People have been throwing axe since 6000 BC. However, warriors’ first documented use of axes was in the 3rd Century A.D. By the late middle ages, throwing axes was a standard weapon. Competitive axe throwing was organized by the frontiersmen in North America, but the Celtic tribes reportedly held their own competitions.
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Axe throwing became a popular activity among lumberjacks. The last twenty years saw the rise of axe throwing venues in North America and eventually in the U.K. Because of its popularity, it is now possible for newbies to sharpen their axe throwing skills by visiting an axe throwing bar.
Axe throwing competitions were the brainchild of Matt Wilson in 2006 when he and his friends threw axes out of boredom. From there, he established the Backyard Axe Throwing League. Eventually, the number of people who threw in his backyard slowly grew. Ten years after forming B.A.T.L., Wilson and others formed the International Axe Throwing Federation. In 2017, the World Axe Throwing League was formed.
The axe throwing rage has caught on in the U.K. with the proliferation of facilities for axe throwing. One can easily find a facility by doing a Google search for “axe throwing bar near me.” In this article, we shall look at some of the venues London has to offer to axe throwing enthusiasts.
What To Expect From An Axe Throwing Session?
If you are heading out to an axe throwing venue for the first time, there may be some questions on your mind. You might be wondering what the experience will be like. Here’s what you can expect from your first visit.
Tutorial and safety briefings
Before your session, you will receive the instructor’s full safety briefing and tutorial. This will include how to safely throw an axe and hit the target. The instructor will observe you and provide some tips on how successfully throw an axe.
The instructor will consider individual differences, so they will provide unique tips on where and how you should stand, when to release the axe and where to aim.
Food and drinks
One of the reasons safety is necessary for an axe throwing bar is because it combines axes and booze. Axe throwing facilities serve food and drink so you can fully enjoy the experience.
Tournaments and Prizes
After a few practice games, you may finally be ready to participate in the competitions and win amazing prizes. You can have an opportunity to win a trophy for yourself.
Where To Throw an Axe in London
Axe throwing has found its way to London. The British capital is home to many axe throwing venues for both beginners and advanced throwers. Here are some of the axe throwing bars worth visiting in London.
Whistle Punks
Whistle Punks was established in 2016 and were the first company to bring axe throwing into the woodlands and to the U.K. high street. It was founded by longtime friends John Nimmons and Jools Whitehorn. The two friends own Battle Bows and Bubble Foothall after dipping their toes in socially competitive activities.
Their desire to create an experience with an edge led them to try their hands on axe throwing. Whistle Punks is the pioneer urban axe throwing venue in the U.K. The first axe throwing facility of Whistle Punks is located in Whitechapel. Currently, it has four outlets in London.
At Whistle Punks, you can play as an individual or bring your friends or co-workers along. There are different packages you can avail of. The facility has venues in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. But Whistle Punks is continuously growing, so you should check their website from time to time for new venues.
Bad Axe Throwing
Bad Axe Throwing is the world’s most significant urban axe throwing club. It was founded by Mario Zelava in 2014 and opened its first branch in Burlington, Ontario. It has since expanded to more than 40 locations in Canada and the United States. This is the first international expansion of Bad Axe Throwing. Bad Axe Throwing London is the first World Axe Throwing League venue in London.
Bad Axe Throwing London is located within Box Park at 18 Olympic Way, just a few steps from Wembley Stadium, the England Football Club home.
The Snake Room
The Snake Room is the first axe throwing venue in Chesterfield. It gives people an avenue for relieving their tension by throwing an axe. At the Snake Room, you will get the most fun with friends. At the venue, you can sling axes with your colleagues’ friends. You can challenge them on points or cheer for them. It provides all the ingredients that you need for a fun night out. It has a fantastic café that serves coffee you can replenish.
At the venue, a head coach will provide expert assistance and all the tips in the book to make you an excellent axe thrower.
Essex Backyard Throwers
Essex Backyard Throwers is the largest knife and tomahawk throwing club in the United Kingdom. It was founded on August 24, 2016. The founding members are Alan K. Paris, Roger Nuttall, and Terry Longhurst. In a short time, the club has become increasingly popular to create a fun and safe environment to practice this magnificent sport by throwing knives and hatchets. It regularly holds events and contests throughout the year. Essex Backyard Throwers works closely with Scouts to help them safely set up and operate across the country. The club uses the K.A.T.A.A. The club meets every Tuesday and on irregular weekends throughout the year.
K.A.T.T.A.’s goal is to develop the art/sport of throwing knives, axes, double-edged axes, and tomahawks in the U.K., as well as promoting the popularization of the sport and its impeccable safety. As more and more people in London become attracted to axe throwing, the number of facilities will also continue to grow.
