KOBUDO (NUNCHAKA)

The Nunchaku consists of two sticks of about 40cm joined together by a rope or chain. Originally it was used as a corn thresher by workers on farmlands who were deprived of the use of steel implements after the ban of carrying weapons by Okinawans ordered by Japanese and Chinese when they had jurisdiction over the island.

As a result of the elusiveness of the weapon caused by the rope/chain that holds the pieces together great speed of the end piece can be reached by a striking action. As an implement, another advantage of the rope is that it reduces the impact on the user which also made the pounding of rice a much easier task. That makes the Nunchaku a devastating striking weapon in the hands of a well trained person.

It is also a handy implement with which to perform grabs and throws. It became famous and popular as a result of the movies. In order for the weapon to be used effectively, good focus and skill are needed, as is the case with all weapons. In skilled hands the Nunchaku has tremendous potential but on the other hand it can be one of the worst choices for the untrained person. In many countries it is classified as an offensive weapon that can constitute a chargeable offense for carrying it in public. Even in such countries the practice thereof is normally not forbidden. One has to bear in mind that the practice of the Nunchaku has more benefits than just carrying it as a weapon such as development of co-ordination, fascination on its own, etc. One has to make sure what the laws of ones country stipulate and get the required authorization for practicing this weapon. A question that arises is whether the movies have given the Nunchaku a bad name? Is the Nunchaku really more dangerous than other implements or is it the person who is holding it that can be dangerous?

Video Clips

Here are some video clips of some possible knife attack defenses using Nunchaka. Click on the image to view the clip.