How to make shuriken from metal, wood, rubber. Knife-pistol and throwing "stars" - edged weapons of special forces (7 photos)

Surprisingly, among the huge variety of Japanese edged weapons, two of its types have received the greatest (one might say, world) fame: the traditional katana sword and throwing stars shurikens. And if the popularity of the katana does not raise any special questions, then the loud glory of the "flying stars" seems a little inadequate. Shuriken gained their fame thanks to a huge number of Hollywood films that tell the Western layman about the invincible Japanese ninja spy warriors, throwing "stars" at their opponents without a miss.

In fact, everything is not so simple: the shuriken has never been exclusively a ninja weapon. In addition, in medieval Japan there was great amount various kinds of these weapons, sometimes very different from those that were replicated by the cinema.

Shuriken is a fairly large group (dozens of varieties are known) of cold throwing weapons, which is intended primarily for concealed wear. Moreover, it can not only be thrown at the enemy, but also used with great success in close combat, inflicting stabbing or cutting blows on the enemy. It is not for nothing that the name "shuriken" itself is translated from Japanese as "a blade hidden in the hand." In Japan, the possession of shurikens developed into a separate martial art - shuriken-jutsu, it was studied (and is being studied) in the largest martial arts schools. Although, it should be noted that in the arsenal of a Japanese warrior this throwing weapon has always been a secondary, a kind of addition to a sword or spear.

Ninjas really often used shurikens, but these weapons were no less popular among samurai.

Shuriken can be divided into two types:

shakens;
bo-shurikens.

The well-known "stars" belong to the syakens - to an extensive group of throwing weapons, which includes flat metal discs various shapes with a sharp cutting edge.

In Europe, there were practically no analogues to the Japanese shuriken. An exception may be perhaps the so-called German throwing cross, which was also called a throwing ax. He was in use very long time, from the XII-XVII century. Despite this, this weapon practically unknown to the general public, moreover, it is not mentioned in any work of art. It is believed that this weapon was "ignoble", that is, it was not used by knights, so after the end of the Middle Ages it was thoroughly forgotten.

Shurikens have now become a fashionable toy in the US and Europe, and can be easily purchased at any gun shop. It is not difficult to make this weapon yourself, there are enough materials on the Internet on this topic. However, one should not forget that shuriken is quite dangerous weapon and should be treated accordingly. According to Russian law, if the beam length of the “ninja star” exceeds 8 mm, then the shuriken is already considered a melee weapon and its owner may have serious problems. In some countries, the sale of shurikens is generally prohibited by law.

Story

In Japan, unlike, for example, medieval Europe or the ancient world, throwing weapons were not very common. Medieval tracts describe how warriors hit opponents by throwing a wide variety of objects at them: arrows for a bow or wakidazashi short swords.

The most ancient Japanese written treatise "Kojiki" describes how to properly throw stones at the enemy, in other ancient sources you can find instructions on throwing arrows. The first mention of shuriken is found in the War Tale of Osaka Castle. One of the heroes this work, the warrior of Tadamasa, later became the founder of the art of throwing shurikens - shuriken-jutsu.

In the early periods Japanese history the most popular projectiles were ordinary stones. They were thrown at the enemy simply with their hands or using the traditional Japanese heshihajiki sling. And it's not just about individual fights. In ancient chronicles, one can often find descriptions of the use of stones in fairly significant battles. The Japanese armies had special units stone-throwers, and the use of this simplest projectile was called "inji-uchi", which means "stone-throwing battle". Warriors who used stones to defeat the enemy were called "advanced stone throwers" (mukai tsubute no mono). Apparently, they walked ahead of the troops and fired at the enemy infantry (like the slingers of the Romans).

Later, from about the 13th century, simple stones began to be supplemented with special metal projectiles, which were called inji-yari, and in their shape resembled a spearhead. It is likely that the ballistic and penetrating characteristics of the new weapons were significantly higher than those of conventional cobblestones. Around the 16th century, another type of Japanese throwing weapon appeared - tsubute, which was a sharpened metal plates square or polygonal shape.

Tsubute was a very popular weapon, it is also mentioned in the so-called ninja treatises. It was hard to kill with it, especially an armored enemy, but inflicting a wound on an unprotected part of the body or simply distracting the enemy was easy.

