Usually, if the state prohibits carrying knives, throwing stars are also likely illegal because they’re considered blades. Are ninja stars illegal in California?Īpart from the paper ninja stars you can create using the videos above, real metal ninja stars are illegal in some states across the country. Which super-cool origami ninja star is your kiddo requesting? You might have to make the first few rounds, but with a little patience (and “screen time”), your child will master each origami figure. May we suggest red and black construction paper? You could simply use two pieces of notebook paper, which gives the star a bi-colored design kids may find more attractive. This origami creation is probably the most popular. “Normal” Ninja Star (Using Two Pieces of Paper)

These videos will walk you through the most popular options. Just like there are many throwing star designs, there are also multiple ways to fold an origami ninja star. While real throwing stars were fierce and deadly, the paper craft is a fairly safe toy in comparison… minus papercuts and the occasional folder corner landing somewhere tender. It was often taught alongside other martial arts.

Fun fact: The art of properly wielding and fighting with throwing stars and daggers is known as shurikenjutsu. Interestingly enough, “ninja stars” weren’t actually used by ninjas - but by samurais and ashigaru soldiers. The word shuriken translates to “hidden hand blade” and is a term used to encompass many small, concealable weapons, including daggers. So, where do ninja stars fit in? While ninjas were around as early as the 12th century and more prevalent in the 15th century, the earliest “ninja star” (or shuriken) seemed to have appeared during the 17th century. Meanwhile, Samurais seemed to prefer a more upfront attack. Just as popular culture has portrayed them, ninjas were quick, quiet and, above all else, sneaky. Strictly speaking, the Samurai caste believes that ninjas’ sometimes unscrupulous way of performing their duties made them less “honorable” than the Samurai. While many kids might use the words “ninja” and “Samurai” interchangeably, it’s worth noting that they’re actually very different. Ninjas were top secret agents and mercenaries whose first appearance came about in feudal Japan. Some several centuries after the origami boom, Japan saw the rise of ninjas (or shinobi). At the time, paper was still so hard to find and so expensive that origami was only used for special, often religious ceremonies. The origami tradition has been part of Japanese culture since 500 A.D., after Chinese paper finally made its way to Japan. Origami literally comes from two Japanese words: “Oru,” which means “to fold,” and “kami,” which means paper. It makes sense, too, as both origami and ninjas are a major part of Japanese culture. Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the most fun and popular origami creations kids want to make are ninja stars.

Cool origami star