Ninja foot spikes can be used for self defense. Made of metal, they can be slipped onto your shoes to allow you better traction and grip.

Self defense nowadays may well be an overused word, what with the number of people who are now taking martial arts lessons and honing their fighting skills. Self defense is almost a requirement in our society, where security threats run aplenty, and where we need to watch out for ourselves no matter where we are in the world. If you are interested in self defense, or if you have taken classes in self defense, then you might have been introduced to several self defense mechanisms and tools. One such tool group would include ninja weapons, and one such weapon that you could add to your arsenal is the ninja foot spike.

Ninja foot spikes are made of metal, and are composed of metal bars with long protruding spikes. These ninja foot spikes can be slipped over your shoes, and then secured using laces. The foot spikes are long enough for you to dig them into vertical structures, such as wooden walls or trees, and then walk with them as though you were simply climbing a series of steps. Some ninja fighting skills experts even combine these with ninja claws, which, when strapped onto your hands, can allow you to climb a tree easily.

Ninja foot spikes could be a valuable addition to your ninja weapon collection. Made of strong steel, and with sharpened foot spikes, they could allow you to have secure footing no matter where you are walking. If you are climbing rough surfaces, you could wear the ninja foot spikes not only for better traction, but to give you a firm hold on wherever you are standing. You can also use ninja foot spikes when you are out camping, or walking in the wilderness, where not all the ground is stable enough for ordinary shoes. Lastly, ninja foot spikes can also be formidable weapons: when used properly, they can be deadly as you use them with your side kick.

Of course, any kind of weapon is governed by state and county, not to mention country laws, so make sure that ninja foot spikes are allowable in your county. Moreover, make sure that you know how to use them safely. You could end up injuring yourself if you are not trained in using ninja foot spikes. Training is also important: look for martial arts that you can use in conjunction with ninja foot spikes. For more information, talk to a security expert or weapons retailer.

Everyone knows that ninjas are extremely good at martial arts. It’s also common knowledge that ninjas are so good at hiding themselves and moving in stealth that they practically appear and disappear in plain sight. And of course, everyone knows that ninjas wear cool black uniforms…or they sometimes take the guise of teenage mutant turtles. As for the rest about ninjas, it’s been shrouded in mystery…until now.

The Breeding Place of Ninja
In the early days, the provinces of Koga and Ida, now known as Mie, were the top “producers” of Ninja.

Unemployment Turns Ninjas into Teachers
During periods of peace, services of ninjas are not much in demand. But ninjas have to eat, too, so they earn money by putting up martial arts schools.

Why Ninjas Wear Black
Surprisingly, it’s not because those flimsy black uniforms make them blend in the dark. Rather, that famous black uniform of ninjas was derived from the emergence of ninja roles in Kabuki theater.

Ninjas are Related to Spiderman
That’s because they can climb walls! Of course, they haven’t been bitten by mutant spiders. Instead, they use a weapon called shuko, which mean “tiger’s claws” in English.

Weapons Hidden in Plain Sight
Back then, only samurais were allowed to carry weapons. As a result, ninjas made use of “kama” or sickle, which was basically a farming tool, and turned them into weapons. Resourceful, aren’t they?

Ninjas Win by Becoming Pests
Ninjas can win a victory without inflicting physical damage. All they have to do is pester their enemy. They use disguise to sneak into the enemy’s camp, steal their banners then display it next day as proof of the other party’s weakness. They also use darkness to frighten and harass the enemies, keeping them on their toes the whole night. As a result, they’ll have to fight the battle the next day without 100% energy.

The Origin of the Word Ninja
When a kid wants to be a ninja, he wants to learn about the impressive kicks and twists but he doesn’t care about the origins of ninjas. That’s why until now, only a few are even aware of the etymology of the word ‘ninja’.

Ninja is actually a combination of two words: “nin”, which means ‘person’, and “shin”, which means concealment. Combine that and you basically have the definition for ninjas: individuals who are masters of the art of hiding.

Remembering this little bit of knowledge will make you a more impressive ninja because it proves that you’re not only strong and powerful but smart as well!

The Myths about Ninjas
Did you know that people in the old days used to believe ninjas were seven feet tall, three-headed, and able to do extraordinary stuff like walk through walls, fly, and shape shift? It’s not true, of course, but even in those days, ninjas were able to do incredible things, leading people to believe that they were “superhuman”. Of course, ninjas being ninjas, they allowed people to believe what they wanted to since it made them easier to keep their identities secret.

Ninjas Could Be Stupid
If you want to be a ninja, you wouldn’t want to know about this. In 1182, Heike Monogatari tells the story of the war between Minamoto and Taira Clans. In one incident, ninjas were able to sneak into the enemy’s camp. So far so good, right? But when they got there, instead of launching a sneaky attack, what they do is to make their presence known by shouting. Rather than winning, they end up dead.

How Ninjas Turn Invisible
No, it’s not because of extraordinary speed or stealth. Instead, they use special, explosive concoctions hidden in nut and egg shells. Throw them out and they work just like pepper spray. One blink and they’re gone!

The use of self-defense weapons always require a certain level of skill, especially if they are the types that have been in use for hundreds of years.  Case in point: the throwing spikes, one of the most lethal and efficient means that ninjas used to take out an enemy.  We already know they are popular among hobbyists and self-defense enthusiasts, but how effective are they as weapons of self-defense?

Understanding the use of throwing spikes
Throwing spikes may have evolved from ancient weapons involving needles, which were once used by assassins to bring down their targets.  Throwing spikes became a more preferred form of weaponry because they were more capable of penetrating deeper and are more effective in stopping an enemy than a small needle.  After all, one throwing spike was simply much more effective than, say, 50 small needles.

