Throwing a knife is an enduring skill passed down from generation to generation that requires extraordinary focus, dexterity, and precision. Most knife throwing techniques can be identified by the thrower's mathematical calculations and the typical spin of the knife as it hovers in the air. However, the knife can also hit the target accurately from any range without careful planning or preparation beforehand. This can be achieved by throwing the knife without turning, that is, when the knife darts from the thrower's hand towards the target with little or no spin. Throwing a knife without turning requires only a few adjustments to standard knife throwing methods, and can usually be learned in just a few days.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Mumyou-Ryu Technique
Step 1. Hold the knife properly
Throwing a knife without turning can be done by modifying the handle in a standard knife throw. Grip the knife handle loosely. Pinch the handle between the thumb and the length of the middle finger. Place your index finger flat on the back of the blade at the center of the blade balance. This position is known as a "thumb grip," or sometimes a "push finger grip" because you have to use your thumb to guide the movement of the knife and your index finger to push it forward when the knife is thrown.
- The thumb grip serves to neutralize the rotation of the knife when it is released by the hand.
- Each knife has a different center of balance. Find the center of balance of the knife by placing it on one finger outstretched and adjusting its position until the knife is balanced. That's the center of the knife used to place the fingertips.
Step 2. Align the knife with the target
Straighten your arms in front of your body while aiming the tip of the blade at the target. Concentrate on the point you are aiming at. Pay close attention to the angle and position of the arm. This is where you position your arm when you throw the knife.
- Pointing the knife at the target before throwing can help improve muscle memory, which will give you an idea of the proper position of your arm when you throw the knife.
- To improve your accuracy, make the process of getting into a straight, quick position at the beginning part of your knife throwing routine.
Step 3. Lift the knife next to the head
Keeping your shoulders straight and your upper arms parallel to the floor, pull the knife back to head level. The elbow should be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and the blade facing straight up. Align this position and step the opposite leg slightly forward.
- To find out how to properly position your shoulders and forearms, raise your pitcher's arm as if you were doing the move that American football fans usually do when a "goal" hits.
- The Mumyou-Ryu technique is a move used by ancient Japanese warriors to throw a circular weapon (syuriken or "throwing star") without turning. This technique was adapted for use on modern straight nails and knives.
Step 4. Release the blade in a smooth, rocking motion
Lean over your front leg as you prepare to throw. Release the knife when the throwing arm is at a 45-degree angle. This is to offset gravity and create a relaxed arc that the blade will follow as it floats through the air. When removing the knife, lightly stroke along the back of the knife with your index finger. Straighten your arms until they are pointing at the target to complete the throw. If you're lucky, you'll hear the sound of a knife hitting the target.
- Swing your forearm and knife-throwing hand down in a circle, in one quick motion.
- The forearm should remain straight and swing downward as you release the knife to complete the throw.
Method 2 of 3: Using Russian Techniques
Step 1. Use the thumb grip to grip the knife
Grip the knife using the thumb grip. This is the most efficient way to minimize blade rotation while hovering in the air. Grip the knife handle tightly between your middle finger and thumb, but not too tightly. When throwing, the wrist and forearm should move in unison.
When using a thumb grip, the knife should be thrown by the arm and shoulder in a pushing motion, not by jerking the wrist causing the knife to rotate
Step 2. Lift the knife to the side of the body
Extend the throwing arm with the knife raised and placed behind the head. The knife position should be near vertical, floating at a shallow angle. In the Russian technique, the knife should be slightly pointed to the dominant side of the body before you throw it. Bend your elbows slightly so that the blade is almost parallel to the floor. Stay relaxed and get ready to throw the knife.
- Placing the knife further away from the body creates additional torque, which gives you additional power when throwing the knife.
- Russian engineering requires more wiggle room. So, pay attention to your surroundings before you practice throwing a knife.
Step 3. Rotate your hips and shoulders
Begin the movement by twisting your upper body. Point your shoulders and hips a few inches from the target in the same direction as your throwing hand (if throwing with your right hand, turn your body to the right, left-handers should turn your body to the left). The Russian non-rotating throwing technique relies on lateral movement to generate power. This means that you should focus on moving your midsection, not just your arms.