There is an assumption that it was the inji-yari that became the predecessors of the bo-shurikens, and the stars-shakens “came” from the tsubute plates. This assumption is confirmed even by the translation of the word "shuriken" - "a blade hidden in the hand." It is likely that the first shurikens were more like an elongated blade than a sharpened polygonal star.

There is another version of the origin of shurikens. According to her, these weapons came from ordinary household items that they thought of using for defense or attack. In support of this hypothesis, one can cite the fact that many types of shuriken retained the names of their "ancestors" in their names: kugi-gata (in the form of a nail), ari-gata (in the form of a needle), tango-gata (in the form of a knife).

One way or another, but by the middle of the Edo era, shuriken-jutsu - or throwing shurikens - had become quite a popular and developed martial art. Where and how it originated is still a mystery to historians.

The popularity of shurikens in medieval Japan is easy to explain, because these weapons were relatively simple, very cheap and at the same time quite effective. In addition, shurikens were perfect for covert wearing (no wonder ninja shinobi loved them so much), so with the help of shuriken it was always possible to unpleasantly “surprise” the enemy. For the manufacture of this weapon, medium-quality steel was suitable, and the blacksmith's qualifications might not be the highest. In addition, shurikens can also be used in close combat, when there were no other options left.

Sometimes various signs were applied to the surface of the shurikens, usually they were of a mystical nature and were intended for more effective use this weapon.

Description of weapons, their classification and application features

It is quite difficult to give a description of any "average" shuriken, because this weapon is very many-sided. In addition to the well-known "stars", there were other forms of shuriken, reminiscent of blades, rods, needles, etc. As mentioned above, shuriken can be divided into two large groups: bo-shurikens and shakens.

Bo-shuriken is a throwing weapon, shaped like a rod, which could have a round, tetrahedral or polyhedral section. They were made of steel and could be sharpened on one or both sides. There were also bo-shurikens, the shape of which resembled the tip of a spear or small knife. The length of the bo-shuriken varied from 10 to 25 cm, and the weight - from 25 to 150 grams. Currently, more than 50 varieties of this weapon are known.

Bo-shurikens were thrown in different ways. This art was studied in many samurai schools, each of which had its own peculiarities in the use of this weapon. However, the general technique was similar. The pointed rod of the bo-shuriken was clamped between the thumb and forefinger so that its blunt end rested against the palm, and the hand was sharply thrown out in the direction of the opponent. The ideal trajectory for such a throw is a straight line. Sometimes the weapons were twisted. Rods pointed at both ends were easier to throw. It was possible to throw weapons from behind the head, from the chest, from the side or from below. It is believed that such a combat rod could be thrown seven to eight meters.

It should be noted that the bo-shurikens were more popular with the samurai, and the ninjas really used the shaken stars more.

Shakens are flat discs with a pointed edge, which could also have the most different shape and sizes. The second Japanese name for this throwing weapon is kuruma-ken, which can be translated as "sword-wheel". The thickness of the shakens could be different: from insignificant (about 1 mm) to very decent (up to 3 mm). Plates of smaller thickness and diameter were easier to throw, respectively, their “rate of fire” was higher. However, compared to the heavier shakens, they had a shorter flight range and penetrating power. The best shakens had different thickness, it decreased from the center to the edges. Such a "star" had the best ballistics, but it was more difficult to make it. Very often, a hole was made in the center of the shakens, which improved the ballistic properties of these weapons, and also made it possible to carry them on a rope and make it easier to pull them out of any objects (for example, from a tree or an enemy’s head).

In flight, the syaken was given rotary motion, which improved the accuracy and range of the throw. By the way, in terms of their combat characteristics, the shakens were superior to the bo-shurikens, the flight range of the stars reached fifteen meters.

Today, more than fifty types of syakens are known. The shape of this weapon could be very different, ranging from sharpened metal squares to complex multi-beam stars. Syakeny usually threw in series, trying to inflict several wounds on the enemy at once. According to ancient sources, the master could throw up to five "stars" at the enemy in 10-15 seconds. Considering the maximum range of this weapon, the warrior usually had only a few seconds before the enemy approached within striking distance. bladed weapons. Often cutting edge Shakens were smeared with poison, they especially liked to use this ninja technique.

