Some people might find it a bit lame how ninjas actually are but I think they’re really cool tbh. A ninja could basically be a doctor, a farmer, etc since their training required them to have a large variety of knowledge
A lot of what the Ninjas use were agricultural tools common to people working in farm and village labor, and even to this day a lot of gardening tools can have a resemblance to things seen with Ninjas in media.
I grew up thinking that the Samurai protected their masters(the Shogun) . Also taught that the Ninja and Shinobi were hired to assassinate one Shogun by another Shogun. I love learning that that only happened occaisonally. I like knowing that the Ninja had a much broader skill set. So thank you for the knowledge.
I remember reading somewhere that samurai would train self-defense techniques for situations such as being suddenly attacked while eating a meal - they would throw the bowl of food at the attacker's face to distract them or blind them, while drawing their sword simultaneously. If at a table, they may also use the table as an obstacle to delay the opponent, for example kicking it into their shins. I didn't know these techniques were classified as shuriken-jutsu though.
Would've fallen into another classification. Samurai had a lot of different schools of martial technique they kept to themselves, though there certainly must have been some overlap between both ninja and samurai at some point. Knowing your enemy is a better way to make effective subterfuge or attacks or information gathering of course.
@@denisatchley6721 you fool, i was waiting for that exact moment when you started chewing so that i could attack from in front, where you would least expect me to come from! You never shouldve taken that bite, you fool!
One other weapon that is meant for area denial is the caltrop. They’re tetrahedron-like sharp spines placed on the ground and would be terrible to step on. You could use them to aid in your escape, or to trap your opponent.
I'm very happy to have someone like you bring these sorts of things to light. I am writing my own manga and wanted to do research on all the weapons I planned on using. Coming across the ninja weapons and other japanese was much harder than others. So thank you.
@@vincentlee7359 Never heard of you, either. So you must not be anything. Just because someone isn't famous or well-known in their chosen field does not mean they aren't in that field. That was grossly unnecessary and incredibly rude of you.
Shuriken are completely illegal in the United Kingdom. This is in contrast to katanas, which are generally illegal but with some exceptions (including antiques and swords made to traditional sword-making methods before 1954).
In Germany hiragata- Shuriken made of iron are forbidden (but made of plastic is fine), although bo- shuriken are totaly legal. Well, sometimes laws are interesting XD
@@Nightchild97 I mean... bo-shuriken are literally just heavy nails. Very hard to legislate that without unnecessarily hindering construction projects.
@@cdgonepotatoes4219 I always found it hilarious that nunchucks/nunchaku are illegal practically everywhere despite being one of the least efficient melee weapons ever made, whereas metal baseball bats are legal everywhere despite the fact that they've been used for more murders and assaults in an average month than nunchucks were in the past 100 years.
Admittedly, this is the first for me to hear "Hiragata Shuriken". I've long since understood it referred to as "Shaken Shuriken" (also referred as "Hira-Shuriken"). While the dominant categories of Shuriken are split into two, Bo-Shuriken & Shaken-Shuriken (or Hiragata / Hira-Shuriken), there is also a thrid category, referred to as "Teppan" shuriken, which is somewhat of a diamond-ish shape. Teppan-Shuriken is easier to fight with in the hand, than they are with throwing, unlike Bo-Shuriken and Shaken-Shuriken, which is designed largely with throwing in mind. From my research of Shuriken-jutsu, the popular translation of Shuriken is a "blade hidden in the hand", though deeper sources assert that a closer translation is "Blade released from the hand", or "Hand-released blades". Some sources, including Stephan Hayes, state that traditionally, Shinobi carried about 9 Shuriken, due to its religious association with 9 (Kuji-in), and that they did not carry 4 or 7 shuriken, because of the superstitious association of both numbers sounding like death (Shi). However, this can be debated. Various sources indicate that the tool's origins derive from China (such as the Lin Kuei, the Ninja's supposed predecessor), or even all the way back to India (such as the ancient Indian weapon called: Chakram). Of course, if this is true, then Shuriken traces further than the Muromachi Era, and all the way back to the Heian Era. The usage of the term "Shuriken" shows up in written records in the Muromachi Era. However, origins in martial arts styles and weapons are often up for debate, due to secrecy and oral history being lost over time. Two interesting tidbits: Shaken-Shuriken, which have holes in the center, could be tied together to become makeshift armor, similar to chain-mail, perhaps an obvious European influence. A practice of Samurai with Bo-Shuriken (and Shinobi, as well), is to end the throwing arm at the position where their sword (katana) is resting (the left hip). Therfore, the shuriken, whether it hits or misses the opponent, serves as a distraction, giving yourself enough time to draw your sword, and hopefully land a successful sword-strike, while your opponent is distracted with the shuriken. Lots of tidbits in this video I was not aware of. Thanks for the share. ^_^
I could see 9 shuriken being used because 9 is the number of kitsunes tails. The shinto faith. Throwing a fast shuriken to distract from a very fast sword draw is interesting and believable.
I was a big ninja fan in 1983. I use to watch a lot of Ninja movies starring Sho Kosugi. There was a Ninja TV show in 1984 called _'The Master'_ starring Lee Van Cleef as the Master and Sho Kosugi as the former student who wants to kill the master. I use to collect throwing stars, but I never used them as weapons.
I taught Air-Condition, During sheet metal class. The students always made shuriken. In drafting I taught how to Draw swords. get it. :"-) Thank you very much. It really is fun.
I studied Ninpo taijitsu from the Bujinkan school years ago. As I learned it, the main purpose of the Hiragata-Shuriken was to 'poison' them - rusting them on purpose or using manure so that Tetanus would cause of death. Soldiers or guards would then know that to be scratched by one would result in death and it would help with escaping, as throwing them would discourage pursuit. So pretty much matches some of the examples you're using. I also learned that the Ninjato was more throw away sword versus the Katana (hence the straight blade versus the curved Katana), as it would also be used as a tool or even a prop to help climb walls.
How did they keep the poison off their own hands??? Unless they dipped it in poison after retrieving it from their storage pockets (which they likely wouldn't have time to if they were using it to distract / slow down followers while trying to escape which sounds like the main use case), they woulda had to have pre-dipped them and they don't have an obvious handle part to grab onto that doesn't contain a sharp edge that would need to be poison dipped.
