How to Train With Nunchucks
Nunchaku are some of the most widely known karate weapons of self-defense. They originated from Okinawa, according to the Okinawa Kenshinkan Federation, and were used for threshing grain. Nunchaku bear a resemblance to the Chinese two-section staff. Nunchaku consist of two lengths of wood connected by a rope, chain or, traditionally, a braid of horsehair. Their main function is to trap oncoming attacks, but they can function as an extension of the user's arm for strikes.
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Instructions
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Stance
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Place your feet shoulder-width apart, heels at a 45-degree angle. Straighten your back and look straight ahead.
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2
Step forward with your right foot, so the heel of your right foot is even with the toes of your left foot. Bend your knees to line up vertically with your toes, and turn your feet parallel to each other.
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3
Balance your body weight evenly between both feet, and lift your heels off the ground. Moving on the balls of your feet allows you flexibility and the ability to become rooted to the ground easily when necessary.
Holding the Nunchaku
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4
Grip each side of the nunchaku no more than an inch away from the ends.
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Exert most of your force on the little and ring fingers.
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Relax your wrists. Power in swinging the nunchaku comes from the rotation of hips, arms and wrists. If your wrist is tense, it can't easily rotate and will quickly tire.
Striking
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Hold the nunchaku parallel to the ground, pointed past your right hip. The portion formerly in your left hand should dangle freely.
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Rotate your hips and arm in unison as you swing the nunchaku horizontally across your body. The hip rotation adds power to the strike, but more importantly, keeps you from hitting yourself with the free end should you miss your target.
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When swinging the nunchaku, lift your left elbow. If you don't lift your elbow, it limits your range and traps that arm.
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Pull the nunchaku along its path as though swinging a sword. It keeps the sticks straight and minimizes the recoil when striking a target.
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Practice swinging the nunchaku at upward and downward diagonal angles, as well as horizontally. Vertical strikes are rare in the use of nunchaku--downward strikes run the risk of striking you in the groin or the foot, and upward strikes endanger your head. Always bring your arm to full extension before pulling the nunchaku back in.
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Tips & Warnings
Nunchaku are difficult to control at high speed. Ensure you have enough space to practice the various strikes.
Seek instruction from a qualified instructor of martial arts if possible.
Self-instruction can possibly cause you to develop poor training habits and endanger you or others.