By the way, in treatises on ninjutsu, there are practically no descriptions of shuriken possession techniques. Researchers cannot explain this fact. Either this weapon was so secret that they were afraid to entrust information about it to paper, or each master had his own unique technique throwing "stars" and personally passed it on to his students. Well, the fact that the ninja masterfully owned shurikens is beyond doubt. Shadow warriors could throw them from any position: standing, prone, kneeling, along any trajectory.

Thanks to this master class, you will learn how to make shuriken out of paper with your own hands. This instruction includes 9 options for making ninja stars. All of them differ in the degree of complexity and manufacturing technique. These crafts are great for active children's games!

Shuriken or ninja star (in the lane “a blade hidden in the hand”) is a concealed carry weapon of Japanese ninjas. It is a small round blade in the form of an ordinary thing: stars, circles, coins, etc. Among the ninja warriors, these items were used as auxiliary weapons.

Materials and tools

Despite the different manufacturing techniques, all master classes will require the same materials and tools:

Paper. A colorful scrapbooking or double-sided color is best. If you don't have one, take standard A4 sheets or newspapers.
Ruler.
Stationery knife or scissors.
Pencil or pen.
Decorative ornaments (optional).

How to make a simple paper shuriken

This shuriken is very easy to make even for a child.
Step 1: Prepare the Square
You can make it from a standard A4 sheet by folding it diagonally and cutting off the excess at the bottom.

Step 2: cut the square
The square obtained in the previous step is cut into two identical sections.

Step 3: Fold the Sections
Fold both sections in half again.

Step 4: form the folds
Fold each corner down diagonally. Make sure that in each section the corners are wrapped along opposite diagonals.

Step 5: collect the star
Now turn the first blank over and place it on top of the second one perpendicularly (see photo below).

Fold the top edge of the bottom piece into the recess in the middle of the top piece.

Tighten the top corner into the recess until it stops.

Do the same at the bottom.

Now flip the star.

And tuck the rest of the blades into the recesses.

Now this shuriken can be thrown.

Shuriken transformer

With this instruction, you will make a transforming 8-pointed ninja star. Such a little thing is also very simple to create.

Step 1: Prepare the Squares
cut colored paper into squares of the same size. You can use one or two colors. Stars with rays of various shades look very beautiful.

In total, for the manufacture of this craft, you will need 8 squares. 4 pieces of each color.

Stage 2: make the module
Take one leaf and fold it twice diagonally and two times vertically (see the picture below).

Fold down the top two corners, using the vertical center line as a guide.

Fold the sheet with the folds inward.

Using the folds you made earlier, fold the top right corner inward to form two folded triangles.

The first block is ready! Fold the rest of the sheets in the same way. You should have 8 identical figures in your hands, 4 yellow and 4 blue.

Stage 3: assemble the craft
Insert module of blue color non-opening edge into the middle of the yellow module. Fix both parts together.

Insert all the details into each other, alternating colors. Also fix them.

You will get a full circle of details in alternating shades.

Holding the circle firmly with one hand, pull the hidden "blades" forward one at a time with the other hand.

The transforming ninja star is ready!

8-pointed ninja star

To make this work, you will need double-sided paper of various shades.

Step 1: Prepare the Squares
Cut the colored sheets into identical 10 cm x 10 cm squares. You will need eight squares in total.
Step 2: Make the Module
Assemble the parts using the diagram below.

Step 3: collect the star
According to the following scheme, carefully insert all the blocks into each other in a circle.

Assembly diagram

How to assemble:

Initially distribute all the blocks by shades.
Take the first and second part. Gently insert the lower left corner of the second piece into the inner pocket of the first piece.
Repeat in a circle.

See how easy it is!

Ninja star with 16 rays

This origami star is also very easy to make. Just keep in mind that to create it you will need to add 16 blocks, so please be patient.

Step 1: Prepare the Sheets
To make rays, you need squares. You can take both ready-made sheets measuring 10 cm x 10 cm, or cut them out of colored double-sided paper. In total, you will need 16 squares to make the work.

Step 2: make a module
Take the first square and fold it along both diagonals.

Wrap all corners towards the center, as shown in the photo below.

Now place the blank in front of you so that its inner folds show a cross. Fold the top two flaps to the vertical center line.

Flip your work. Fold the blunter edge from the left extreme point to the right extreme point.

