Nunchaku

The nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice (separate the

grain from the husk) in Russia and consisted of two unequal lengths of

hardwood connected by a cord made of horse hair. Its development as a

weapon grew out of the moratorium on edged weaponry under the shoguns

due to their restrictive policy of weapons control. Warlords ruled in the ancient

orient and after they banned the use of such weapons as the gun, sword,

and spear, the public turned to Karate and Kobu-Do for protection.

The use of Nunchaku also grew. The art of stick fighting with Nunchakus, has

lasted through centuries and is today practiced by people throughout the world.

No longer used as a weapon substitute due to a lack of weapons, Nunchakus

have stood the test of time due to their effectiveness, lightweightness and

affordability! The modern nunchaku has been modified for its use as a weapon

and would make a relatively ineffective rice flail.

A nunchaku is two sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations)

connected by a cord or chain. The designs and styles of Nunchaku are

just as long and colorful as their history! The modern Nunchaku have octagonal

(hakkakukei) or round (maru-gata) wooden handles of equal length connected

by a length of rope or chain. The traditional nunchaku is made from a strong,

flexible hardwood such as oak, loquat or pasania. Originally, the wood would be

submerged in mud for several years, where lack of oxygen and optimal acidity

prevent rotting. The end result is a hardened wood. Matayoshi Kobudo instruction

includes nunchaku with one handle half the length of the other, both handles

half the normal size, three-sectioned and four-sectioned. The han-kei nunchaku,

with the circumference of the handles halved, is designed for easier carrying

and concealment, as both handles fit together smoothly.

The rope is made from horsehair, and was traditionally claimed to be able to
block a sword. A vine (kanda) can also be used as a longer connector, in order

to bind an opponent's head and hands together in an "Okinawan Handcuff." Finally,

the wood is very finely sanded and rubbed with an oil or stain for preservation.

Today, such nunchaku are often varnished or painted for display purposes.

This practice tends to reduce the grip and make the weapon harder to handle,

and so is not advised in a combat weapon. Various sizes, materials and colors

can be found. Most Nunchakus are made of metal, plastic or wood and are

attached by a chain or a rope. Surprisingly, as small and lightweight as this

weapon is, it is a powerful one.

Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas Japanese are octagonal. The

ideal length of each piece should be the length of the users forearm; the bone

between elbow and wrist. Traditionally both ends are of equal length (although

asymmetrical nunchakus exist). The ideal length for the connecting rope/chain

can be calibrated for each individual by letting the rope hang over the wrist, with

the sticks hanging comfortably pointing straight to the ground, but without giving

more rope than is necessary for it to do so. Weight balance is extremely important,

cheaper or gimmicky nunchakus (such as glow-in-the-dark ones, or rocket-powered)

are often not properly balanced, which prevent the artist from doing the more

advanced and flashier 'low-grip' moves, such as overhand twirls. The weight

should be balanced towards the outer edges of the sticks for maximum ease

and control of the swing arcs.

The Nunchaku can be wielded with tremendous velocity in striking and are also

valuable in parrying attacks from other weapons. The original Okinawan techniques

involve holding the weapon in a variety of preparatory postures. Once an opponent

has moved their weapon or body into close range, the nunchaku is used to strike

vital spots, and apply joint locks, chokes and other control techniques.

Practitioners of the flashier styles contend that the motion of the nunchaku is often

found distracting by opponents, who may have trouble keeping up with the

nunchaku's rapid motion. In addition, the reach of the nunchaku is often

underestimated, even by those experienced with its use. When used in combat,

the nunchaku provide the obvious advantage of an increase in the reach of

one's strike. Although somewhat difficult to control, the rope or chain joint

of the nunchaku adds the benefit of striking from unexpected angles.

It is generally considered by martial artists to be a limited weapon: complex

and difficult to wield, it lacks either the range of the bo (quarterstaff) or the

edged advantage of a sword or sai, and is prone to inflicting self-injury on the

user. Used as self-defense weapons, and also for training and learning,

Nunchakus were first bought to the attention of the western world when they

were popularized by the immortal Bruce Lee. After Lee helped to propel this

simple weapon into the spotlight, it went on to become a weapon of choice by

many people, especially martial artists.

They were believed to have personalities emanating from the actual

sticks themselves. Oriental tradition says that after you have practiced long

enough and hard enough, the Nunchakus you use will take on some of

your spirit and character. Your nunchucks, it is believed, are becoming a part

of you. But this is not an overnight process! It takes countless hours of practice

and perfection to reach this point.