@@travissmith2848 even more akin to spys and intelligence gathers actually, my understanding is they maintained stealth and avoided actual combat when possible.
Oh man, wait till you find out European soldiers used darts or throwing knives. Wait till you find out throwing axes were a thing, wait rill you find out that even modern soldiers used throwing weapons too. Oh man surprising.
Thank you for sharing. As teenager I wanted to learn Ninjitsu. I guess "Ninjitusu needs to choose you" and not the other way. No one was teching it out here in India. By the someone came, life took me to other places.
With the multiple throwing styles eg. traditional, no spin etc., bo-shurikan as a much more effective distraction tool due to the phycological effect on the opponent being targeted. Like you say, shuriken for beginners, bo-shurikan is for experts. Hopefully the opponent knows this. Thankyou for wonderful content sir.
When I trained in Ninjutsu we were trained in the use of the Shuriken , but taught they were not a weapon as such but just a means of slowing down a pursuer. A lot of Ninjutsu techniques we were taught were not to stand and fight but to injure and flee, the techniques to snap the bones in the forearm were quite spiteful, as this would severely disable a Samurais ability to use a sword for life. I have trained in a few different martial arts, Ninjutsu is by far my favorite, very realistic in expectations of real life situations, when we done knife defense were told that if you fight someone with a knife expect to get slashed and stabbed and not to think you can take the knife, the realistic thing to do it is escape, I know its pointing out the obvious, but some martial arts seemed to focus on an unrealistic expectation that you can disarm someone without being injured.
I doubt they were used at all by Ninja actually. It's far more realistic that they probably used rocks to distract opponents. Iron was way too valuable to be throwing at people while running away when the effectiveness of them was already lackluster. The Japanese during those times would prefer to hold onto their iron and use it for more useful things than throwing them at people for a distraction.
Agreed. I've practised with throwing knives, axes, spikes and stars. Not very effective beyond a 20 foot range. Completely for distraction and evasion. I can throw 9 in a row quickly and accurately, but would never rely on it for anything else but target practise. Now poison dipped is another thing, but, we don't live in ancient times.
Watching videos like this makes me imagine what a modern ninja would be like, and what parallels we can draw between different kinds of modern warriors that use similar tactics to succeed in skirmishes or missions. Especially missions that require stealth like HVT (High Value Target), intel gathering, or rescue behind enemy lines
Quarter a century ago when I trained in Ninjutsu, our Sensei taught himself to throw hiragata shuriken at a piece of wood 50mm (2”) wide. He started at his own body length away and practiced on and off for days. Then he took a step backwards and practiced for days again. He repeated this on and off over two years, until he had the strength and precision to hit an area of the board about head height 100% of the time. He could sink the shuriken almost to their centres into pine from 20m (66’). He was a complete nut job that thought he was a lot better than he actually was, but watching him perform this skill was mind blowing. Hirigata shuriken are not designed for anywhere near that distance. Yet he had the skill to make them deadly at that distance.
Shogo has done it again. Informative and interesting. Thank you Shogo. I read once somewhere that human intestinal worms were also used to create a toxin/poison. Does anyone else have any info on this?
I'm not the kind of person to own weapons so the idea of being trained to use anything at any time is very appealing. A single well-used kunai as the only distinguishing "ninja gear" really speaks to the agent's skill and adaptability as well - no need for anything fancy, just a tool to help them accomplish the task.
Hi Shogo! Love your content. Some of the "everyday techniques'' Reminded me to modern practical self defense that is taught. I once attended a class were they showed us to throw cups of water at the face of an attacker. It was surprisingly hard. The idea was that it is more likely that a person could be carrying a hot beverage and used correctly it can increase your chance to run.
From what I have read, hiragata and bo shuriken were used in construction of wooden homes in Japan. They were used to keep corners of the homes connected. The ends of both kinds would have been sharpened and driven into the logs and then another log would be put on top and driven down. I'm not sure if this is true but if it was then the hiragata would have started out with possibly only 2 points.
I really enjoyed your video. You are so well spoken and your explanations were great. If you had short videos of an expert demonstrating the techniques you discribe it would make this video perfect. Great job. Thank you very much for sharing it with us.
There is a reference to tome-shuriken being thrown to graze the face of a guard but not stick in him, the shuriken used in this manner is to only slice him and then land quietly in the brush or sand. This would lead the guard into thinking he had been slashed by a ghost or invisible swordsmen and they would run off. The reference comes from a fantasy book though, can't say it's historically accurate. The bo-shuriken looks a lot more deadly now after having once seen a master throw a bamboo chopstick through plywood.
Thank you for this informative video. I like how in the beginning you have a disclaimer that this video was not meant to discredit any other videos that may be out there. Very respectful. Nice work!
Shuriken could be used in combination with an explosive as a distraction in order to poison unarmored officials. When an explosion happens it's not uncommon to have shrapnel flying everywhere. Which would make it the perfect time to throw a shuriken. Black Powder bombs have been known to be used in that region for thousands of years. So this seems like the most logical use for shuriken.
Why not use the explosive device directly on the officials then? It doesn't make sense to throw a shuriken from which it will undoubtedly be deduced that it was thrown by someone close by. It would have the same effect if there was no explosion at all, since everyone will start looking for the one who threw the shuriken.
I doubt they were used at all by Ninja actually. It's far more realistic that they probably used rocks to distract opponents. Iron was way too valuable to be throwing at people while running away when the effectiveness of them was already lackluster. The Japanese during those times would prefer to hold onto their iron and use it for more useful things than throwing them at people for a distraction.
@@notmychannelname42 So if you were to kill an official with a bomb it would "leave too much evidence" as opposed to setting a bomb off nearby while simultaneously throwing a poisoned shuriken at them disguised to look like a piece of shrapnel? What? Fast explosives weren't even invented yet, and if they were you would have to stand nearer to the bomb in order for the whole "hit by shrapnel" thing to make any sense. There are significantly less convoluted ways to assassinate people.
