Kraków: Shurikens, Kunais, Knives, Tomahawks, Axes, Shooting

At Axe Mate Club, a lumberjack’s axe, a ninja star and a pistol all make the same simple demand: aim, follow your instructor’s advice, and see what happens. This 90-minute session puts several very different target activities under one roof, from axe throwing at a World Axe Throwing League member venue to pistol and rifle shooting.

I like the mix of hands-on instruction across several weapons and the chance to try activities you may not find on a standard Kraków sightseeing day. One thing to weigh is the clock: 90 minutes gives you a taste of each activity, but it may feel short if you want to master them all.

The highlights at a glance

• Axe throwing at a league-member venue: Start with a lumberjack’s axe, then try a tomahawk.
• Ninja-style targets: Learn the basics of throwing shuriken and kunai.
• Sport knife throwing: Try a knife designed by WKTL for international knife-throwing tournaments.
• A shooting-range finish: The session includes pistol and rifle shooting, with a full-automatic rifle also mentioned.
• More than weapons: Darts are included, giving you a familiar target game between the more unusual activities.
• A compact, guided session: Basic instruction is included, and the full experience lasts 90 minutes.

One session, many kinds of aim

Axe Mate Club’s appeal is variety. Instead of spending the whole visit on a single activity, you move through a set of target challenges that ask for different grips, throws and kinds of concentration. The structure makes this a good pick if you are curious about several activities but do not want to book them separately.

The session lasts 90 minutes, including basic instruction. That is enough time to try a number of activities, but your pace and progress will vary. One person may quickly find a comfortable throwing motion, while another may need more coaching and practice. If your main goal is to get good at one weapon, the short format is a trade-off worth considering.

The club is in Kraków, in Lesser Poland, and the meeting point is Axe Mate Club. It is described as a short walk from Galeria Kazimierz, a useful reference if you are already in that part of the city. A previous participant found the walk from there took only a few minutes, though you should check your own route before setting out.

Start with the lumberjack’s axe

The first challenge is a lumberjack’s axe, a tool traditionally used to shape and split wood. Here, the point is to learn how to throw it at a target. The venue belongs to the World Axe Throwing League, which gives the activity a sport setting rather than the feel of an improvised novelty.

You will get basic instruction, then put it into practice. The appeal is immediate: an axe either hits the target or it does not, and small adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Pay attention to the instructor’s pointers rather than simply throwing harder. A participant who struggled with the techniques improved after getting one-to-one guidance, which is a good reminder that coaching matters more than muscle.

Next comes the tomahawk, a modern hatchet modeled on those used by Native Americans in North America. It is a different object to handle, so the shift is part of the fun: you can compare the feel of the two throws rather than treating every target as the same task. Keep your expectations sensible. You are learning several skills in one visit, not training for a competition.

Try shuriken, kunai and sport knives

The session then turns to throwing weapons associated with ninja traditions. The shuriken is the familiar star-shaped throwing weapon, while the kunai is described here as a traditional Japanese tool that can also serve as a climbing hook. They look unlike the axes, but the basic challenge remains: follow the instruction, find your aim and adjust your throw.

One participant found the shuriken especially easy and fun to throw. That makes it a promising activity if you are new to target sports, though it does not mean every person will find it effortless. The different shapes give you a quick lesson in how much the object itself changes the experience.

You will also try sport knives designed by WKTL for international knife-throwing tournaments. This adds another distinct technique to a session already full of equipment changes. If you are keen to improve at knife throwing, use the instructor’s feedback carefully and ask for pointers when you need them. With so many activities in 90 minutes, taking a moment to correct your form can be more useful than rushing on to the next target.

Darts round out the throwing portion. They may feel familiar if you have played before, but they also give you a simpler point of comparison: you can see how your aim changes when the object is small and light instead of heavy or blade-shaped. It is a welcome change of pace between the more unusual throws.

Finish at the shooting range

The final part takes you to the shooting range. The experience includes pistol and rifle shooting, and the pistol is identified as a P-07 Duty CZ 75. Its stated muzzle velocity is 110 metres per second, and the description notes a Blow Back system. The session also mentions a full-automatic rifle, so this portion offers a change from throwing weapons to aiming down a range.

The equipment is a major reason this activity feels unusual for a city break. If you have never tried shooting, it may be a new experience; if you have, it still gives you a chance to compare your aim with the earlier target challenges. A participant who was new to pistol and rifle shooting found it enjoyable, while her husband’s prior military experience helped him with the automatic rifle. Your own experience and comfort will shape how this part feels.

Basic instruction is included, so you are not expected to arrive knowing how to use the equipment. Follow the instructor’s directions throughout and treat the range as a structured activity, not a casual add-on. The supplied details do not specify the number of shots or the exact time spent at each station, so do not count on a particular allocation within the 90 minutes.

What the price buys you

The listed price is $106 for a group of up to one, so it is presented as a single-person booking rather than a group rate to split among several people. For that amount, the included activities span axe, tomahawk, sport knife, shuriken and kunai throwing, pistol and rifle shooting, darts and basic instruction.

That range makes the price easier to assess than a single-activity session. You are paying for a sampler of several target sports, with instruction, rather than a long practice session devoted to one weapon. If you are curious about many of them, the variety is the value. If you mainly want to throw axes, you may prefer to compare the cost and duration with an axe-only option, if one is available.

Food is not included. Plan to eat before or after the session if you want a meal, and remember that alcohol and drugs are not allowed. You cannot enter under their influence, a sensible rule for a venue involving throwing equipment and shooting.

Who will get the most from it

This is a strong fit for couples, friends or solo visitors looking for an active change from museums and old-town walks. The activities are varied enough to make a shared outing lively: one person may take to the shuriken, another may prefer the axes, and the shooting range adds another point of comparison. A previous couple used it as a date activity, which makes sense for a session built around trying something new together.

It can also suit people who like learning by doing. The instructor offers basic guidance, and one instructor associated with the club is named Tomek. If you are assigned to him, or meet him during your visit, ask for specific corrections when a throw is not working; individual pointers helped one beginner improve quickly.

This is not the best choice if you want a quiet, passive activity or a long, focused course in a single discipline. You will move through several weapons and targets, and the 90-minute limit means there may not be time to repeat every activity until you feel fully confident. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, so families should factor that into their plans.

Practical details before you go

Bring a passport or ID card and wear closed-toe shoes. The activity is offered with English- and Polish-speaking instruction, which gives you a choice of language depending on availability and your booking.

The booking information allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the calendar before you plan the rest of your day around the session. Smoking is not allowed, and neither are alcohol or drugs.

Should you book Axe Mate Club?

Book it if you want a lively, hands-on activity that packs several unusual skills into one short visit. The best parts are the variety, the chance to get instruction as you try each weapon, and the contrast between axe throwing, ninja-style targets and the shooting range.

Think twice if your priority is depth rather than variety. Ninety minutes is a sampler, not a full course, and someone who needs extra time to learn may wish for more practice. But if you are curious, open to trying unfamiliar activities and happy to move at a brisk pace, Axe Mate Club offers a memorable break from Kraków’s usual sightseeing routine.

FAQ

How long does the Axe Mate Club experience last?

The session lasts 90 minutes.

What activities are included?

The included activities are axe, tomahawk, sport knife, shuriken and kunai throwing, pistol shooting, rifle shooting and darts. Basic instruction is also included.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Axe Mate Club in Kraków.

What languages are available for instruction?

Instruction is available in English and Polish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and wear closed-toe shoes.

Can children take part?

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.