I realize there may already be threads out there but I looked and searched and cant find one...If somebody doesn't like this thread out there because of that please include a link to one :apologetic:
It's good to see this forum pick up steam. Don't worry about asking a question that's already been answered - this forum isn't big enough to make repetitive inquiries a problem (speaking for myself).
There are sub-techniques within the realm of no-spin. I consider there to be three main no-spin techniques - a simplified comparison is below.
(1) Thorn style. Distinguishing characteristics are (a) the arm moves in a simple arc; the hand generally passes ABOVE the head at the apex of an overhand throw, (b) the wrist flops to control spin and accelerate the knife, (c) the knife is held with a three-finger wrap grip with index finger on the spine, and (d) the knife slides from the hand.
(2) Russian style. Distinguishing characteristics are (a) the arm moves in a whip motion; the hand generally stays at or below head level, (b) the 'snap' (whip motion) controls the spin and accelerates the knife, (c) the knife is held with a three-finger wrap grip with index finger on the spine, and (d) the knife slides from the hand.
(3) Mumyou-Ryu (Houzan Suzuki) style. Distinguishing characteristics are (a) the arm moves in upward arc resembling a high-5; the hand generally stays at or below head level and moves straight forward until release, (b) the wrist is much stiffer than other no-spin methods, (c) the knife is held with a thumb/middle-finger sandwich with the index finger on the spine, and (d) the knife is released rather abruptly.
I've always thrown with the Mumyou-Ryu (MR) grip - I'm just now learning to throw with the three-finger wrap grip. One of my problems is that I often don't have enough spin to stick knives at close distances (under 12 feet). I find that the three-finger-wrap grip helps me to get MORE spin than the MR grip, so I use the three-finger wrap for close ranges.
I also find that I must throw large knives (over 12") with the Thorn style. I think a large knife has too much mass and size for the Russian method to work properly - because the Russian method relies on a rapid change in direction and speed. Throwing a large knife with the Russian style is like trying to use a heavy chain as a whip.
So I'm mixing and matching various grips and techniques, depending on weapon and range - but it is all no-spin.
Like I said, my description of no-spin techniques is simplified. If you dig into the details, you'll find that there is a lot of cross-over between the methods - every thrower is going to do what I do to some extent (adjust their technique to get results). Houzan has dozens of sub-techniques that he considers distinct, but seem indistinguishable to the casual observer. Similarly, on the topic of Russian throwing, if you watch videos of Fedin and videos of Ahmadu, they seem like very different methods. So don't let me give you the impression that any of this is black-and-white.
) competition. 