I like this a lot, one problem I have is assuming shuriken were inexpensive and disposable. In the Edo period, iron was rather expensive this is one reason many people believe ninjas didn’t use them. It was observed as a waste for what could become a knife or sickle instead. Shuriken are very inefficient even now when iron is cheap as paper Also you forgot the fourth kind of seme-shuriken: hadouken 😂😂
Also interesting would be to mention that kunoichi, the deadly flowers 🌸 could use the shuriken similar to other long range weapons like bo or kusarigama to keep a stronger male at a distance/disadvantage. I’ve used the bo-shuriken IRL against an aggressor. I hit a wooden fence next to him with a two pointed ‘dart’ and it went in deep with a heavy thud. As he checked the location of the sound he noticed the fat spike sticking out 😳 Needless to say I did not need the other two as the psychological impact of this weapon (a big iron nail sharpened on both sides) is enormous! Your opponents will automatically flinch if you just pretend to throw a second 🤣👍🏻 BTW he never bothered me again ✌🏻😉
The way I was initially taught shuriken was as a distraction device. Silently tossing them over someone's head so their attention is distracted in another direction. In this way, even a rock or stick could be a proper shuriken if used in that manner. The metal stars work better because they make a VERY un-natural sound when they land, the metallic clang they drop is designed to REALLY push the attention of a sentry. As you gain more experience, learn to climb over walls back-to-the-wall, that sort of thing... you get better and start using the more simple 'sharpened rod' shuriken which can be used a lot more different ways. As for putting a chase off? I think that caltrops would be a much more specialized instrument for that role. Shuriken are direct-use only in the most dire of circumstances.
I believe there were three real practical uses for the shuriken or throwables in these regions. One is they would be coated with a poison to incapacitate or slow down someone at range. Another would be to make a distraction by throwing it into a wall, escape or light. Then the last would be smaller throwables would be aimed at someone's spine or neck. So they could paralyze or kill someone quietly. Me personally I like small blades like a small and thin 3in throwing spike/blade. I always thought the shurikin looked very ineffective unless you have poison or a big 3 blade one. Where throwing weapons that are more like knives or spikes will actually do damage
I'm 58 yrs old, and have been fascinated by Japanese arts & culture since I was a small child. My Grandmother was a Journalist in the 1950's/60's who co-wrote/published a cookbook with the gentleman who was the Head Chef for Japan Airlines. If I remember correctly his name was Haihichi Tanaka - I apologize if I misspelled his name.
I’m disappointed to discover the shuriken as I knew it (and own sets of) is not meant to be a practical offensive weapon. But it’s cool to see the same principle as modern machine guns (keep people away from where you don’t want them) and it makes sense. But also, that means I need to get my hands on some bō-shuriken. As a military history/tactics nerd, that’s fascinating.
@@alexkirrmann539 they’re used for both. Creating lethal areas that shape the battlefield more to your liking, as opposed to, say, snipers that are there for shock and strategically crippling the enemy.
@@annaaquitaine4225 I'm very aware that they can be used in both ways. The shuriken is not used to do either really. It's like a pistol, pretty much a last ditch weapon. You would be better off using caltrops or tiger traps. If an enemy is close enough that you can throw stuff at them, you better start praying.
Brooo love learning your culture and just ran into your channel and enjoying every second. Was also nice to see you lived in my state Michigan in from Detroit. Definitely subscribing.
You said the hiragata-shuriken would not pierce skin, but only scratch...yet, the hiragata-shuriken I have will most certainly pierce skin, and deeply at that. Did they not make them the same way back then? I am sure the ones I have are more novelty than authentic. Thank you for these videos! They are very informative and the production is top notch!
I like how you mentioned that they were used to distract people from chasing them, that is very true but one thing I think you should’ve mentioned is that the shuriken were not used for long range like you see in anime, manga, and movies they were mainly used in close range for a bigger effect.
they not used at close range much, although when by surprise, yes. If opponent is melee or weapon range, you don't want to be throwing wee stars/spikes at them; because they will close and nab you while you make your motion/recovery. But they can deter unarmoured foes well, or if you're 4-6 meters back, or have element of concealed draw (eg been grabbed)
I have long heard that shuriken were sometimes thrown into the ground behind them similar to caltrops to damage the feet of enemies or horses thus covering their retreat.
I'd read that some of the hiragata shuriken were used for starting fires. Could this be what the hole in the center was used for? Such as stuffing the center hole with flaming material, set alight, and then thrown, like at a wall or a roof?
@@Arcessitor The correct sized hole in the middle isn't going to reduce the weight enough to appreciably reduce penetration. It will, however, reduce spin enough to appreciably increase penetration. Try it before you argue with me because I have tried it and it works. The physics describing angular momentum also supports my assertion.
Your old job sounds a lot like working at the Japanese version of the Renaissance fair. Awesome man, awesome. Also my nephew is Awesome with throwing weapons the key is constant practice if you're obsessed with something and do it constantly you will be good at it
i've never found a channel where 1.25 speed was actually the best way to watch it. Very nice and interesting and yeah, ppl never really give survival tools the credit they deserve, treating kunai as throwable and forgetfull weapons, but cool weapons, ofc.
I watched a ninja master explain that 4 way shuriken would often be used as a palmed weapon to stab and rend opponents and that throwing them was considered less effective use.
I read a book about ninjas by Steven K. Hays that had a chapter on the use of shuriken. He described one technique of shuriken use as the "Phantom Swordsman". Samurai armor didn't cover some areas like the neck and the backs of the hands. A skilled ninja would throw a hira suriken at these areas to cut the target then vanish so it could not be recovered. Imagine a samurai in a dark forest getting cut this way and panicking that a phantom swordsman was haunting the woods.
Hi do you know a Shop or a Maker where i can purchase authentic Bo Shuriken? Like Negishi Ryu or MSR or Kunai Gata? I have a few but there very Hard to find and i Would love to have some antique Shurikens like Hairneedle Shurikens or Negishis
Thank you so much for these videos. I was a Sho Kosugi fan as a kid and threw hundreds of dollars into the woods by my house. :) I also had a cheap version of Bo-shuriken and kept poking my fingers. They were sharp steel pencils in a three pack from the still open AWMA company.
