Some derive their name from the products they were made from, such as kugi-gata (nail kind), hari-gata (needle form) and tant-gata (knife type); others are called after the challenge which they appear similar, such as hoko-gata (spear form), matsuba-gata (pine-needle type) while others were simply called after the things that was tossed, such as kankyuto (piercing tool type), kunai-gata (energy tool type), or teppan (plate metal) and biao (pin).
The origins of the bo-shuriken in Japan are still uncertain in spite of continuing research in this location. This is partly due to the fact that shurikenjutsu is a deceptive art, and likewise to the truth that throughout early Japanese history there were in fact lots of independent innovators of the ability of tossing long, thin objects. The earliest recognized mention of a school mentor shurikenjutsu is Ganritsu Ryu, widespread throughout the 17th century.
Existing examples of blades used by this school appear to exhibit a mixture of an arrow's shape with that of a needle traditionally used in Japanese leatherwork and armor manufacture. There are likewise previously mentions in written Found Here , such as the Osaka Gunki (, the military records of Osaka), of the basic knife and brief sword being included battle, and Miyamoto Musashi is said to have actually won a duel by throwing his short sword at his opponent, eliminating him.