Nunchaku are two sticks connected by a rope, chain, or cord. They were originally used as an Okinawan martial arts weapon to practice full-body movements from the standing position. They can also be used as a self-defense weapon, which is known for its ability to strike multiple targets quickly with high force. 

Many martial artists choose this weapon over other weapons because it does not involve the use of weapons rules and everyday objects like tables can also be used in self-defense situations. The word "nunchaku" comes from "chukka," which is Okinawan for bind and refers to how the hands must be bound together when performing techniques with this weapon. 

The term "Nunchucks" is also used by some martial artists to describe a weapon that is similar to nunchaku, this weapon is made up of two sticks bound together with a flexible cord or chain. The history of this weapon has been largely misinterpreted because little historical evidence exists for the use of these weapons in pre-modern Okinawa. 

Most of these weapons appear to have been imported from China and throughout Japanese pre-modern history, those that were found often had Chinese characters on them indicating their Chinese origin. 

What are Nunchucks Made of?

They are typically made from wood, metal, or glass. They can also be made from a composite material like nylon with phenolic-based resins for reinforcement. Some manufacturers use stainless steel for the handles and aluminum for the blades to improve durability.

Making nunchucks is a fairly easy process in which two blocks of wood are shaped around springy steel rods and glued together using a type of epoxy resin to form the handle and blade. The handle grips onto one side of the blade while the other side grips onto an arm strap that is usually made from some type of elastic fiber such as cotton or manmade fiber like rayon.


Nunchucks are used in martial arts and other fighting sports like kendo, karate, and taekwondo. They are also used to perform certain maneuvers in gymnastics, cheerleading, and breakdancing, such as the butterfly twist.

Many nunchaku sets made today bear little resemblance to the traditional weapon, which was a pole of approximately the length of one's forearm with two short sticks (shorter than the width of one's hand) attached on either end by a cord. This slightly longer weapon was called "nunchaku" which translates as "two pieces of wood".

Learn Easiest Nunchaku Techniques

Nunchaku are two short sticks connected in the center by a cord. These Japanese weapons can be used in a variety of ways and against a range of targets. They are capable of producing high amounts of force, making them perfect self defense weapons or an instrument for partner practice.

It is said that there are many benefits to learning nunchucks techniques including increased hand-eye coordination, greater strength, and easier memorization among others. In order to fully understand these benefits we put together this post all about how to learn nunchucks techniques. Here are amazing techniques to learn with this weapon:

  • The Basic Swing

Moving your arm in the starting position of a tennis serve while keeping your hands together. After you complete the first arc, use your momentum to swing in a second arc from one side to the other. This will be an interesting exercise for people who want to practice their fast swinging and enjoy being able to do so without risking anything around them for every swing. 


  • The Thumb-Tugger 

Touch your thumb and middle finger together on one hand with some space between them. Use that hand to grab nunchucks on either side and pull them towards you by tugging with both fingers at once, then release by reversing the motion. Practice this in front of a mirror for good form.

  • The Gremlin 

Draw a large circle with your hands like making a sketch of an animal. Thumb-tugging and thumb-tap are always going on simultaneously. This will be useful if you want to hang nunchucks around your neck or wear them as a belt, but you should use caution while doing so because it's not easy to remove them when they're over your head because they are generally too heavy.

  • The Double-Hitter


Grab the nunchaku with one hand, then put your other hand on top and grab both handles. Swing them back and forth while hitting the opposite ends together. This will be a great exercise for you to hone your speed, especially if you mix the right footwork into it. Your hand-eye coordination will improve as well since you're forced to watch one end while swinging the other.

  • The Butterfly 

Hold a pair of nunchucks in front of you with both hands in a pinwheel position around your groin, then make small circles up and down with them while doing thumb-tugging and thumb-tapping at the same time. The best way to practice this is by making little circles while walking forward or backward.

  • The Tornado 

Holding the nunchaku together in front of you with both hands, bring them around your head and hook them over your head or behind your back. Make sweeping motions with them while holding on to the handles and swinging the upper ends down towards the lower ones. This will be useful if you don't have any other nunchaku techniques, as in many beginner's sets they only have one end covered by either a pouch or a chain (the chain-end being much easier to swing).


  • The Side Throw 

Grab the bottom end of a pair of nunchucks with your dominant hand, then hold them at both ends and quickly move them around in front of you like a spear, pointing both ends at the same time. This will be another great exercise for form and swiftness, as well as a good warm-up before doing it on your partner. 

It will also help you develop more control when learning new moves such as the butterfly or tornado. While learning this technique, watch for your body to become crooked or for it to seem like you're going to drop the weapons if you focus too much on what your hands are doing instead of looking where they are going (like trying to avoid hitting people).

How to Get Hands-on with Nunchaku?

The truth is, nunchaku techniques are not difficult to learn. It's really just a matter of taking good balance and patience and working through the step-by-step process. That's why we've put together this list of tips for you to follow. Follow these tips, and in no time at all, you'll be swinging nunchucks like a pro!

  • Beginners should start out with plastic or foam nunchucks, then move on to steel if they are ready for an upgrade. They can find them at most martial arts stores or order them online.
  • Don't worry about the blade end. It's not really used for anything other than decoration. That's why it's called a "scabbard" or "shell".
  • For demonstration purposes, start out by holding the nunchucks by their handles. This is the best way to begin nunchaku training because it allows you to get used to the weight distribution of both nunchucks from the beginning. Holding them one in each hand will allow you to balance and swing them easily.
  • Once you've learned how to handle the nunchucks with your hands, then you can start learning how to use your entire body for extra momentum and power. Try holding them behind your back and swinging them over your head. Then swing them forward with a circular motion, turning all the way around until you are facing the opposite direction.
  • Advanced maneuvers are done by combining these basic movements, such as spinning on one foot while doing a double clockwise rotation with both nunchucks.
  • Nunchucks training can be done anytime and anywhere, but we recommend that beginners practice in an open space where they have plenty of room to move around.

Use Nunchaku Carefully to Avoid Injuries!

Nunchaku is a martial weapon that originated from Okinawa and is also used by many Japanese and Chinese martial artists. It consists of two short sticks joined by a short piece of rope or chain, with the sticks linked at one end. 

They are generally wielded in pairs with one hand controlling each stick, although there are some styles that use only one stick, often making the weapons resemble a pair of nunchucks. These weapons can be dangerous if you use them carelessly. We recommend that you strictly consider the following points when using nunchaku:

When practicing with a partner, you must use appropriate safety precautions to protect your partner. If a dangerous situation arises and you are unable to stop to avoid injury, you should immediately drop the weapon.

Keep your feet safely away from the weapons. You cannot prevent damage if your feet come in contact with them.

When practicing, never hold an opponent close by his or her throat. Any attempt to do so will trigger a response and cause serious injury or death. When training, do not use force while holding someone on his or her own shoulders or waist.