I imagined a ninja using a few kunai as stepping stones while climbing, and then imagined them removing the tiles of a traditional Japanese roof using a kunai like some kind of thief. I don't know if that will work but I think that looks cooler than just throwing kunai. XD
When you were explaining the ranjyôken technique I thougth the exact same thing about my sister and I fighting when we were kids lol. Siblings are the same everywhere! Greetings from Spain!
I had a sensei that showed me weapons that he had brought to the U.S. from Japan and trained me privately with Shuriken, Bo, Blowgun, and Ninjato. The Ninjato he had was a multifaceted weapon as there were two Hiragata Shuriken attached to the Tsuba, two flat Bo Shuriken that slid into either side of Saya. There was a channel that ran the inside length of the Saya and a removable end piece so that the Saya could be used as a Blowgun, and the removable end cap had a slot and hole so a flat blade like a Kunai could be used to turn the Saya into a short spear. There are times that I still practice with Hiragata and blowgun.
Great, clear explanation. Cleared up a few questions I had. But one thing you said was, they used ground peppers. I thought peppers came from south America after discovery. If they were in Japan in that earlier period would have some implications.
Great video! When I was studying martial arts I was taught to use the shuriken to slash an opponent’s throat/stab in between ribs, so hold it as a small knife, then throw it into something near like a ceiling or tree and when searched you had no weapon!
This is the first video of yours that I've seen. I don't know why it popped up but I'm glad it did. You seem to be a very kind and intelligent man with no agenda other than to educate. With that said, I'm going a little bit off topic with this question. Decades ago i was told that ninjas were first "introduced" as a defense against tyrannical Samurai. The ninja were mainly simple people like farmers. The only "weapons" they had were farm tools/equipment. If this is accurate, is it true that the nunchucks (sorry if i misspelled it), were just a horse bridal or something to that effect?
one thing i didn't understand, as you mention in other video, ninja was a way for the farmer class to fight, and farmers are poor class of people, while iron on the other hand are expensive, because iron in japan are a rare valuable, so if shuriken was used as a mere distraction, and not even lethal blow, wouldn't it be a total waste?
Wow, your content is one of its kind! 😃 How blessed we are, with RUclips & social media etc, that we can have access to unique content like yours. Thank you for creating such awesome videos 👍😃
The square shuriken were actually a common item. Visible all over reinforced wooden structures as the square washers for large iron nails. Probably started as a weapon of opportunity. Bo Shuriken also have ability as a potent hand to hand weapon before throwing, and definitely lethal. Ninja skips were originally a subset of fighting skills and not a separate class as depicted in kabuki and film, and they did not wear the black pajamas. That is purely a fiction from Kabuki.
Honestly kunai as multi purpose tools is much cooler than just throwing weapons! Glad to have watched this.
Kunai are throwing weapons. They don't have a handle so you can't really use them as knives. If you try you will have arthritis.
@@charaznable9209 what if already fo
Have u seen the mortal kombat movie ?
Some people might find it a bit lame how ninjas actually are but I think they’re really cool tbh. A ninja could basically be a doctor, a farmer, etc since their training required them to have a large variety of knowledge
A lot of what the Ninjas use were agricultural tools common to people working in farm and village labor, and even to this day a lot of gardening tools can have a resemblance to things seen with Ninjas in media.
Confirmed. Dale Gribble (King of the Hill) has ninja training. His "pocket sand" technique would be an example of ranjyoken.
His squirrel tactics make him a ninja.
sh sh shaaaaaaaaa
@@KenMabie I love how your comment has the option to translate to English.
@@oddoutdoors gotta translate from American to English ... Lol
@@KenMabie hahaha!
I grew up thinking that the Samurai protected their masters(the Shogun) . Also taught that the Ninja and Shinobi were hired to assassinate one Shogun by another Shogun. I love learning that that only happened occaisonally. I like knowing that the Ninja had a much broader skill set. So thank you for the knowledge.
The was always only one Shogun at any given time!
@@thomasfonager6986 yeah he probably meant daimyo or similar people of importance
I remember reading somewhere that samurai would train self-defense techniques for situations such as being suddenly attacked while eating a meal - they would throw the bowl of food at the attacker's face to distract them or blind them, while drawing their sword simultaneously. If at a table, they may also use the table as an obstacle to delay the opponent, for example kicking it into their shins. I didn't know these techniques were classified as shuriken-jutsu though.
Would've fallen into another classification. Samurai had a lot of different schools of martial technique they kept to themselves, though there certainly must have been some overlap between both ninja and samurai at some point. Knowing your enemy is a better way to make effective subterfuge or attacks or information gathering of course.
Also , it is very common to be attacked while chewing food. So it all comes together
@@denisatchley6721 you fool, i was waiting for that exact moment when you started chewing so that i could attack from in front, where you would least expect me to come from! You never shouldve taken that bite, you fool!
One other weapon that is meant for area denial is the caltrop. They’re tetrahedron-like sharp spines placed on the ground and would be terrible to step on. You could use them to aid in your escape, or to trap your opponent.
Oh yeah those are cool. I have some but they are pretty small. Probably could not even penetrate a boot. I think the name in Japanese is Tashibishi.
11:59 Scorpion uses this to bring his opponents closer to him.
"Get Over Here"
I perform ranjyoken regularly, when I play Monopoly.
I'm very happy to have someone like you bring these sorts of things to light. I am writing my own manga and wanted to do research on all the weapons I planned on using. Coming across the ninja weapons and other japanese was much harder than others. So thank you.
as a writer, all these videos help give me so much content for world-building and historical accuracy
Never heard of you
@@vincentlee7359 Never heard of you, either. So you must not be anything.
Just because someone isn't famous or well-known in their chosen field does not mean they aren't in that field. That was grossly unnecessary and incredibly rude of you.
@@creakimoi2958 Thank you for the compliment kind stranger.
Obviously I am no one. Did I say I was anything?
...hai
Oh you're a writer?
Write everything then 🔫
Shuriken are completely illegal in the United Kingdom. This is in contrast to katanas, which are generally illegal but with some exceptions (including antiques and swords made to traditional sword-making methods before 1954).
In Germany hiragata- Shuriken made of iron are forbidden (but made of plastic is fine), although bo- shuriken are totaly legal.
