Moving Targets

Once the basic skills are mastered, at least once a week
(one of the three weekly sessions) a Ninja will want to train
with live, moving targets. What could be a more challenging
target than another Ninja? But one thing must be re-
membered: NEVER USE REAL KNIVES WHILE PRAC-
TICING WITH LIVE OPPONENTS. Instead, use one of the
practice knife patterns (see Diagram 3.3) to fashion ap-
propriate practice weapons out of soft wood, plastic or hard
rubber. Other designs can be invented, but they should fly
well, similar to a real throwing knife, and they should not
have sharp points. A crude, but effective training weapon
can also be made from cutting a l/2 inch diameter dowel rod
into 10 to 12 inch lengths and rounding the ends. Such
training weapons will not fly exactly like throwing knives,
but the flight characteristics will be close enough. They may
hurt a bit to get hit with one, especially in the face, so wear
the eye and mouth protection. But it will be better than being
struck with a real throwing knife. Be prepared for some
slight injuries and bruises, and try to concentrate on accuracy
rather than power.