How to Use Nunchucks
Nunchucks, or Nunchaku, have been called the perfect martial arts weapon. Nunchucks are sticks, hardwood or metal, linked together with a chain or rope. The martial arts techniques used to control nunchucks must be practiced repeatedly to gain mastery.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
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1
Enroll in a martial arts training class. Japanese martial arts styles most commonly employ nunchuck techniques. Korean taekwondo, Filipino, Chinese and Okinawa martial arts schools also have extensive training in the use of nunchucks.
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2
Exercise extreme caution when first learning to use nunchucks. The martial arts weapon when not fully under control can leave a lump on a user's head and destroy nearby objects. Practice in a space free of obstructions.
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3
Control the movement of the nunchucks. Get a feel for the weight and pendulum-like swing of the sticks. Hold one stick firmly and slowly twirl the attached stick. Getting a feel for the martial arts weapon is the first step in learning to control it.
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4
Grasp the weapon firmly but maintain flexibility. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and move the nunchucks in a slow swinging arc to the side of your body.
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5
Perform a slow pass of the weapon from one hand to the other. The nunchuck is designed to be used at high speeds, but don't try high velocity maneuvers until you're ready. Because of the flexible swinging design of the nunchuck, expect to endure many inadvertent smashed knuckles and bruises.
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6
Try different styles of nunchucks and martial arts schools. There are many variations of this popular martial arts weapon. Nunchucks are said to take on the spirit and characteristics of their users. This process of becoming one with the nunchuck takes hundreds of hours of work, but in the end the weapon becomes an extension of the fighter.
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