Well, sometimes laws are interesting XD
*CANE SWORD* would like a word 🤣🤣🤣
well nunchcucks are illegal in many places for the same exact reason as to why shuriken are, though we're both aware how the internet sees them now.
@@Nightchild97 I mean... bo-shuriken are literally just heavy nails. Very hard to legislate that without unnecessarily hindering construction projects.
@@cdgonepotatoes4219 I always found it hilarious that nunchucks/nunchaku are illegal practically everywhere despite being one of the least efficient melee weapons ever made, whereas metal baseball bats are legal everywhere despite the fact that they've been used for more murders and assaults in an average month than nunchucks were in the past 100 years.
Admittedly, this is the first for me to hear "Hiragata Shuriken". I've long since understood it referred to as "Shaken Shuriken" (also referred as "Hira-Shuriken").
While the dominant categories of Shuriken are split into two, Bo-Shuriken & Shaken-Shuriken (or Hiragata / Hira-Shuriken), there is also a thrid category, referred to as "Teppan" shuriken, which is somewhat of a diamond-ish shape. Teppan-Shuriken is easier to fight with in the hand, than they are with throwing, unlike Bo-Shuriken and Shaken-Shuriken, which is designed largely with throwing in mind.
From my research of Shuriken-jutsu, the popular translation of Shuriken is a "blade hidden in the hand", though deeper sources assert that a closer translation is "Blade released from the hand", or "Hand-released blades".
Some sources, including Stephan Hayes, state that traditionally, Shinobi carried about 9 Shuriken, due to its religious association with 9 (Kuji-in), and that they did not carry 4 or 7 shuriken, because of the superstitious association of both numbers sounding like death (Shi). However, this can be debated.
Various sources indicate that the tool's origins derive from China (such as the Lin Kuei, the Ninja's supposed predecessor), or even all the way back to India (such as the ancient Indian weapon called: Chakram). Of course, if this is true, then Shuriken traces further than the Muromachi Era, and all the way back to the Heian Era. The usage of the term "Shuriken" shows up in written records in the Muromachi Era. However, origins in martial arts styles and weapons are often up for debate, due to secrecy and oral history being lost over time.
Two interesting tidbits:
Shaken-Shuriken, which have holes in the center, could be tied together to become makeshift armor, similar to chain-mail, perhaps an obvious European influence.
A practice of Samurai with Bo-Shuriken (and Shinobi, as well), is to end the throwing arm at the position where their sword (katana) is resting (the left hip). Therfore, the shuriken, whether it hits or misses the opponent, serves as a distraction, giving yourself enough time to draw your sword, and hopefully land a successful sword-strike, while your opponent is distracted with the shuriken.
Lots of tidbits in this video I was not aware of.
Thanks for the share. ^_^
It seems ironic that they would not carry 4 or 7 because the number sounds like death.
I could see 9 shuriken being used because 9 is the number of kitsunes tails. The shinto faith.
Throwing a fast shuriken to distract from a very fast sword draw is interesting and believable.
Today I learned that the Senbon needles in Naruto are a type of Bo Shuriken.
Scatter Senbonzakura Kageyoshi
Ye they are basically just thinner bo shuriken i assume they are like that to make it lighter to carry and smaller so slightly harder to notice
@@darthzayexeet3653 In the past 3 months I've started Bleach and now I understand your reference
@@darthzayexeet3653 senbon sakura isn’t actually senbons
I was a big ninja fan in 1983. I use to watch a lot of Ninja movies starring Sho Kosugi. There was a Ninja TV show in 1984 called _'The Master'_ starring Lee Van Cleef as the Master and Sho Kosugi as the former student who wants to kill the master. I use to collect throwing stars, but I never used them as weapons.
Ha I loved that show when I was a kid but no one I talk to remembers it. They drove around in a van w/ a hamster.
@@-yeme- Yep. Too bad that show only ran for only one season. I was disappointed when the show was canceled.
Mine was Naruto
All these years, I never knew I had a friend in Kyoto. Thanks, man.
🇨🇦 🤝 🇯🇵
I taught Air-Condition, During sheet metal class. The students always made shuriken. In drafting I taught how to Draw swords. get it. :"-) Thank you very much. It really is fun.
I studied Ninpo taijitsu from the Bujinkan school years ago. As I learned it, the main purpose of the Hiragata-Shuriken was to 'poison' them - rusting them on purpose or using manure so that Tetanus would cause of death. Soldiers or guards would then know that to be scratched by one would result in death and it would help with escaping, as throwing them would discourage pursuit. So pretty much matches some of the examples you're using.
I also learned that the Ninjato was more throw away sword versus the Katana (hence the straight blade versus the curved Katana), as it would also be used as a tool or even a prop to help climb walls.
How did they keep the poison off their own hands??? Unless they dipped it in poison after retrieving it from their storage pockets (which they likely wouldn't have time to if they were using it to distract / slow down followers while trying to escape which sounds like the main use case), they woulda had to have pre-dipped them and they don't have an obvious handle part to grab onto that doesn't contain a sharp edge that would need to be poison dipped.
I’m surprised that this weapon was used by the samurai
If you're surprised. Then you haven't delved deep enough of history.
Some Ninja were actually Samurai doing covert work as well.
@@travissmith2848 even more akin to spys and intelligence gathers actually, my understanding is they maintained stealth and avoided actual combat when possible.
Oh man, wait till you find out European soldiers used darts or throwing knives. Wait till you find out throwing axes were a thing, wait rill you find out that even modern soldiers used throwing weapons too. Oh man surprising.
Why are you surprised? The samurai were armed to the teeth, and had a huge amount of concealed weapons.
Thank you for sharing. As teenager I wanted to learn Ninjitsu. I guess "Ninjitusu needs to choose you" and not the other way. No one was teching it out here in India. By the someone came, life took me to other places.
With the multiple throwing styles eg. traditional, no spin etc., bo-shurikan as a much more effective distraction tool due to the phycological effect on the opponent being targeted. Like you say, shuriken for beginners, bo-shurikan is for experts. Hopefully the opponent knows this. Thankyou for wonderful content sir.
