Shuriken (which means, “sword hidden in the hand”) are the famed ninja weapon featured in many hit movies like “Ninja Assassin” and “Mortal Kombat”. Shuriken are also the inspiration of so many who have dreamt of becoming a ninja themselves. In the West they are commonly referred to as “throwing stars”, but have been made in many different forms, not just stars. Their origins come from being easily made from materials that may be lying around like nails, coins, knives and various other farming scrap metal.
Instrument of Advancement
Shuriken were commonly used by the ninja as a secondary weapon unlike so many of the movies from Hollywood would have us believe. Secondary weapons are used tactically to advance themselves or the primary weapon which was usually the katana (sword) or yari (spear). Many times the shuriken was used as a noise-maker, as a deterrent from tracking, and to shift the opponents attention. They are best known as being throwing weapons but also can be used as cutting or stabbing weapons and can even be used within booby traps. Shuriken could be coated with poison and left in the ground or laying around for an enemy to cut himself on. They are even known to have been covered in animal feces and left to rust to cause incurable diseases to victims.
Stealth and Range
Some of the advantages to using these weapons are obviously stealth and range. Shuriken can be easily concealed on the body, undetected and be used to get close to the ninjas target. Also they can give a range advantage in face-to-face battle or can be used like a fiery arrow as an incendiary device. And of course these are silent weapons that can be used without warning or alerting others.
Today’s Shuriken
Today’s Shuriken are far more refined and stylish looking than their ancestors. These days the main types of these lethal weapons that you will find will be either stick Shuriken also known as Bo-Shuriken or what are commonly known as throwing stars that are flat and circular with razor sharp edges. However the demand for new toys to show off and hang on your wall have spurred all types of Shuriken designs to be created from throwing axes to Batman inspired designs.
Popular Ninja
While realistically there would never be a popular ninja, the resurgence of popularity in our culture has come largely from Japan, Manga type cartoons including Naruto. Naruto cartoons have taken the world by storm and have children practising their Ninjitsu and the moves even when the TV is off. The characters in these cartoons are commonly seen throwing Kunai as their weapon of choice. The Kunai is a type of Shuriken that usually has a leaf shaped blade and point.
Today shuriken are illegal in many states however, if you live in a state that you can legally own a shuriken then they are great for gifts, collecting and a great conversation piece.
