Nunchucks are not weapons. Neither are they a type of stick or lacrosse, nor are they a type of club. Nope — these are actually old martial arts training tools that date back to the 16th century in Okinawa Japan and served as primary hand defenses in indigenous traditions.
The first recorded mention of nunchaku-like weapons is from the 16th century Ryukyuan Kingdom’s “Ryukyu Shokumu” (1377) and several other official texts describing “nunchaku’’ as one of the kingdom’s martial arts, which were used by men up until the 19th century and by women until after World War II.
They were also known as “tode” (Tohoku dialect, nunchakus) in the Tohoku region of Japan and Okinawa, which is now also used to refer to all nunchaku. However, it should be noted that in Okinawa and Japan in general, the practice of “udon-bujutsu” (medieval martial arts), or karate-dojo (those old enough to remember grab the guns), included training in other martial arts such as aikido, judo and kendo not related to them.
Features of Nunchaku:
Nunchucks are made with two rods, usually made of wood or metal. They have a handle and an end section with two sets of connecting metal rings or wires. The user holds the outside rod section using a hand at each end. They can be used in pairs or individually. These weapons come in a variety of sizes and weights, from light to heavy.
Nunchaku were used by both foot soldiers and high-ranking officers for self-defense. The technique of using nunchaku is referred to as “nunchaku-do” (“way of the nunchucks’ ‘) or “nukite”. The practice of using nunchaku in Okinawa was outlawed for a time under the Meiji Restoration because of its use in traditional martial arts. Use was revived again when it became incorporated into more modern jiu jitsu training.
Today, they are used by many martial artists but the most common use is in martial arts such as Tang Soo Do, Shorin-ryu, and Kenpo. Along with being useful as a training tool, they have become popular with martial arts fans, who use them as collector’s items and movie props.
Some movies that feature nunchaku include Bad Boys II (2003), Rumble In The Bronx (1995), The Matrix (1999), and Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003).
Practice Martial Arts
Nunchucks are one of the most recognizable melee weapons, but they’re not just for show. They can be a force to reckon with when wielded properly. The best way to make use of them is in fighting arts like karate and kung fu, where their quick action and special circular motions help practitioners land powerful blows on their opponents.
Here’s how you can get started with nunchaku and start training in martial arts right away!
· Carry Your Nunchaku with Ease
When you first pick up nunchaku, it’s best to carry them on your back. This allows all the blowback from your strikes to be absorbed and keeps them out of the way. This is especially important if you’re a beginner and are struggling to hold the handles properly.
Once you’ve been practicing for a while and feel comfortable holding them, switch to front-carrying nunchucks so they stay closer to your body. You’ll find that this places more of the weight on your shoulders, which will help you use them with greater stability as you learn how to wield them more effectively.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these are two general guidelines to follow as you begin.
· Combining Each Hand with the Other
While carrying these nunchaku on one hand, it’s important to make sure that you’re combining the blowback from your left and right strikes, respectively. This will help you aim your strikes more accurately and quickly draw them back into the same position each time.
If you’re first starting out, do this by overlapping each hand with their opposite for about a minute or so. Over time, you should work up to this level of comfort. Another way to work on using your hands properly with nunchaku is to practice sparring with a partner or training partner.
It’s an excellent way to fine-tune your skills and learn what a difference the right amount of weight can make.
· Learn Moves and Techniques
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to move onto some basic techniques. There are so many techniques you can perform with your nunchaku pair. But the thing to do is that. You have to perform basic tricks first and then move to some advanced techniques. In this way you can learn each and every thing in detail.
Be Careful when Using Nunchaku!
Nunchucks are a traditional Japanese martial art weapon that consists of two sticks connected by a hinge in the middle. These days, it’s more common for people to use them as a recreational toy rather than for martial arts training. These weapons can be dangerous. Serious injuries can occur. Here are some tips on how to use these weapons and stay safe.
Always use the correct protective equipment. Protective gear like face masks, chest guards, elbow pads and hand protection should always be used when using nunchaku. If you don’t have a partner to practice with, try using these on a big heavy bag so that you can still move around to strike it effectively without inadvertently hitting yourself or someone else who is nearby.
Before you strike a bag or another person, know what your target will do if you miss because this will help you learn how to adjust your aim for subsequent strikes. Practice makes perfect so keep at it until accuracy improves.
