How to Do Tricks With Nunchucks

Last Updated: October 1, 2021

Nunchucks, or nunchaku, are a type of weapon that originated on Okinawa, an East Asian island. Most famous in Bruce Lee films, nunchucks are comprised of two sticks connected with a cord or chain. You too can master this unusual skill, which will give you an insight into martial arts, keep you relatively fit, and impress others.

Steps

1
Purchase your nunchucks. Go to a quality martial arts site and get foam or rubber training nunchucks with a cord. Do not buy a set of wooden, metal or hard acrylic nunchucks for your first pair
2
Purchase a book. Nunchaku; Karate Weapons of Self Defence is a helpful intermediate guide for individuals who are experienced in martial arts. However, you may want to invest in a book that is aimed at a beginner's level.

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3
Focus on basic moves. These moves are more beneficial for beginners. As Bruce Lee said, "I do not fear the man who has practiced 1000 moves once, but I fear the man who has practiced one move 1000 times." So practice!
4
Do research. Watch Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury," paying close attention to the scene in the karate dojo. Go on YouTube and search for "nunchaku" and/or "nunchuck tricks". Even if the techniques are too advanced for you, seeing them in action will help you get a feel for how nunchucks are used.
5
Feel your nunchucks. They should be soft, not hard", as you might expect
6
Learn basic tricks. Now you have "the feel", you can spin them faster, do a figure 8, and pass them under your legs, over your shoulder and under your arms.
7
Try the complex stuff. Try to replicate a few of the moves you've seen on the Internet. Naturally, take it slow for your first time around. Work your way up the ladder, as many of these complex tricks are simply basic techniques used in an unusual way. More often than not, advanced moves are just basic steps executed with brilliant speed and impeccable timing. It can be difficult to remember to start off, but persevere and you will learn quickly.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay to make nunchucks?

TheThinkingPanda Zhao

Community Answer

As long as you don't bring them into public, they are legal to make/own in the U.S.
Question

I just knocked the crap out my face.

Community Answer

This happens. Keep trying and work on technique prior to speed. Keep working at it and looking bad with your nunchucks will become second nature, no face-hitting involved.
Question

Can I defeat a person with a gun using nunchucks?

Community Answer

Yes! While the person is distracted, whip out your nunchucks and hit the hand holding the gun to disarm him.

Warnings

Be sensible. Don't try to do completely insane tricks you see someone do on a video game. They are almost impossible and should not be attempted for fear of cracking your head open.

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Wooden, acrylic or steel nunchucks may be illegal in some states or countries. Check before buying.

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Be aware that, unless they are used properly, nunchucks can and will seriously injure others, if not yourself. Take care when showing off your tricks.

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As stated above, nunchucks are essentially ancient, deadly weapons. This article in no way gives you the right to go around the streets beating people up! Although using your nunchucks is fun, they are still a tool of the martial arts and should be treated how you would treat any other weapon or martial art: With respect.

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