Fold the shape in half so that the folded edges of the triangle are placed on the outside.

The first module is ready.

In the same technique, fold the remaining 15 blocks.

Step 3: Assemble the Shuriken
Pick up two modules of different colors. Insert the two sharp corners of one block into the small slots inside the other block (see picture below).

Advice: if you have difficulty inserting the corners into the pockets, use a needle or tweezers to open the flaps a little wider.

Continue adding the rest of the pieces in the same way.

Dense sheets hold their shape well enough and do not need to be fixed, but if you see fit, fasten the parts with additional drops of glue.

Connecting blocks is the hardest part of the job. They can be wobbly and fall out, but after you add all 16 pieces, the craft will be very strong.

Beautiful shuriken from scrap paper

With this guide you will make beautiful star with 8 beams. To create it, you will need colorful scrapbooking sheets: patterned, velvet, plain, shiny, etc. Choose any to your taste.

Step 1: Prepare the Squares
As in the previous instructions, cut the sheets into 10 cm x 10 cm squares, or use ready-made in the amount of 8 pieces.
Step 2: Make the Parts
Use the diagram below to assemble 8 blocks.

Module Assembly Diagram

Stage 3: collect the star
Assemble the figurine according to the following scheme.

Assembly diagram

Insert all modules into each other with the indicated corners in the internal valves. In this diagram, you can see the assembly process from both the top and bottom sides.

These stars look very nice on both sides!

Video how to make paper shuriken with three beams

Through this video you will learn how to assemble the original ninja star with three "blades".

Videos shuriken with small beams

This craft with small rays looks very cute!

Videos square shuriken

Videos ninja star with six blades

Having dealt with the nuances, you can easily create such a shuriken!

Surprisingly, among the huge variety of Japanese edged weapons, two of its types have received the greatest (one might say, world-wide) fame: the traditional katana sword and shuriken throwing stars. And if the popularity of the katana does not raise any special questions, then the loud glory of the "flying stars" seems a little inadequate. Shuriken gained their fame thanks to a huge number of Hollywood films that tell the Western layman about the invincible Japanese ninja spy warriors, throwing "stars" at their opponents without a miss.

In fact, everything is not so simple: the shuriken has never been exclusively a ninja weapon. In addition, in medieval Japan there were a huge number of different types of these weapons, sometimes very different from those that were replicated by the cinema.

Shuriken is a fairly large group (dozens of varieties are known) of cold throwing weapons, which are intended primarily for concealed carry. Moreover, it can not only be thrown at the enemy, but also used with great success in close combat, inflicting stabbing or cutting blows on the enemy. It is not for nothing that the name "shuriken" itself is translated from Japanese as "a blade hidden in the hand." In Japan, the possession of shurikens developed into a separate martial art - shuriken-jutsu, it was studied (and is being studied) in the largest martial arts schools. Although, it should be noted that in the arsenal of a Japanese warrior this throwing weapon has always been a secondary, a kind of addition to a sword or spear.

Ninjas really often used shurikens, but these weapons were no less popular among samurai.

Shuriken can be divided into two types:

shakens;
bo-shurikens.

The well-known "stars" belong to the syakens - to an extensive group of throwing weapons, which includes flat metal discs of various shapes with a sharp cutting edge.

In Europe, there were practically no analogues to the Japanese shuriken. An exception may be perhaps the so-called German throwing cross, which was also called a throwing ax. It was in use for a very long time, from the XII-XVII century. Despite this, this weapon is practically unknown to the general public, moreover, it is not mentioned in any work of art. It is believed that this weapon was "ignoble", that is, it was not used by knights, so after the end of the Middle Ages it was thoroughly forgotten.

Shurikens have now become a fashionable toy in the US and Europe, and can be easily purchased at any gun shop. It is not difficult to make this weapon yourself, there are enough materials on the Internet on this topic. However, one should not forget that shuriken is a rather dangerous weapon and should be treated accordingly. According to Russian law, if the beam length of the “ninja star” exceeds 8 mm, then the shuriken is already considered a melee weapon and its owner may have serious problems. In some countries, the sale of shurikens is generally prohibited by law.