Although throwing spikes are mainly used for throwing, they can also be efficient weapons to puncture, cut, stab, dig or even slice.

Throwing spikes resemble nails, except that they are longer, bigger and slightly heavier.  They vary in length, from 5″ to about 8″ and can range in width from 1/4″ to 3/4″.  They are generally made from metal to give them a solid body and sufficient weight during throws.

In terms of design, throwing spikes are available as plain spikes that taper at the ends and are thicker at the middle.  Both ends are sharpened so they are relatively easier to use, ensuring more hits.

Another common design for throwing spikes is the straight nail with only one sharp end.  The blunt end may be stumped or feature a hole through which a tassel is hung.  These are commonly used during exhibitions or shows because the bright ribbons make the spikes look more attractive during throws.  Some spikes are sold with teflon coating to make them more comfortable to grip.

Throwing spikes are usually sold in sets of 3, 4 or 5.  They may also come with an arm or ankle sheath so they can be attached to the body.

How effective are throwing spikes for self-defense?
Throwing spikes, being puncture weapons, are often used to deter an attacker.  Depending on the strength and accuracy of the throw, the spike can hit an attacker from 8 to 10 feet away, although skilled throwers can use the spike from as far away as 15 feet.  The sharp end of the spike can penetrate a few inches into the skin, causing pain and discouraging the assailant from making further advances.

Throwing spikes may also be used to stab, slice or puncture, excellent ways to ward off an attacker during close combat.

Like most self-defense weapons, thought, throwing spikes do require the user some amount of practice and experience.  If these are your weapons of choice, make sure you know how to use them so you’re more confident and effective in case you have to rely on them during an emergency.

When it comes to legendary fighting skills, ninjas are often some of the most respected and feared.  Capable of nearly esoteric self-defense skills, ninjas are also known for their weapons, including the ninja grappling hook, the hand claws and the throwing stars.  To this day, these ancient weapons remain as some of the most trusted — and effective — tools for self-defense.  Find out if any of these are the right fit for you:

The grappling hook
The grappling hook is a type of ninja weapon that is often utilized to scale walls, trees, rocks and buildings.  They work efficiently for both vertical and horizontal obstacles, allowing the user to move from one area to the next.  As a weapon of self-defense, the grappling hook is used primarily to escape a dangerous situation.

Is it right for you?
The grappling hook is a metallic device consisting of 3 to 4 hooks that are attached to a length of rope.  The hooks are meant to provide a grip onto a stable object so the user can climb or cross between two obstacles.

The grappling hook requires some skills to handle, particularly for throwing and accurately hitting a target.  It also requires upper body and arm strength to help the user move.

The hand claws
The hand claws are probably one of the deadliest ninja weapons you could ever own.  Made with sharp, steel claws, these are slipped to fit around each hand with the claws facing down and outward from the back of the hand.

Hand claws are also known as shuko.

Hand claws are useful for climbing (as long as they are sharp and solid enough) and for deterring a physical attack.  They are quite effective on certain surfaces such as wood although they may have certain limitations on materials such as concrete, marble and glass.

Is it right for you?
The ninja claws can work to stop an assailant from attacking.  The sharp claws can tear the skin and cause enough pain in order to discourage further attack.  They do require arm and upper body strength if used for climbing.

The throwing stars
Throwing stars are sharp, flat and pointed objects that are synonymous to ninja activities.  They are probably the most popular ninja weapons in existence today.  They are used to distract an opponent or to deter an attack by slicing or cutting through flesh.  These weapons are also known as shuriken.

Is it right for you?
If you intend to use the throwing star as a weapon, learn to throw it safely, efficiently and accurately first.  With the right technique, you should be able to hit a target from some distance away.

The throwing star or shuriken is the quintessential ninja weapon.  Other than the katana or sword and the nun-chaku, the throwing star has become a part of popular culture, appearing in many illustrations and films featuring ninjas.  In the hands of a trained and experienced user, the throwing star can be a very effective weapon of self-defense.  But to many who are not familiar with this small yet efficient tool, misuse can lead to unnecessary physical harm.  Can’t wait to try your own set of shuriken?  Avoid common newbie mistakes and learn how NOT to use a throwing star:

Do NOT grip the throwing star in the palm of your hand
The throwing star is so named because it is shaped like a star.  Depending on the model, a star could have a minimum of 3 points to as many as 10 points.  Although a retailer will probably sell you a set with blunt blades, you are meant to sharpen them.  Only a sharp throwing star can hit its target.  Otherwise, it’s just as effective as throwing plastic saucers at an attacker.

Once the points have been sharpened, do not hold the throwing star in your hand.  If you grip it too tightly, the points could cut your palms.  The throwing star is meant to be held between two fingers — usually the index and middle fingers — and then thrown in the air at a target.

Do NOT use without knowing how
Just because you’ve seen how a throwing star is used on TV does not mean you can readily use it straight out of the box.  In most cases, you can’t.  To safely and effectively utilize a throwing star during an attack, it’s important that you practice the basic moves first.  Learn how to grip them correctly, twist or move your wrist so the angle of the throw changes.  Use the right amount of force depending on the distance.

Remember that throwing stars are meant to be nuisance weapons and can only stop an attacker momentarily.  If you can’t use them correctly, you will not be able to take advantage of their benefits.

Do NOT try advance moves without practicing the basics first
Be patient when learning to use the throwing star.  Learn the basic moves first and practice faithfully.  Once you’re comfortable with the throws and are hitting targets at least 80% of the time, only then should you attempt to use more advanced styles of using the shuriken.

Do NOT be careless when practicing with the throwing star
The throwing star is still a weapon.  Do NOT attempt to use it against an innocent person or animal for target practice.  It’s not only irresponsible, it’s also dangerous.  Furthermore, you will be breaking the law.