How To Throw An Axe : NATF Style

Urban Axes opened up in Philadelphia back in September. They are the first American members of the National Axe Throwing Federation and follow all the rules that allow them to compete in the national tournament in Toronto every year.
All the guys here at Axeadelphia joined the first league they offered and haven't missed one since. Sean was lucky enough to shoot all this footage of us throwing there over the past month and now he wants to pass on some tips he has picked up in 3 seasons of throwing.
Book A Throwing Session At Urban:
urbanaxes.com/
Music Provided By
Artist: "They Won't Like It"
www.purevolume.com/theywontlikeit
Song 1: Blitz Blitz!
Song 2: Taekwondo in Movies

[@andrewtran6669]

make sure to go for the head unlike thor

[@joewhisney1113]

Underrated comment right here

[@Greasyheels]

Taking my girl out to one of these axe throwing things. Trying to get a leg up so I can show off for her 🤣

[@mikemilla9015]

Same! 😂😂😂

[@FryedPidgey]

The same reason I'm here too 😂

[@meg_dances6235]

Me too but to know what I'm doing in front of my boyfriend 😂

[@pnoipr8]

omg, same

[@puertoriconnect4611]

Freezie Pop Yooo same. I just don’t wanna look like a complete dork.

[@yongqiangliang8938]

Great idea to learn, I will go to practice with my family, Thank you!

[@Atlas_1127]

As targets or companions?

[@axenationshow8024]

This is a great intro to axe throwing video, nice job!

[@lifeisbettergreen]

Thanks for posting this it gave me a lot more confidence before throwing with my girlfriend’s parents

[@Axeadelphia]

Good to hear! We will have to do an updated video soon. We have learned a lot since this video.

[@rogersdeugene]

What is the distance from target to Blue line ???

[@navarroicaro955]

Cool thank you for the video man. Here at the south of Brazil we are beginning to throw and your tips are really useful keep uploading man

[@Axeadelphia]

That is awesome to hear man. I will keep them coming. Id love to see what your throwing space looks like once you have it all set up.

[@gilbertogestorcouto]

I'm starting to throw axe. This is so good.

[@Clambelly]

what hatchet are you throwing ? what are the most popular weights ? sizes ? brands ?

[@huntedby666]

New to you guys, been throwing axes and machetes in my yard for years.

[@sethlangston181]

I think he means commercially, as a business.

[@daniel_john3167]

Aiming is not important its about the feeling kinda like shooting a traditional bow My point is as soon as you move from that aimed position you lose your aim Its basic marksmanship principles, still tho a good vid

[@LeoBego]

Try throwing a heavy axe without using your body motion. There is a reason why they move: it increases the energy.

[@jegsdinogod5091]

throwing axes, and you're not playing barbarian or viking metal? COME ONE GUYS! Some Tulsa Doom or Bathory!

[@EpicBladeTime]

Good Times

[@scatterbug]

more a fan of tomahawks, but i approve of any bladed throwing. :)

[@timothyrixner]

Okay so where did you get that awesome colored axe from?

[@Axeadelphia]

That was actually a custom axe made for me by my friend Will.

[@Trishbergeron]

How far is that blue line from the target?

[@POliver8888]

Is the axe carrying bag video still coming out soon?

[@Axeadelphia]

Yup! Just hard to get all the guys with different bags together so we can get good footage. It will be out this month.

[@projectszymon5591]

what is the distance from blue line to target?

[@derbycityvettech5041]

I was wondering what axes or tomahawks you'd recommend a beginner buy to practice at home?

[@Axeadelphia]

One of the best starter axes is the Cold Steel Axe Gang hatchet. They come with a very thin profile and are weighted perfectly for throwing. They are also incredibly durable so they are perfect for someone who is still learning their throw mechanics. Super affordable on amazon with 2 day delivery. The only problem is they come with a very long handle that you will need to cut down to 14-16". If you want to see them in action and get some more detailed information check out our top 5 throwing axes under $50 video! It made it to our number 2 spot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZfJZaqgbpmrZtk

[@derbycityvettech5041]

Axeadelphia thanks guys! I was looking at that axe along with a few others but that one seems to be highly recommended. What length did you recommend shortening it to?