When I trained in Ninjutsu we were trained in the use of the Shuriken , but taught they were not a weapon as such but just a means of slowing down a pursuer. A lot of Ninjutsu techniques we were taught were not to stand and fight but to injure and flee, the techniques to snap the bones in the forearm were quite spiteful, as this would severely disable a Samurais ability to use a sword for life.
I have trained in a few different martial arts, Ninjutsu is by far my favorite, very realistic in expectations of real life situations, when we done knife defense were told that if you fight someone with a knife expect to get slashed and stabbed and not to think you can take the knife, the realistic thing to do it is escape, I know its pointing out the obvious, but some martial arts seemed to focus on an unrealistic expectation that you can disarm someone without being injured.
To ditract the enemy. They are to light do do harm.
I doubt they were used at all by Ninja actually. It's far more realistic that they probably used rocks to distract opponents. Iron was way too valuable to be throwing at people while running away when the effectiveness of them was already lackluster. The Japanese during those times would prefer to hold onto their iron and use it for more useful things than throwing them at people for a distraction.
Agreed. I've practised with throwing knives, axes, spikes and stars. Not very effective beyond a 20 foot range. Completely for distraction and evasion. I can throw 9 in a row quickly and accurately, but would never rely on it for anything else but target practise. Now poison dipped is another thing, but, we don't live in ancient times.
Watching videos like this makes me imagine what a modern ninja would be like, and what parallels we can draw between different kinds of modern warriors that use similar tactics to succeed in skirmishes or missions. Especially missions that require stealth like HVT (High Value Target), intel gathering, or rescue behind enemy lines
Quarter a century ago when I trained in Ninjutsu, our Sensei taught himself to throw hiragata shuriken at a piece of wood 50mm (2”) wide. He started at his own body length away and practiced on and off for days. Then he took a step backwards and practiced for days again. He repeated this on and off over two years, until he had the strength and precision to hit an area of the board about head height 100% of the time. He could sink the shuriken almost to their centres into pine from 20m (66’). He was a complete nut job that thought he was a lot better than he actually was, but watching him perform this skill was mind blowing. Hirigata shuriken are not designed for anywhere near that distance. Yet he had the skill to make them deadly at that distance.
Shogo has done it again. Informative and interesting. Thank you Shogo.
I read once somewhere that human intestinal worms were also used to create a toxin/poison. Does anyone else have any info on this?
I too would like more info on this!
*W o t*
I once read about a plant poison, that didn't kill, if eaten, but deadly when applied via a wound; via shuriken.
@@Ujuani68 This describes a large majority of toxic plants
Thank you Shogo for another very interesting and informative video , have a good evening
I'm not the kind of person to own weapons so the idea of being trained to use anything at any time is very appealing. A single well-used kunai as the only distinguishing "ninja gear" really speaks to the agent's skill and adaptability as well - no need for anything fancy, just a tool to help them accomplish the task.
Me: **picks up shuriken, stabs myself, drops it on my foot** i aM nInJa
So that's your way of the ninja?
It's eerily similar to mine!
Hi Shogo! Love your content. Some of the "everyday techniques'' Reminded me to modern practical self defense that is taught. I once attended a class were they showed us to throw cups of water at the face of an attacker. It was surprisingly hard. The idea was that it is more likely that a person could be carrying a hot beverage and used correctly it can increase your chance to run.
the spatial audio quality is fantastic, sounds great!!!!
Very very informative. You have a very calm presentation tone which makes concepts easier to digest.
I actually own a set of Bo Shuriken and in all honesty knowing how to throw them does help and i do prefer them.
From what I have read, hiragata and bo shuriken were used in construction of wooden homes in Japan. They were used to keep corners of the homes connected. The ends of both kinds would have been sharpened and driven into the logs and then another log would be put on top and driven down. I'm not sure if this is true but if it was then the hiragata would have started out with possibly only 2 points.
I really enjoyed your video. You are so well spoken and your explanations were great. If you had short videos of an expert demonstrating the techniques you discribe it would make this video perfect.
Great job. Thank you very much for sharing it with us.
There is a reference to tome-shuriken being thrown to graze the face of a guard but not stick in him, the shuriken used in this manner is to only slice him and then land quietly in the brush or sand. This would lead the guard into thinking he had been slashed by a ghost or invisible swordsmen and they would run off. The reference comes from a fantasy book though, can't say it's historically accurate. The bo-shuriken looks a lot more deadly now after having once seen a master throw a bamboo chopstick through plywood.
Thank you for this informative video. I like how in the beginning you have a disclaimer that this video was not meant to discredit any other videos that may be out there. Very respectful.
Nice work!
Shuriken could be used in combination with an explosive as a distraction in order to poison unarmored officials. When an explosion happens it's not uncommon to have shrapnel flying everywhere. Which would make it the perfect time to throw a shuriken. Black Powder bombs have been known to be used in that region for thousands of years. So this seems like the most logical use for shuriken.
Why not use the explosive device directly on the officials then?
It doesn't make sense to throw a shuriken from which it will undoubtedly be deduced that it was thrown by someone close by. It would have the same effect if there was no explosion at all, since everyone will start looking for the one who threw the shuriken.
I doubt they were used at all by Ninja actually. It's far more realistic that they probably used rocks to distract opponents. Iron was way too valuable to be throwing at people while running away when the effectiveness of them was already lackluster. The Japanese during those times would prefer to hold onto their iron and use it for more useful things than throwing them at people for a distraction.
@@notmychannelname42 So if you were to kill an official with a bomb it would "leave too much evidence" as opposed to setting a bomb off nearby while simultaneously throwing a poisoned shuriken at them disguised to look like a piece of shrapnel? What?
Fast explosives weren't even invented yet, and if they were you would have to stand nearer to the bomb in order for the whole "hit by shrapnel" thing to make any sense. There are significantly less convoluted ways to assassinate people.
I like this a lot, one problem I have is assuming shuriken were inexpensive and disposable. In the Edo period, iron was rather expensive this is one reason many people believe ninjas didn’t use them. It was observed as a waste for what could become a knife or sickle instead. Shuriken are very inefficient even now when iron is cheap as paper
Also you forgot the fourth kind of seme-shuriken: hadouken 😂😂
Totally interested in the content of your channel, but I also find your narrative relaxing. Awesome!
