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.