[@Axeadelphia]

Personally I think the shorter the axe handle the better. It allows you to control your throw more and develop consistent accuracy much quicker. All of our axes are cut to 14".

[@gordo3582]

@@Axeadelphia Is this the one you recommend? amzn.to/2Is32cN Do you cut off all the Chinese characters? ;)

[@dellguru5908]

They are opening a place in Pottstown pa I hear

[@Mastertech6]

they opened one in EASTON @ circle!!

[@pisonja1]

So I’m looking at your slow motion video from the side, you keep talking about the follow through, but I don’t see any.

[@Axeadelphia]

I usually teach the follow through to new throwers as it makes it easier to learn the proper release point on the axe. Once you have that figured some people prefer to stop at their release point.

[@grapplergirl10]

Genuine question, why do you step BEFORE you throw? As opposed to AS you throw..

[@natevart4156]

Because u step into it, it’s similar the the step when throwing a baseball. You plant your foot before you throw

[@caydendiel3818]

I went axe throwing today for the first time, and in the beginning of the video i saw how gentle those guys were throwing, what type of wood were you using? Because the place we were at you really had to throw to stick it, and those guys were limpwristing it edit: im not saying im a pro, just saying it doesn't look right compared to my expierence

[@grapplergirl10]

Most places at the time of this video used pine. The current trend is to cotton wood. Much softer and almost self healing. Much easier to finesse throw on cottonwood.

[@caydendiel3818]

@@grapplergirl10 Ah I see, thank you

[@chandlerrowland8325]

How much do the axes you throw weigh?

[@Axeadelphia]

Anywhere from 1.25lb and 1.75lb head weight.

[@OmniMik3]

What is the distance from the outside edge of the blue line to target? or what is the course or range length?

[@louispotter9051]

I’m right handed so what leg should be resting and what leg should I move forward when I’m about to throw the axe?

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

Gian Louis typically at the time of release, if you are right handed, you want your right leg behind.

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

I’m left handed. When I throw, I start with my left leg forward, then step forward and throw. This means my left leg is back when the axe leaves my hand. I say axe, but I learned on tomahawk. Both are fun.

[@davidguthrie3895]

@@scotthansenmtbt4110 this guy has got it right. Think about ANYTHING done right handed. Archery? Right leg back. Boxing? Right leg back. And then there's bowling.... Still technically back but wayyy more eccentric 😂

[@matthewbittenbender9191]

I know this is like 5 years old and the rule might've changed, but stepping over that blue line that far brings the thrower so close to the target that is seems too easy. I've only ever thrown WATL rules and the thrower has to stay behind the line or it's a foul. But even that rule changes about 3-4 years ago for this reason. Bulls and kill shots/clutches are way smaller now too.

[@boxrboi123]

Did I hear you’re coming to the East Village in Downtown San Diego?! 😮😁

[@MonteiroMath]

The real question is: Is it effective against people fixing generators and clicking flashlights at you?

[@karloowen8897]

What's the white of the axe head

[@Axeadelphia]

They can be anywhere from 1.25 to 1.75 lb. The axes featured throughout most of the video are 1.5lb heads.

[@sergeantthunderbeard]

That Loot Crate Warcraft shirt tho!

[@MadHatter2k4]

I was also taught to use the axe head turned toward you depending on the distance

[@camerongaul261]

Did he just suggest underhanded trickery with setting up opponents with new boards? X,-D

[@Fraustyy]

its not cheating if u don't get caught hehehehe

[@mocoelmascoco4531]

I'm afraid I'll hit my own face... is it possible to mess up that bad?

[@shirleysmith3652]

Funny at 3:20 hes talking about how important the “follow thru” is and demonstrating bringing your arms all the way theu the swing but in the alternate clips where he’s wearing shorts, he never follows thru. So he’s giving direction that doesnt reflect what he does for his own success???

[@Axeadelphia]

Sometimes the advice you give a new thrower is completely different than what people end up doing with their final throw. Gotta learn the basics first and then you can start modifying your throw.

[@insomnia742]

You need duble Axe and more speed

[@donnielynn2703]

Hooked.

