NOVI, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s newly trending sport: Axe-throwing.

“Never threw an axe before until today,” said one recent visitor to BATL Axe Throwing in Novi. “It was a blast!”

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Axe-throwing lanes offer spaces for everyone from beginners to league members. They also often provide food and alcoholic drinks, personalized coaching for beginner and experienced throwers, and an opportunity to socialize with fellow axe-throwers.

The latest addition to Michigan’s axe-throwing facilities is Razor Axe Marquette, slated to open on Friday.

“We have axe-throwing, we have knife throwing, we have throwing stars, throwing cards, we have cornhole, we have hammerschlagen, and we are working on getting a tabletop shuffleboard as well,” said owner Jacob Truttmann. “We are the first and the only axe-throwing bar in the entire upper peninsula.”

Several other axe-throwing facilities have opened this year, including Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing (Mt. Pleasant), Axe Parlor (Livonia), Bearded Axe (Caro), and Axecadia (Lapeer).

The Economist called axe-throwing “the friendliest new sport in America,” and the community has a reputation for being upbeat and welcoming. Some say the sport also offers physical and cognitive benefits by improving reflexes, coordination, and concentration.

If you’re hoping to impress your friends at the next axe-throwing outing, Bad Axe recommends choosing a sharp axe specifically designed for competitive throwing (not available at hardware stores). Beginners should hold their axe over their head with both hands, stand approximately 12 feet from the target, and carefully adjust their distance until the axe hits parallel to the target boards.