Very streamlined, entertaining, and informative presentation! Thank you!
Also interesting would be to mention that kunoichi, the deadly flowers 🌸 could use the shuriken similar to other long range weapons like bo or kusarigama to keep a stronger male at a distance/disadvantage.
I’ve used the bo-shuriken IRL against an aggressor. I hit a wooden fence next to him with a two pointed ‘dart’ and it went in deep with a heavy thud. As he checked the location of the sound he noticed the fat spike sticking out 😳 Needless to say I did not need the other two as the psychological impact of this weapon (a big iron nail sharpened on both sides) is enormous! Your opponents will automatically flinch if you just pretend to throw a second 🤣👍🏻 BTW he never bothered me again ✌🏻😉
Uh huh sure you did.
Robert E Lee a hero? Uh huh sure he was 🤮
Traitors should not talk to me. Boy Bye 👋🏻
Shogo,can you make a video about yasuke.the first black samurai.this idea just crossed my mind after watched yasuke netflix trailer lol
The way I was initially taught shuriken was as a distraction device. Silently tossing them over someone's head so their attention is distracted in another direction. In this way, even a rock or stick could be a proper shuriken if used in that manner. The metal stars work better because they make a VERY un-natural sound when they land, the metallic clang they drop is designed to REALLY push the attention of a sentry.
As you gain more experience, learn to climb over walls back-to-the-wall, that sort of thing... you get better and start using the more simple 'sharpened rod' shuriken which can be used a lot more different ways.
As for putting a chase off? I think that caltrops would be a much more specialized instrument for that role. Shuriken are direct-use only in the most dire of circumstances.
Thank you. This was an excellent presentation - very clear, thorough and informative. I learned a lot.
I love the amount of detail you go into
I am so glad I found your channel I enjoy learning about all things Japan
I believe there were three real practical uses for the shuriken or throwables in these regions. One is they would be coated with a poison to incapacitate or slow down someone at range. Another would be to make a distraction by throwing it into a wall, escape or light. Then the last would be smaller throwables would be aimed at someone's spine or neck. So they could paralyze or kill someone quietly.
Me personally I like small blades like a small and thin 3in throwing spike/blade. I always thought the shurikin looked very ineffective unless you have poison or a big 3 blade one. Where throwing weapons that are more like knives or spikes will actually do damage
I'm 58 yrs old, and have been fascinated by Japanese arts & culture since I was a small child. My Grandmother was a Journalist in the 1950's/60's who co-wrote/published a cookbook with the gentleman who was the Head Chef for Japan Airlines. If I remember correctly his name was Haihichi Tanaka - I apologize if I misspelled his name.
I love the naurto mentions 😂I love that show. also great video 🔥very informational
I’m disappointed to discover the shuriken as I knew it (and own sets of) is not meant to be a practical offensive weapon. But it’s cool to see the same principle as modern machine guns (keep people away from where you don’t want them) and it makes sense. But also, that means I need to get my hands on some bō-shuriken. As a military history/tactics nerd, that’s fascinating.
@@ginxxxxx made from toads?
How about he keeps both defensive and yaku kens, huh @gin
That's not what machine guns are used for. Machine guns are meant to kill.
@@alexkirrmann539 they’re used for both. Creating lethal areas that shape the battlefield more to your liking, as opposed to, say, snipers that are there for shock and strategically crippling the enemy.
@@annaaquitaine4225 I'm very aware that they can be used in both ways. The shuriken is not used to do either really. It's like a pistol, pretty much a last ditch weapon. You would be better off using caltrops or tiger traps. If an enemy is close enough that you can throw stuff at them, you better start praying.
Brooo love learning your culture and just ran into your channel and enjoying every second. Was also nice to see you lived in my state Michigan in from Detroit. Definitely subscribing.
Earned my sub I'm mostly Def and you talked clearly and consise but still gave me subtitles
I love how he gives the answer at the very start of the video, while the rest of the video is giving context and explanation of that answer
You said the hiragata-shuriken would not pierce skin, but only scratch...yet, the hiragata-shuriken I have will most certainly pierce skin, and deeply at that. Did they not make them the same way back then? I am sure the ones I have are more novelty than authentic. Thank you for these videos! They are very informative and the production is top notch!
I like how you mentioned that they were used to distract people from chasing them, that is very true but one thing I think you should’ve mentioned is that the shuriken were not used for long range like you see in anime, manga, and movies they were mainly used in close range for a bigger effect.
they not used at close range much, although when by surprise, yes. If opponent is melee or weapon range, you don't want to be throwing wee stars/spikes at them; because they will close and nab you while you make your motion/recovery.
But they can deter unarmoured foes well, or if you're 4-6 meters back, or have element of concealed draw (eg been grabbed)
Imagine if became a real one that would been awesome
Very detailed and informative Shogo-san. How about another video on other less common weaponry such as the kusarigama and makibishi?
Can you explain more about a story of 尊皇攘夷 and meiji era. ? Both Rurouni Kenshin and Mugen no Juunin seem to be focused to these stuffs alot.
This should be awesome. This anime is probably what spurred my love for Japanese culture. I'd love to hear about historical context.
I have long heard that shuriken were sometimes thrown into the ground behind them similar to caltrops to damage the feet of enemies or horses thus covering their retreat.
Coming from a clan that was well known for the use of caltrops, I approve. "Gang Warily".
I'd read that some of the hiragata shuriken were used for starting fires. Could this be what the hole in the center was used for? Such as stuffing the center hole with flaming material, set alight, and then thrown, like at a wall or a roof?
perhaps but the hole could also simply be to reduce weight by removing matter from where its not needed (the middle)
@@ironhyde1741 Reducing weight in the middle by placing a hole there, slows the rate of rotation, increasing penetration.
@@MrMZaccone It also reduces the weight, thereby decreasing penetration, lmao.
@@Arcessitor The correct sized hole in the middle isn't going to reduce the weight enough to appreciably reduce penetration. It will, however, reduce spin enough to appreciably increase penetration. Try it before you argue with me because I have tried it and it works. The physics describing angular momentum also supports my assertion.
@@MrMZaccone 😂🤣😂🤣
I didn’t know I wanted to see this but now I’m interested so thanks dude.
