Want to spin and twirl
the nunchuks?
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Metal
nunchakus make noise and are easily seen and caught by security devices.
Nunchaku made from other materials and constructed other ways don't
develop the proper required velocity for hardest impact possible which
should be around 1800 pounds per square inch.
It is my belief that all serious senior students should be at least
familiar with the use of at least three different historical weapons of
the bygone days.
There are so many ways that the mastering of each of these weapons would
bring enlightenment that I wouldn't have enough room on this page to
write about it all here. The practice of weapons can be
self-disciplining, requiring dexterity that could not otherwise be
achieved through only typical open hand training. Mastering any one of
these weapons would be an end in itself because the practice would
develop fluid movement. Proficiency would make your reactions during the
motion in self-defense flow smoothly from one step into another. In
addition, practice will also affect your balance and help develop your
entire body. With practice and mastery, any of these weapons would
become an extension of your mind though your hand(s).
In this piece we are going to work only with the Nunchaku, which is of
the first type, a swivel weapon. The Nunchaku, like any weapon, can be
used as an offensive or defensive weapon.
I would like to say that it is my wish that no martial artist who
becomes skillful because of this work, at the use of this or any other
weapon, shall by his or her word never allow this knowledge to be
misused or to let it fall into the hands of others who would misuse it.
Please take the time to read our full Disclaimer. With that said, let’s
continue.
Although the study of true martial arts, in itself should encompass many
diverse facets, the modern day martial artist should still be primarily
concerned with self defense, not only for keeping in shape or for just a
trophy. In centuries past, martial artists were warriors, who were
knowledgeable in every means of defense and experts in the use of many
weapons of their day. For them it was about life and death!
The forerunner of the Nunchaku was an instrument used to pound grain, which was later put to practical use as a weapon. The Nunchaku was a weapon that was made from a farm implement. The ingenious farmer converted it into an effective protective device. The Nunchaku of yester-year was constructed of two hardwood sticks, which were securely connected by rope braided from horse's tail. While today the weapon hasn't changed much there are many different variations. Today, most Nunchaku sticks are tied with rope or chain. Because of its innocent appearance, the farmer who carried the Nunchaku knew that it could be easily mistaken for a toy or harmless bundle of sticks.
There is much disagreement about the actual origin of the swivel weapon called the Nunchaku. It wasn’t until Bruce Lee reintroduced them with his spectacular performance in his hit Hollywood movies, that the topic was introduced into debate. One point of view in history is that the Nunchaku originated in Okinawa, Japan. 350 years ago, during the Japanese occupation of Okinawa, the invading warlords prohibited the use of any weapons. So the people of Okinawa turned to Karate {open hand fighting} and Kobu-Do {the use of weapons} for protection. One must remember in order to use the Nunchaku in real self-defense, the student of this and any weapon must have a good knowledge of martial arts basics. This weapon in particular can be used very effectively for blocking, striking, hitting, pinching, and twisting.
The Nunchaku anatomy is simple. Nunchaku handles should be made from a hardwood. I prefer oak or China white wood or a China red wood. True to the fact is that any good wood will do the job. The types of Nunchaku are many. To name just a few there are:
Although you can see that there are many variations, we will be dealing only with the two handled eight sided Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku. The most important thing about this wooden Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku is that it is octagonal in shape. When something or someone is hit with an octagonal Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku, one of the edges acts like the cutting edge of a knife on contact of the striking surface. No other shape produces this effect. When used properly, every part of the Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku has the potential for use as a weapon. The bottoms and tops of the Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku handles are used to jab or spear; the upper and lower handle areas are used in swinging strikes; the middle area is for locking and striking; and the rope serves to pinch or choke. The length of the Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku should normally equal the distance from the middle of the hand to the elbow. However, the size of the Wooden
Octagonal Nunchaku should also be
adjusted to fit the individual's height, weight and arm power. Keep in
mind that you don't want to have the handles shorter then twelve inches,
and not longer then fourteen inches. I use a twelve inch handle for my
personal preference. Yes, the handles can be shorter or longer but here
is what most people don't know. Simply put, you can't get the right
speed or arc out of the other ones!
Since we are talking about some of the secrets of this beautiful weapon
let us talk about what to tie them together with. The answer is nylon
rope. Today nothing works better for what ever the Wooden Octagonal
Nunchaku shape or size is. Now here is the thing most people don't know
about nylon rope. It has to be a certain size because it affects the
proper speed and arc of the weapon. With much practice and use, whether
in combat or self defense, one must also know how to string them back
together. {See our download for the proper string technique for the
Wooden Octagonal Nunchaku} Oh by the way the answer to the above
question is three and a half inches.
Care of the Nunchaku is most important and very easy. You should wipe them off after every time you use them with a clean dry cloth. And once a month, the Nunchaku should be cleaned with a cloth moistened with olive oil, camellia oil or any other plant oil. I didn't say to oil the handles but to use the oil to clean them! You need to wipe them off very well when you do this. This will make the Nunchaku easier to grip and prevent slipping.
When the nylon rope is used, the inside edges of the Nunchaku handles should be coated with candle wax to reduce wear. The rope itself may also be coated with wax. The rope should be checked for wear and tear and of course replaced when it is time. If you work out a lot with them then you will probably have to restring them about once or twice a year.
Download the instructions for Defunkin' The
Funk - Instructions For How To Restring The Wooden Octagon Nunchaku for
Optimal Power!
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