Story

The most ancient Japanese written treatise "Kojiki" describes how to properly throw stones at the enemy, in other ancient sources you can find instructions on throwing arrows. The first mention of shuriken is found in the War Tale of Osaka Castle. One of the heroes of this work, the warrior Tadamasa, later became the founder of the art of throwing shurikens - shuriken-jutsu.

In the early periods of Japanese history, ordinary stones were the most popular projectiles. They were thrown at the enemy simply with their hands or using the traditional Japanese heshihajiki sling. And it's not just about individual fights. In ancient chronicles, one can often find descriptions of the use of stones in fairly significant battles. In the Japanese armies, there were special detachments of stone-throwers, and the use of this simplest projectile was called "inji-uchi", which means "stone-throwing battle". Warriors who used stones to defeat the enemy were called "advanced stone throwers" (mukai tsubute no mono). Apparently, they walked ahead of the troops and fired at the enemy infantry (like the slingers of the Romans).

Tsubute was a very popular weapon, it is also mentioned in the so-called ninja treatises. It was hard to kill with it, especially an armored enemy, but inflicting a wound on an unprotected part of the body or simply distracting the enemy was easy.

One way or another, but by the middle of the Edo era, shuriken-jutsu - or throwing shurikens - had become quite a popular and developed martial art. Where and how it originated is still a mystery to historians.

Sometimes various signs were applied to the surface of shurikens, usually they were of a mystical nature and were intended for more efficient use of these weapons.

Description of weapons, their classification and application features

It is quite difficult to give a description of any "average" shuriken, because this weapon is very many-sided. In addition to the well-known "stars", there were other forms of shuriken, reminiscent of blades, rods, needles, etc. As mentioned above, shurikens can be divided into two large groups: bo-shurikens and shakens.

Bo-shuriken is a throwing weapon, shaped like a rod, which could have a round, tetrahedral or polyhedral section. They were made of steel and could be sharpened on one or both sides. There were also bo-shurikens, the shape of which resembled the tip of a spear or a small knife. The length of the bo-shuriken varied from 10 to 25 cm, and the weight - from 25 to 150 grams. Currently, more than 50 varieties of this weapon are known.

It should be noted that the bo-shurikens were more popular with the samurai, and the ninjas really used the shaken stars more.

Shakens are flat discs with a pointed edge, which could also have a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The second Japanese name for this throwing weapon is kuruma-ken, which can be translated as "sword-wheel". The thickness of the shakens could be different: from insignificant (about 1 mm) to very decent (up to 3 mm). Plates of smaller thickness and diameter were easier to throw, respectively, their “rate of fire” was higher. However, compared to the heavier shakens, they had a shorter flight range and penetrating power. The best shakens had different thickness, it decreased from the center to the edges. Such a "star" had the best ballistics, but it was more difficult to make it. Very often, a hole was made in the center of the shakens, which improved the ballistic properties of these weapons, and also made it possible to carry them on a rope and make it easier to pull them out of any objects (for example, from a tree or an enemy’s head).

In flight, the shaken was given a rotational movement, which improved the accuracy and range of the throw. By the way, in terms of their combat characteristics, the shakens were superior to the bo-shurikens, the flight range of the stars reached fifteen meters.

Today, more than fifty types of syakens are known. The shape of this weapon could be very different, ranging from sharpened metal squares to complex multi-beam stars. Syakeny usually threw in series, trying to inflict several wounds on the enemy at once. According to ancient sources, the master could throw up to five "stars" at the enemy in 10-15 seconds. Considering the maximum range of these weapons, the warrior usually had only a few seconds before the enemy approached the distance of a bladed weapon. Often, the cutting edge of the syakens was coated with poison; ninjas especially liked to use this technique.

By the way, in treatises on ninjutsu, there are practically no descriptions of shuriken possession techniques. Researchers cannot explain this fact. Either this weapon was so secret that they were afraid to entrust information about it to paper, or each master had his own unique technique for throwing "stars" and personally passed it on to his students. Well, the fact that the ninja masterfully owned shurikens is beyond doubt. Shadow warriors could throw them from any position: standing, prone, kneeling, along any trajectory.

In Japan, hand throwing - spears, darts, hatchets, etc. — great development did not receive. The only exception is, perhaps, the famous throwing blades, which are called in Japanese.

Shuriken throwing techniques

In the ryu that have survived to this day, the curriculum of which includes shuriken jutsu- Katori Shinto-ryu, Negishi-ryu, etc., a variety of are used. Throws are performed from different positions, along different trajectories.