Great content btw I subbed
Thank you Shogo! Love your videos!
Thank you for your videos
I enjoy watching them
Today I subscribed
Raniyoken is just like the fight in run, hide, fight, where you use whatever objects you can find nearby to distract or incapacitate the attacker.
When I learnt ninjutsu, the biggest surprise I had when we were taught to use the shuriken was that it can be effective weapon for close combat.
I really like how you use the terms so often. It helps to actually learn the terms and pronunciation.
Your old job sounds a lot like working at the Japanese version of the Renaissance fair. Awesome man, awesome. Also my nephew is Awesome with throwing weapons the key is constant practice if you're obsessed with something and do it constantly you will be good at it
I learn a lot from your videos!
Arigatō!
i've never found a channel where 1.25 speed was actually the best way to watch it. Very nice and interesting and yeah, ppl never really give survival tools the credit they deserve, treating kunai as throwable and forgetfull weapons, but cool weapons, ofc.
This was really, really interesting! Thank you!
Your posts are amazing.
I watched a ninja master explain that 4 way shuriken would often be used as a palmed weapon to stab and rend opponents and that throwing them was considered less effective use.
Interesting and cool video!
I read a book about ninjas by Steven K. Hays that had a chapter on the use of shuriken. He described one technique of shuriken use as the "Phantom Swordsman". Samurai armor didn't cover some areas like the neck and the backs of the hands. A skilled ninja would throw a hira suriken at these areas to cut the target then vanish so it could not be recovered. Imagine a samurai in a dark forest getting cut this way and panicking that a phantom swordsman was haunting the woods.
i was taught to use shuriken for quite a long time years ago, it is very powerful and unique. it can be used both as an attacking and defense weapon.
Absolutely killer video! Really enjoyed it
Very interesting and well presented. Subbed
Totally respect your use of BSL - "before" nice.
I used more bo shuriken than hira in my practice in the Bujinkan in Noda City. Meifu Shinkage Ryu (Tokyo based) specializes in shuriken.
Hi do you know a Shop or a Maker where i can purchase authentic Bo Shuriken? Like Negishi Ryu or MSR or Kunai Gata? I have a few but there very Hard to find and i Would love to have some antique Shurikens like Hairneedle Shurikens or Negishis
Thanks for the video Shogo dono, be great itoko and enjoy your weekend.
Excellent video. And great knowledge. Thank you.
Thank you so much for these videos. I was a Sho Kosugi fan as a kid and threw hundreds of dollars into the woods by my house. :) I also had a cheap version of Bo-shuriken and kept poking my fingers. They were sharp steel pencils in a three pack from the still open AWMA company.
Thank you, Shogo. I appreciate your channel very much...
Great vid. I chuckled when Shogo mentioned Minato's inaccurate use of the kunai
Cool i didn't know you did long videos nice
I imagined a ninja using a few kunai as stepping stones while climbing, and then imagined them removing the tiles of a traditional Japanese roof using a kunai like some kind of thief. I don't know if that will work but I think that looks cooler than just throwing kunai. XD
I wish more history based RUclips shows presented their content like you do.
Jackie chan must be a master of ranjyoken while we see furniture and decorations that man sees a wall of weapons
When you were explaining the ranjyôken technique I thougth the exact same thing about my sister and I fighting when we were kids lol. Siblings are the same everywhere! Greetings from Spain!
I had a sensei that showed me weapons that he had brought to the U.S. from Japan and trained me privately with Shuriken, Bo, Blowgun, and Ninjato. The Ninjato he had was a multifaceted weapon as there were two Hiragata Shuriken attached to the Tsuba, two flat Bo Shuriken that slid into either side of Saya. There was a channel that ran the inside length of the Saya and a removable end piece so that the Saya could be used as a Blowgun, and the removable end cap had a slot and hole so a flat blade like a Kunai could be used to turn the Saya into a short spear.
There are times that I still practice with Hiragata and blowgun.
What’s your kill count?
Do you have any picture references? This sounds so cool
Idk how this came across my feed but I'm so glad it did. This is lit!
Great, clear explanation. Cleared up a few questions I had. But one thing you said was, they used ground peppers. I thought peppers came from south America after discovery. If they were in Japan in that earlier period would have some implications.
I think theres different types of peppers around the world
Thank you for your thorough explanation.
Thanks, i learn a lot. You're explanation are awesome !!
Daddy ninja: Can our son use the throwing stars?
Mommy ninja: Shuriken.
Great video! When I was studying martial arts I was taught to use the shuriken to slash an opponent’s throat/stab in between ribs, so hold it as a small knife, then throw it into something near like a ceiling or tree and when searched you had no weapon!
This is the first video of yours that I've seen. I don't know why it popped up but I'm glad it did. You seem to be a very kind and intelligent man with no agenda other than to educate. With that said, I'm going a little bit off topic with this question. Decades ago i was told that ninjas were first "introduced" as a defense against tyrannical Samurai. The ninja were mainly simple people like farmers. The only "weapons" they had were farm tools/equipment. If this is accurate, is it true that the nunchucks (sorry if i misspelled it), were just a horse bridal or something to that effect?
You managed to not throw one shuriken, in a 17 minute video about shurikens
one thing i didn't understand, as you mention in other video, ninja was a way for the farmer class to fight, and farmers are poor class of people, while iron on the other hand are expensive, because iron in japan are a rare valuable, so if shuriken was used as a mere distraction, and not even lethal blow, wouldn't it be a total waste?
Wow, your content is one of its kind! 😃 How blessed we are, with RUclips & social media etc, that we can have access to unique content like yours. Thank you for creating such awesome videos 👍😃
You should try no spin throwing techniques. It would work well with the Bo Shuriken!
The square shuriken were actually a common item. Visible all over reinforced wooden structures as the square washers for large iron nails. Probably started as a weapon of opportunity. Bo Shuriken also have ability as a potent hand to hand weapon before throwing, and definitely lethal.
Ninja skips were originally a subset of fighting skills and not a separate class as depicted in kabuki and film, and they did not wear the black pajamas. That is purely a fiction from Kabuki.
A ninja shuriken tournament?? Sounds lit 🔥🔥