[@Axeadelphia]

If you are looking for a spot to throw near you check out our locations map. This includes axe throwing spots from all affiliations not just NATF. www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K49xqsuFcPyX4CYQUrxpehwSG3R4r1sM&ll=29.723267991246434%2C-75.1329813652344&z=4

[@insomnia742]

Hold Axe more more u Neva miss target o.O

[@insomnia742]

U need duble Axe and strength good luck my friend

[@ahetzel9054]

Some people will take several steps *Takes one step*

[@rynknowles4698]

I swear im a writer

[@josiaharaki7310]

Is that soap?

[@Axeadelphia]

Talking about the white block? That is chalk to help the axe slip out of your hand easier.

[@jdaz5462]

It's only a matter of time before someone gets killed by a drunk that releases it on their back swing and it lands in a spectator's head. There should be a cage behind the thrower.

[@KillerAJ]

I always thought when throwing an axe it's about chucking it as hard as you can.

[@Axeadelphia]

Not here! NATF throwing is much more about finesse and technique.

[@Elkins82ify]

The axes look way too small. You need an Estwing sportsman axe, now you’re axe throwing, my friend.

[@Axeadelphia]

The axes we use are actually the same size as the Estwing sportsman axe, 14". Only difference is we use all wooden handles. We also use the 28" 2.5lb axe for tiebreakers.

[@RecoveryAddict]

Here is how NOT to throw a hatchet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqW4YoVoZ8p-obc

[@MadHatter2k4]

Most of the time when I was the thrown weapons marshal we would use tree trunks and have two square spray as a target

[@FyremaelGlittersparkle]

I'm going to say by the term "thrown weapons marshal" you're in the SCA? I was formerly part of the kingdom of Atlantia, which is actually where I got into throwing axes in the first place. Where are/were you located?

[@robertreynolds1924]

The people who dis liked dropped there axe on it

[@johnwesson6440]

Step one how to throw an axe , pick up the axe. Step 2 , throw the axe. 5 mins in and I'm not sure yet , do I throw the axe or not.

[@johnwesson6440]

So you don't throw harder with new boards , um 😒

[@johnwesson6440]

Step 3 repeat 1000 times Step 4 repeat again 1000 × Step 5= ??? 😏

[@Axeadelphia]

Step 5 is clearly get online and post a bunch of shitty comments about the video you just watched.

[@johnwesson6440]

@@Axeadelphia 😆😆😆 gotta give you shit , I can't throw an axe , I don't have one 😢 You made me cry , feel better 😢😢

[@jkmsaturn]

Step 6: Start crying

[@bluesideup007]

Good instruction, but please dump the music once past the into. I want to have to hear what you say, not Green Day or whatever that was. Thanks.

[@MadHatter2k4]

If your axe isn’t sticking maybe it needs some sharpening

[@catsdragon7478]

Poor guy, he thinks a hatchet is an axe. But he throws hatchets preaty good. Next i want to see the axe throwing. Please!😜

[@LazyEyePolitics]

Music choice. Huge mistake. 😆

[@shaneburst5661]

Leading with the wrong foot

[@Axeadelphia]

Personally I like leading with the same foot as my primary hand as do a lot of throwers but it really comes down to what feels right to you.

[@insomnia742]

Wen ithrow Axe Axe broken

[@Roastarex]

Your so close to the target it’s pointless lol

[@Axeadelphia]

At the 14ft range it becomes all about consistancy and accuracy. For our big axe tiebreakers we step back and throw even further. Sure it's easier to get that consistancy down for a 14ft throw then it is for a double rotation but if you went out to a location and gave it a try I'm sure you would quickly learn it's a lot harder then we make it look in any of our videos.

[@traceymackie4233]

@@Axeadelphia I agree, i run an axe throwing business and it's alot harder than it looks, your videos are explained really well cheers

[@MadHatter2k4]

I throw mine one handed

[@insomnia742]

For more range

[@MadHatter2k4]

Your actually wrong axe throwing has been done in America for a long time in the sca medieval re enactment group.

[@johnmutton799]

BOLLOCKS

[@insomnia742]

U need angry

[@videoolibrary4721]

Whitest thing ever

[@insomnia742]

U don't need mathematics