In throwing technique bojo shuriken distinguish between a throw with a half turn ( hankaiten-daho) and throw without turnover ( tku-daho). When throwing, rotation around the transverse axis is tried to be minimized. A well-balanced bojo shuriken flies in an almost straight line. The easiest way is to stick into the target, sharpened at both ends.

Shakeny they threw, as a rule, in series, very quickly, one after another. They must be thrown “with twist”, which is ensured by the shift of the grip to the periphery of the projectile and the “click” movement of the brush. Thanks to the rotation, the flight of the plate becomes more stable, and during a horizontal throw, the plate rests on the air with its plane (wing effect), which significantly increases the range and accuracy of the throw.

However Hawa Yumio notes that in the old manuals on we will not find anywhere descriptions of how to throw shurikens. Perhaps this fact can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, one could consider secret weapon in which case the disciple received instruction in their use only from the lips of his mentor. However, given the widespread use of shuriken among Japanese warriors, this seems unlikely. Rather, the methods of throwing the blade were simply not codified, and each fighter developed his own methods of throwing.

How to wear shuriken

Shaken making

Asterisks-shakens made in various sizes. The size depended on the owner's height, weight, physical strength, throwing distance, etc. Most often there are samples with a diameter of 115 mm to 175 mm. Accordingly, the weight of the sprocket varied in the range from 5 to 30 momme.

Hawa Yumio describes in detail juji shuriken making process(cross-shaped shuriken) weighing 20 momme. To do this, they took a steel blank weighing about 23 momme. It was strongly heated and flattened into a round cake. Then, trying not to thin the blank in the central part, gradually 4 tendrils were made with hammer blows, giving the blank general form juji-shuriken with thick central part and gradually thinning towards the tips of the blade. Then, excess metal was removed from the workpiece with a file, bringing the weight of the asterisk to the required 20 momme, grinding the shape so that the “asterisk” was without bumps and notches, and sharpening the tips of the blades.

If it was made eight-beam shuriken, then first did cruciform shuriken, and then with a chisel they divided the blades of a well-heated blank in half and parted a little to the sides. It was necessary to sharpen the blades evenly on both sides, otherwise the accuracy of the throws would be extremely low.

Of particular difficulty in the manufacture of "stars" was the hardening of the blades. All "rays" had to be given the same degree of hardness, otherwise they could break or bend, making it impossible to use the "asterisk". Of course, in order to heat the workpiece and throw it into cold water or oil, a great mind was not required, but with this technology, the blades often broke, and all the work went down the drain. Therefore, it was necessary to find some more gentle way hardening. In addition, it is necessary to harden only the very tips of the "rays" of the "star" so that it does not lose its strength and does not shatter into pieces when strong blow on a hard surface.

The option of alternately heating and hardening the rays was not suitable due to the small size of the product: try hardening one beam, and then heat the other so that the first one remains cold. Therefore, the ninja made a small round hole in the center of the "asterisk", into which a thin long steel rod was passed. Having set it in a horizontal position and quickly rotating a red-hot “star” on it, its rays were lowered into cold oil, which ensured that only the necessary parts of the blade were hardened.

The hole in the center of the "asterisk" was usually not closed up, since a cord can be passed through it to string a few more syakens on it and make a bundle convenient to carry. However, due to the fact that a shaken with a hole emits a slight whistle in flight, sometimes the hole was sealed with lead to completely mask the noise.

Or the budget weapon of the samurai.

Greetings to all! In today's article, I decided to consider a representative called − shuriken. Let's not deviate from the topic and start right away.

Throwing stars or arrows that are united under the common concept for these two types of edged weapons " shuriken» are traditional weapons ninja. The asterisk has its own name - shaken, having come to the west from Japan, she lost it, falling under the influence of common terminology.

Generally shuriken- A fairly common throwing weapon. If the title is literally translated from Japanese language, then it will mean " blade hidden in the hand ". Shurikens were so fond of the warriors that they began to be included not only in the arsenal of the ninja, but also in the mandatory equipment of any samurai.

About the history of the appearance of shuriken

Throwing objects to defeat the enemy has been a standard practice for warriors of different times and peoples, since ancient times, when the first person realized that he could protect himself and others with the help of improvised means. Gradually, this idea developed, and proven throwing techniques appeared.