Don't let your knees and feet rotate as you rotate your upper body. This will ruin the base position because you won't be facing the target anymore
Step 4. Throw the knife as you would whipping
Once the knife is pulled back, reverse the motion abruptly. Turn your shoulders and hips in opposite directions. At the same time, swing your arms at an angle, releasing the knife just before the throwing hand is level with the target. Follow through with the throw as you would a whip, keeping your arms outstretched until the knife hits the target.
- The most difficult part of the Russian technique is determining when to remove the knife correctly. You'll have a hard time figuring out where the knife is going to hit because you're throwing from the side, and you're not centering the path of the knife with the line of sight as you are throwing the knife vertically.
- Although the mechanics are a bit complicated, this Russian method of throwing knives without turning is consistently considered to be more accurate than other techniques.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Thorn Technique
Step 1. Grip the knife
Hold the knife at the top of the handle. In the Thorn technique, you can use a thumb grip or a modified hammer grip for added stability. Since you have to use your entire arm to throw, make sure to grip the knife firmly so you can control the path of the blade.
- The no-spin Thorn method was invented and named after knife throwing trainer Ralph Thorn.
- To modify the handle of the hammer so that you can throw the knife without turning, grip the handle of the knife with your entire fist, as if you were holding the handle of a hammer. Next, lift your index finger and place it along the back of the blade.
- Whether you're using a thumb grip or a modified hammer grip, you should grip the knife firmly, but not too tightly. The tighter you grip the knife, the more difficult and erratic the throwing of the knife will be.
Step 2. Keep your shoulders relaxed
The key to the Thorn technique is the arm movement similar to that of a windmill. If your body is tense, this can put a lot of stress on the tendons and ligaments of the rotator cuff. Shake and loosen your arms slightly before starting to throw the knife. If you're not careful, you can get injured.
- Warm up first before practicing knife throwing. Do basic movement exercises and light stretching.
- If the Thorn technique causes pain in any part of the arm or shoulder, stop the exercise and switch to a lighter method.
Step 3. Pull your arms back, next to your head
Bend the throwing arm slightly and let it lock there. Your arms and elbows should form an angle of about 35 or 40 degrees. Raise your arms until they are slightly above your head. When using the Thorn method, you need to use your entire arm to throw, not just use your forearm.
Stand straight and fully extend your back when you start throwing
Step 4. Throw the knife with the whole arm
To throw a knife, swing your arms quickly in a circular arc, but don't bend your elbows. Release the knife just before your hand is level with the target. Push your index finger forward as you remove the knife, then follow-up to prevent the knife from turning. If you do it correctly, the knife will shoot straight and smooth into the target.
- It may be useful to practice the Thorn method in two separate parts: the first is to practice moving your arms wide and in circles, and the second is to determine the correct time to remove the knife.
- Most knife throwing techniques without turning (such as the Thorn technique) use a combination of the traditional knife throwing motions with the movements used in spear throwing.
Tips
- Despite the name of the throwing technique without turning, the blade still rotates, even if it's only small. The basic idea is to slow down the rotation using your index finger so that the knife tip can consistently hit the target first from a distance.
- Trees and wide, flat wood surfaces are ideal targets.
- Do knife throwing exercises without turning every day to build muscle memory. This way, you can be sure to be throwing knives like a pro in not too long.
- Keep the knife sharp and well-maintained so that it hits the target with ease. Sometimes the knife won't hit the target not because your throw is inaccurate, but because the blade is dull and unkempt.
- Bring lots of knives so you don't have to walk back and forth all the time to pick up a knife that hits the target. Use a knife that is balanced and specially designed for throwing.
Warning
- Find out if the sport of throwing knives is legal in your area before starting to practice.
- Always point the knife down when you carry it. Do not hold or point the knife at yourself. If extending the knife to someone else, give the handle first.
- Never aim a knife at someone.
- Perform the exercise within a safe distance from homes, pets, vehicles, and perishable objects.
- Tell the people around you about the activities you do so they don't get too close.
