A sport with ancient origins is
growing in popularity once again. This sport is axe throwing, which has made a
comeback both in other countries and now the United States. It’s a fun activity
that can have many benefits for its participants and is a fascinating sport
that is beginning to challenge bowling and darts as favorite similar leisure
activities.
Origins
Axe throwing has its origins in ancient times as a practical skill. Warriors
from many different cultures would need to learn to throw an axe to hit a
desired target. When a society was not at war, throwing an axe at a target
evolved into a sporting competition. In the modern era, this ancient sport has
come back once again. Axe throwing has been a massive hit in other countries
such as Canada in recent years and is now beginning to gain in popularity in
the United States as well.
More Venues
One reason axe throwing is gaining in popularity in the United States is that
there are simply more facilities opening up where people can partake in it.
This is especially true in urban areas where it is often difficult to find
facilities that allow live weapons to be tossed around. Many axe throwing clubs
double as bars, which has proven to be a lucrative combination that isn’t as
dangerous as it may sound. Safety measures such as solid nets are put in place.
Organized Sporting Leagues
The growth of axe throwing has spurred the formation of organized leagues for
the sport, the foremost of which is the World Axe Throwing League. The sport is
very similar to dart throwing and has many similarities to bowling as well.
Participants typically throw an axe at a target that has three rings of
different colors and are awarded points based on how close to the bullseye the
axe lands. The World Axe Throwing League has information on official rules,
although informal matches may be governed differently.
Benefits
Axe throwing is gaining in popularity largely because of the significant
benefits this activity offers. Because you are attempting to hit a target, your
coordination and aim will improve considerably as you practice. This can be
useful in everyday life or in other activities.
Most people do not get enough exercise in their daily lives due to the overall
sedentary lifestyle of American society. Axe throwing is one of many fun
outlets that encourage people to exercise more. Throwing an axe works out
muscles that may ordinarily go unused.
Throwing a hefty axe into a target is also very cathartic. There is something
primal and invigorating in the practice that has spoken to the individuals who
participate in the sport. This means axe throwing offers benefits such as
stress relief which can overall improve an individual’s health.
Axe throwing is unquestionably growing in popularity, both in the United States
and elsewhere. Due to its similarities with bowling and darts it is occupying a
similar niche as those sports. There is no indication that its growth in the US
will stem anytime soon.
