Nunchucks are a weapon typically consisting of two or more wooden or metal sticks connected by a cord, chain, or rope at one end and a handle at the other. They are also sometimes referred to as "nunchaku". The origin of the weapon is unclear. The earliest references to the word come from Japan in 1614; there is no evidence that it was used in China, where it originated. 

According to tradition, nunchaku is based on rice-pounding sticks used by farmers in Okinawa; this origin story dates back to 1947 and remains contentious among historians and martial arts practitioners for various reasons. The weapon consists of two wooden sticks connected by a rope or chain. The blunt ends are mainly used for blocking and striking while the sharper edges can be used for striking. These characteristics closely resemble an ordinary length of wood. and they are filled with air, making them very lightweight. 

There are also metal nunchaku which are exactly the same except made out of metal instead of wood. Both types can be used in either single or double-hand fashion and may be thrown like a pair of shuriken when used as an auxiliary weapon. They are often linked by a length of chain (or rope) that is wrapped around the hands several times to form a more solid linked pair and to allow swinging motions useful in combat situations.

Features of Nunchucks

Nunchucks are a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of two sticks connected by a short chain. Traditionally made from wood, they are now most often made from metal with the ends wrapped in cloth or rawhide. They were traditionally worn and hung at the waist by a small rope or cord and were used for quick attacks and defense against sword and staff techniques. 


These weapons resemble traditional Chinese weapons such as the "Dai-Bou" and "Jiang Shi" swords. Both have an iron stick with two wooden sections connected by short lengths of chain; they can be used for either attacking or blocking. They are wielded in a number of martial arts styles. Nunchaku is illegal to possess or carry in the UK, and the British Board of Film Classification has refused classification to dozens of films featuring them.  

The nunchaku was originally used on farms for threshing rice, but it later became a popular weapon used by monks, criminals, and fighters such as the samurai and other martial artists. It was also popularized by Hollywood movies following the airing of Bruce Lee's "Enter The Dragon" where he used them quite effectively against his opponents.

Popular Nunchaku Tricks

Nunchaku is traditional Japanese weaponry. They consist of two sticks connected by a short chain, forming an "X". One stick is held in each hand, and the handles are joined by a slightly longer piece of chain at the top of the "X."

Some martial arts style techniques require using nunchucks to emphasize or drive certain movements. They can be used for offense or defense due to their lightweight, similar to using chains as weapons. In addition to being thrust like through punching, they can be swung fast enough so that it's almost impossible to see them coming. Here are the top 7 tricks, you can perform with nunchucks:

1. Reverse Punch 

This is a good "surprise" attack. When positioned to the side of your opponent, lower your body and throw the nunchuck with a reverse motion directly to their temple. You should be holding the nunchuck in your right hand on your right side if you are right-handed, and in your left hand on your left side if you are left-handed.

2. The Arc 

This is a good move that hits around the head and neck area – and even behind it. It can hit from just above shoulder height all the way down to mid-thigh. If you are left-handed, hold the nunchuck in your right hand. Raise it up high behind your head, pushing the long chain out to the side a little. Then move quickly to the target area and "draw" the nunchaku back and across your body as you attack. The arc of the stroke should be above and below eye level.

3. The Hook

This technique is used in conjunction with a left-right cross – or vice versa – to continuously beat an opponent down. The hook is done by turning both hands toward you at about 45-degree angles from each other, holding the same nunchucks in each hand. Move quickly toward your opponent's side and across their body. Your stick should be raised up, almost like a hook that you are trying to snap out toward them. You should do this in the same position as the previous technique.


4. The Downward Strike

This is used to hit low with a nunchuck – and then immediately follow with a fast kick on their shins or another vulnerable area. Raise the nunchaku high over your head, then lower it quickly as you strike downward at your target's legs or thighs – either below the knee or just below it (depending on how many inches of chain you have).

5. The One-Two 

This is done by raising the nunchucks and bringing them across your body in a sharp, sideways-swinging motion. You should always make sure you are using your entire body to spear the nunchuck downward toward your opponent's head – never hold it up in front of you! This is a very powerful move, used to drive your opponent – or several of them – away. 

6. The Crescent 

This is used to attack the opponent's body, but is not something you can do without a partner to help support it with both hands – or a string such as a nylon rope would work. It uses the most parts of your body as possible – your arms and legs, neck, and shoulders are all involved in this technique. 

Crouching down slightly, raise up the nunchucks (one in each hand) and then bring them rapidly across the front of your body toward your opponent's head or chest area. This will give you the momentum and power to come up and deliver a high kick at their chest –or into it.

7. The High Kick

This is by far the most dangerous nunchuck move because your opponent's only defense (other than blocking or dodging) is to roll away from your assault – but you can make that effective decision difficult by using high kicks as you attack. 

These kicks come up fast in an upward "dive" motion but are quickly followed by another – almost like a volley of punches. They are usually between 12 inches and 2 feet off the ground so your target doesn't really have much time to protect against them if they are in range. You can use the high kick almost anywhere in the body – or even at the head. It's very difficult to react against, and usually knocks your opponent down.  

How to Use Nunchucks Safely?

Nunchucks are weapons not suitable for most people. They should only be used by martial artists with lots of training. If you buy a pair of nunchucks, please read this first. Nunchaku is usually made from wood and can be nothing more than sticks with some rope wrapped around them to hold them together, or they can be hexagonal pieces of metal that have been welded together. 

The weapon looks like two short sticks connected at one end by a rope or chain. "The nunchaku is made up of two lengths of wood or metal rods which are joined together by either a cord, wire or chain." These weapons can cause severe damage if used improperly. Here are some safety measures to follow:

  • Only use nunchucks with an adult or a skilled martial artist.
  • Keep the weapon out of reach of children and keep it in a locked location when not in use.
  • Tell your child that these are weapons that you can hurt people with so if they ever find them, they should tell you right away.
  • Teach your child never to swing them at another person or animal and make sure that they never horseplay with another person while holding the weapon because it will send them across the room hitting things very hard when they connect with someone or something else.
  • As with all weapons, don't leave them out where anyone can have access to them when you aren't there.
  • Have your child wear protective gloves when using the weapon.
  • Teach your child how to properly swing the weapon so that it never hits any part of their body or even comes close to striking something else.
  • Never use these weapons for self-defense or other similar situations unless you are a very skilled martial artist because it is possible to seriously hurt someone with these if you aren't trained enough in their use or proper swinging and spinning tricks.