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about total axe throwing detroit

About Total Axe

Why is Total Axe better than the rest?

  • Setting up and cleaning up after your party NEVER come out of your time.
  • Reservations of 2 or more are NEVER combined. The targets you book belong to your group and only your group.
  • No hidden service fees or charges. Everything laid out on our pricing page with taxes included in pricing.
  • In addition to axes, our reservations include throwing stars and the option to upgrade with knives, batwings, steel playing cards, and more.
  • All groups are accompanied by a coach for safety reasons. More importantly, our coaches will enhance your experience by teaching you games and helping your technique until you’re hitting bullseyes every time!

What you should know before booking at Total Axe

  • Reservations are available 7 days a week. Weekend reservations can be made with a few hours’ notice. On weekdays, reservations must be made a day in advance.
  • Walk-in throwing is available during peak times.

What you should know before visiting Total Axe

When you visit Total Axe Throwing, you’ll be greeted by one of our skilled and friendly coaches. After checking in, your coach will provide a thorough orientation on how to safely handle axes and navigate our facility. Next, you’ll receive a lesson on proper axe throwing technique to get you started. Our coaches are experts at helping people of all skill levels learn to throw like pros. Once you’re comfortable with the basic technique, your coach will teach you the rules of different games, how to score, and how to play with your group. With our expert instruction and support, you’ll be having a great time throwing axes in no time!

  • ALL ADULTS who enter Total Axe must show a valid photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Children under 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.
  • Everyone must sign a waiver to observe or participate.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required for all axe throwers.
  • Outside food is allowed. Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in sealed containers only. No thermoses, coffee cups, etc.
  • Please arrive about 5 minutes before your start time so filling out waivers and safety instruction does not cut into your time.
  • If you have a reservation, you are limited to 6 people per target (including non-throwers).
  • Anyone who appears to be under the influence will be asked to leave.
  • Walk-ins are not accepted after 6pm on Sundays and 8pm all other walk-in days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Axe Throwing

Urban Axe Throwing is a sport with roots that date back centuries. Lumberjack competitions have featured some variation of an axe throw for decades. More recently, axe throwing has been brought indoors on ranges. While each venue may have slightly different rules, each has a foul line and a target similar to darts or shooting.

I’ve never thrown an axe before, at least indoors. Will someone be there to help me?

Every person who walks through the door is given a coach to help, regardless of skill level. Everyone is given safety instructions and taught how to throw an axe. Our coaches will assist each thrower until they can hit the target. After that, we will teach you scoring and games.

Can I just walk in?

Walk-in axe throwing is available on a first-come, first-served basis during walk-in hours. During peak times, as many as 5 people may be put on each target. Each thrower takes 5 throws, then the next player takes their turn, similar to bowling.

Can I bring my own axe?

Yes! We just ask that personal axes are 13-19 inches in length, single blade no longer than 4.25 inches, no spikes on the back, and have a cover when not in use. Our coaches will double-check the axe to make sure it’s safe to throw. We will provide any other items for throwing.

Do you offer anything else to throw?

Yes, we are currently offering a Ninja Package that allows you to throw axes, stars, batarangs and even a tactical shovel! This is available as an add-on to reservations for $10/person.

Do you serve any food or drinks?

We have a small selection of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but for safety reasons, we do not serve or allow alcohol. You are welcome to bring your own food or even have your event catered. Give us a heads-up if you need us to clear a space for you.

Can we bring alcohol?

No, we maintain the highest safety standards of any axe throwing range. It is the perfect activity to work up that thirst before heading to a great bar like Orleans Sports Cafe in downtown Mount Clemens, less than a mile away.

Can we tip our coach?

Tipping is never required but always appreciated! Our Coaches will do their best to make your experience fun and exciting. If you don’t have cash, our Coaches take Venmo, and have a Square reader for credit cards.

What is the age limit?

We don’t have one for most items! Knife throwers must be 18. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by their parent, but there is no minimum. We have lighter axes, tomahawks, and throwing stars for our smaller throwers. All participants are treated equally. Anyone who cannot follow our safety rules with reasonable accommodation (regardless of age) will be asked not to participate.

League Rules

Total Axe is a proud member of the World Blade League. The most up-to-date league rules can be found here.

  1. Targets
    1. The main target contains 6 concentric circles, labeled from 1-6 points, centered 60 inches from the ground.
    2. Outside of the main target, there are 4 smaller targets, one in each corner. The 2 higher targets are centered 74 inches from the ground and the 2 lower targets are centered 46 inches from the ground. Each corner target is labeled with 3 rings, label 3, 5, and 7 points.
    3. Throws that land in the boards outside of any circles score no points.
    4. The foul line is placed 12 feet from the target for adults, 10 feet for youth.
  2. Equipment
    1. Axes must measure at least 13 inches in total length.
    2. Axes must have no more than one blade, spike, or sharp edge. The blade must measure 4.25 inches or less from point to point.
  3. Gameplay
    1. Games consist of 5 throws. Matches consist of 3 games (total of 15 throws).
    2. Players must throw from behind the foul line. After releasing, both feet must contact the ground behind the foul line. Failure to do so results in a loss of throw. Touching or crossing the line before both players have thrown results in a loss of throw.
    3. The blade of the axe must be stuck in the target to score. Players score the innermost zone that the head of the axe is touching.
    4. The main target must be used for the first throw.
    5. Players must indicate if they are aiming for one of the corner targets
      • If a corner shot has not been indicated, only the main target is in play.
      • If a corner shot is indicated, the main target is not in play
      • After hitting one of the corner targets, that corner is “closed out” and does not count for the rest of the game.
    6. The person in the lead must declare their intent first. If the game is tied, either player may declare their intent or attempt to reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be made and no player declares their intent, each player must aim for the main target.
    7. On the last throw of each game, the player who is behind must indicate their intent before the player in the lead.
    8. Match win is awarded to the player who wins the most games. Ties count as half of a win.
  4. Choice of side/Order of Throw
    1. During the regular season, side is chosen by coin-toss or rock-paper-scissors. During playoffs, the higher seed may choose their starting side.
    2. During all throws, players throw together.
  5. Attendance
    1. Players must check in before matches start. Players who do not check in before the start of league are considered absent for the night.
    2. Players must attend 70% of the season to be included in the playoffs. No make-up games are provided.
    3. Each player gets 5 practice throws before their first match. Players may have 1 practice before each match thereafter.
    4. Each week of the regular season consists of 6 matches per player.
  6. League Playoffs
    1. The last week of league is a double-elimination tournament. All players compete for the championship.
      • Standings are determined by player average.
      • Ties in standings are broken by total points scored, then wins, then a coin toss.
    2. In the event of a tie game in the tournament:
      • Each player will throw together until the tie is broken.
      • Players start overtime aiming at the main target only.
      • If both players have hit a bullseye, it is closed out and the corners are the only targets in play. Once a corner target is hit, it is closed out until all 4 corners have been hit.
      • If both players are still tied after hitting all 4 corners, play continues in the same pattern, starting with the main target.
    3. Games per round
      • Matches are played until one person wins 3 games (3 out of 5).
      • When only four players remain, matches are played until one person wins 4 games (4 out of 7).