How to Use Nunchaku

Once the traditions and techniques of the martial arts discipline are mastered, the martial arts student typically adds weapons training to their repertoire.  Nunchakus are to be used in a specific manner, and mastery of their usage demonstrates overall mastery of the martial arts discipline of the student.

The proper term is nunchaku, not numchucks.  This traditional martial arts weapon originated on the Japanese island of Okinawa.  They became popular against the occupying Japanese, and were the only weapon available as all other weapons had been confiscated.  Proper use of nunchaku takes skill and prowess, but can be mastered with disciplined practice.

1. Grip the nunchaku in one hand, and ensure that the cord or chain is taut.  This configuration will have one nunchaku stick lower than the other.


2. Grip one of the nunchaku at the end of the stick, allowing approximately a half inch of the stick showing below the bottom of your gripped fist.


3. Using a figure 8 pattern, twirl the nunchaku.  As you twirl, your arm should be parallel to the floor, and your fist should be at the centerline of your body.  Ensure that you use only your wrist as you twirl, and be certain that you minimize the movement of your arm from side to side.  Your other hand should be in front of your chest, and serve as a guide to keep you from hitting your face.  This is the safety position.


4. Begin a reverse figure 8 by swinging the nunchaku down, and away from your body.  This is more difficult from the traditional figure 8 as the free nunchaku stick will be moving toward your face at the top of the pattern.  Ensure that your hand remains in front of your chest.


5. Practice using the figure 8 to strike your opponent.  It is important that when you strike, move your arm across your body to ensure that the free stick does not bounce off of your opponent and strike you.  The ideal striking position on an opponent is the hands.


6. Throw your nunchaku at your opponent.  This can be accomplished by gripping one stick vertically and pulling back on the second stick while simultaneously holding it in a horizontal position.  Release the horizontal nunchaku, and flick your other wrist.


7. Block a thrown nunchaku by catching the cord.