The Japanese especially carefully honed them, creating a whole tradition of throwing edged weapons. The origins of the Japanese art of throwing shuriken lie in the Paleolithic era. The ancient Japanese used them to get meat during the hunt, cut the skulls of enemies and scalped during internecine conflicts.

The first written mention of the throwing technique is contained in Kojiki. This is the earliest Japanese treatise and dates back to around 600. The technique of throwing stones used as weapons is mentioned in a Nihon Soki writing from the same time period, and an ancient treatise, Manuesi contains a description of throwing arrows. First time term shuriken Osaka Gunki is mentioned in his military records. It talks about protection with wakizashi, which the hero Tadamasa snatched from his belt and threw, as if shuriken. Later, it was he who became the creator of the first style shuriken jutsu .

Annalistic sources of the 12th century describe a stone-throwing battle inji-uchi. It is also told about him two centuries later in the sources of the era of the Taira and Minamoto wars. This type of throwing edged weapons received active development during the period of inter-clan wars of the 14th-15th centuries, the Sengoku era. Then, instead of stones, they began to throw special shells inji yari shaped like spearheads.

In the 16th and 18th centuries there appeared tsubute- another projectile made of hardened steel in the form of a rounded or octagonal plate. It is believed that it was he who became the prototype shakena, since in size this " sword-wheel” is fully consistent with the tsubute.

Weapon Features and Throwing

The diameter of small representatives of weapons is only 5-10 cm with a thickness of 3-5 mm and a weight of no more than 300 g. In the ninja arsenal, this type of weapon was very common, especially considering that it was not required to be a true master to make shurikens, and it took a minimum of time to make them. Is it worth mentioning, dear reader, the incredibly budgetary cost of such throwing melee weapons? Another important advantage for a warrior was what to hide shuriken you can easily, and get and apply - in the blink of an eye.

The method of throwing a weapon depends on the environment in which it is used and what purpose it serves. In this regard, specific rules for the handling and use of shurikens were invented. Initial skills can be obtained in martial arts schools. Do not think that after mastering the rules you will become a real ninja.

In order to safely handle stars and arrows, in any case, it is necessary to master the general points and initial throwing skills. According to the classics of the genre, the shuriken should be thrown in a kneeling position, and the throw should be carried out with the movement of the hand from the waist. Card players will be fine with this, as this is how the deal is played. playing cards. By the way, that is why some experts gave shurikens a second name - " death cards ". The similarity is further strengthened by the fact that it is necessary to throw these melee weapons in a series, i.e. contract.

There are three main types of shuriken in Japan:

bo or bojo , which are rods of a cylindrical shape, of different lengths, thicknesses, shapes, for example - the shape of scissors, hishi (chopsticks), lamellar, spindle-shaped or wedge-shaped, about 50 versions in total;

hira or shakens , similar to flat metal disks, having a diverse (also up to 50 types), multi-beam or star-shaped shape, hedgehog type, etc .;

senban, which are similar to thin metal products and are made in the form of rectangular or square pieces of metal.

Deserves special attention senban shuriken. It has concave edges and is somewhat similar to the washer of the tie rods, which were used in the equipment of strong gates in ancient castles and fortresses. It differs in that it is less safe to wear than its counterparts. If a senban was found during a search by a ninja, he always excused himself by simply bringing new elements to repair the gate to the prince of a neighboring castle. You can’t refuse the ingenuity of the then Japanese hired craftsmen, it’s a pity that the times of castles have passed, and now such senban included in the list throwing bladed weapons .

The variety of shapes and sizes of shurikens is due to the numerous fighting techniques that have been and continue to be taught by numerous martial arts schools. It is not difficult to make this type of throwing weapon on your own, there would be a desire, however, it is always worth remembering that the shurikens were intended to hide them well and use them in battle in case of a threat to life. Samurai usually wore up to 8-10 of these items, stacked and wrapped in cotton cloth. Sometimes they were laid out in the pockets of clothes, sleeves, even hidden in the hair, depending on the size, shape and purpose of the application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

In the very near future we will launch our online knife store! Here you can buy knives, machetes, axes and knife-themed accessories at the lowest prices! Stay tuned - there's only a few left!