design is often thought to have evolved from other forms of shuriken, such as the hira-shuriken (flat star-shaped variants). Its flat, circular structure allows it to spin and cause minimal damage upon impact, typically serving as a tool for distraction or interference. It was used by both samurai and ninja in feudal Japan. However, its use by the latter is more widely romanticized in popular culture. As with other shuriken, training in their use was part of the larger curriculum in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly those related to stealth and espionage.
For a deeper dive into the history and practical use of senban shuriken, read The Art of the Ninja: The Secret Teachings of the Shinobi by Stephen K. Hayes offers valuable insights into ninja weapons, including shuriken. Additionally, the video “Ninjutsu Weapons: The History of Shuriken” by Samurai Archives provides a well-rounded examination of shuriken’s history, offering visual demonstrations of different types, including senban shuriken.
Recommended readings for further references:
- The Art of the Ninja: The Secret Teachings of the Shinobi by Stephen K. Hayes (ISBN: 0809245439)
- “Ninjutsu Weapons: The History of Shuriken” by Samurai Archives (YouTube: Samurai Archives Channel)
