TAKEDA RYU NAKAMURA HA - SHURIKENJUTSU is a subdiscipline of TAKEDA RYU NAKAMURA HA - IAIJUTSU.
In the west it is often mistaken with the use of throwing plates having the shape of a star.
But this did not count for a samurai. They used darts in various size and weight. Even very thin needles had been used.
The usage of the shuriken was based on three purposes.

1) it was used to confuse the oponent during his sword attack. With no doubt this darts are very dangerous. Therefore the oponont needed to react on the throw. So he was distracted which gave the opportunity to start a counter attack.

2) it was used inside the houses, because to carry a sword was not allowed there. The small darts fit in an obi perfectly and therefore had not been easy to find. With sprinkling a little amount of poison on them a very efficient and deadly weapon could be used.

3) it was also used as thrusting in infight. Approaching the opponent some darts had been thrown to confuse him. Reaching the right distance it was then used for thrusting the open spots.

The shuriken are thrown during standing, sitting, walking, running and even jumping. Good dexterity, a good feeling for distance are necessary for this discipline, which is taught at master level.