Some obtain their name from the materials they were fashioned from, such as kugi-gata (nail type), hari-gata (needle form) and tant-gata (knife kind); others are called after the things to which they appear comparable, such as hoko-gata (spear form), matsuba-gata (pine-needle form) while others were merely called after the things that was thrown, such as kankyuto (piercing tool form), kunai-gata (energy tool type), or teppan (plate metal) and biao (pin).
The origins of the bo-shuriken in Japan are still uncertain despite continuing research study in this area. Additional Info is partly since shurikenjutsu is a deceptive art, and likewise to the truth that throughout early Japanese history there were in fact many independent innovators of the ability of throwing long, thin objects. The earliest recognized reference of a school teaching shurikenjutsu is Ganritsu Ryu, common throughout the 17th century.
Existing examples of blades used by this school appear to show a mix of an arrow's shape with that of a needle generally utilized in Japanese leatherwork and armor manufacture. There are likewise earlier points out in composed records, such as the Osaka Gunki (, the military records of Osaka), of the standard knife and short sword being tossed in battle, and Miyamoto Musashi is said to have actually won a duel by tossing his short sword at his opponent, killing him.