The nunchaku (Chinese: 雙節棍, shuāng jié gùn; 兩節棍, liǎng jié gùn "Dual Section Staff"; 二節棍, èr jié gùn "Two Section Staff"; Japanese: ヌンチャク nunchaku listen (help· info); 梢子棍, shōshikon "Boatman's staff"; 双節棍, sōsetsukon "Paired sections staff"; 二節棍, nisetsukon, also sometimes called "nunchucks", "numchuks", or "chain sticks" in English) is a traditional weapon of the Kobudo weapons set and consists of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. A sansetsukon is a similar weapon with three sticks attached on chains instead of two. The Wii Remote, also nicknamed Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendos Wii console. ... Image File history File links Nunchaku. ... It has been suggested that Kobudo be merged into this article or section. ... Three sectional staff The Sansetsukon or three sectional staff(三節棍 , sān jié gùn), is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. ...

Various types of nunchaku

Image of basic nunchaku File links The following pages link to this file: Nunchaku ... Image of basic nunchaku File links The following pages link to this file: Nunchaku ...

History

Although the certain origin of nunchaku is disputed, it is thought to come from China through the Japanese island of Okinawa^{[citation needed]}; and according to the History Channel they were created in their current incarnation for the movies. The Japanese word nunchaku itself comes from the Hokkien (Min Nan) word nng-chiat-kun(no-chiat kun) (兩節棍). When viewed etymologically from its Okinawan roots, nun comes from the word for twin, and chaku from shaku, a unit of measurement. The popular belief is that the nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice or soybeans (that is, separate the grain from the husk). This article is about the prefecture. ... The History Channel is a cable television channel, dedicated to the presentation of historical events and persons, often with frequent observations and explanations by noted historians as well as reenactors and witnesses to events, if possible. ... Mǐn N n (Chinese: 閩南語), also spelt as Minnan or Min-nan; native name B ; literally means Southern Min or Southern Fujian and refers to the local language/dialect of southern Fujian province, China. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Japanese unit. ... “Flail” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Rice (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Glycine max Soybeans (US) or soya beans (UK) (Glycine max) are a high-protein legume (Family Fabaceae) grown as food for both humans and livestock. ... Grain redirects here. ...

It is also possible that the weapon was developed in response to the moratorium on edged weaponry under the Satsuma daimyo after invading Okinawa in the 17th century, and that the weapon was most likely conceived and used exclusively for that end, as the configuration of actual flails and bits are unwieldy for use as a weapon. Also, peasant farmers were forbidden conventional weaponry such as arrows or blades so they improvised using only what they had available, farm tools such as the sickle. The modern weapon would be an ineffective flail. In law, a moratorium is any indefinite prohibition of an activity. ... Daimyo Matsudaira Katamori visits the residence of a retainer. ... Kamas. ...

Another popular theory is that the nunchaku originated from China, Song Dynasty. It was named "da pang long gun"(大盘龙棍), meaning great coiled dragon stick. The weapon is composed of one long stick and a short stick connected by horse hair. It was commonly used in wars against cavalry to trap horse legs. The weapon eventually evolved into a short range weapon as seen in our present day nunchaku.

The nunchaku as a weapon has surged in popularity since martial artist Bruce Lee used it in his movies in the 1970s. It is generally considered by martial artists to be a limited weapon, although it is also one of the least understood weapons. Complex and difficult to wield, the nunchaku lacks the range of the bo (quarterstaff) and the edged advantage of a sword. The nunchaku has a steep learning curve. It is also prone to inflicting injury on its user. Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... Bruce Lee (traditional Chinese: ; simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: Lǐ Xiǎolóng; Cantonese Yale: Léih Síulùhng; November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Chinese-American martial artist, philosopher, instructor, and martial arts actor widely regarded as the most influential martial artist of the 20th century and a... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Legality

Possession of nunchaku is illegal in a number of countries including Belgium, Germany, Norway and Spain. In the United Kingdom it is legal to own for martial arts purposes, although public possession is not allowed unless transporting between a place of training and a private address. Legality in the United States varies at state level, e.g., personal possession of nunchaku is illegal in New York, Arizona, California and Massachusetts, but in other states possession has not been criminalized. Legality in Australia is also determined by individual state laws. In New South Wales, the weapon is on the restricted weapons list, and thus can only be owned with a permit. In New York, Attorney Jim Maloney has brought a federal constitutional challenge to the statutes that criminalize simple in-home possession of nunchaku for peaceful use in martial-arts practice or legal home defense.^[1] This article is about the state. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... NSW redirects here. ... An attorney is someone who represents someone else in the transaction of business: For attorney-at-law, see lawyer, solicitor, barrister or civil law notary. ...

Formal styles

The most common martial arts to use nunchaku are the Chinese, Chinese-Okinawan and Okinawan martial arts such as some forms of karate/kobudo as well as the japanese traditional nija style known as ninjutsu, but some Eskrima systems also teach practitioners to use nunchaku. For its part, Songahm Taekwondo teaches how to use one and two nunchaku, though in Korean, they are known as Ssahng Jeol Bahngs, or sometimes Ssahng Jeol Bongs. The styles of these three arts are rather different; the traditional Okinawan arts use the sticks primarily to grip and lock, while the Filipino arts use the sticks primarily for striking, while Songahm Taekwondo teaches a combination of both. Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... This article is about the prefecture. ... Okinawan may refer to: The languages or dialects of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuan languages, Okinawan language) The people of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuans) Of or relating to Okinawa This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... For other uses, see Karate (disambiguation). ... Kobudo (古武道) is a Japanese term that can be translated as old martial way. ... Ninjutsu ) sometimes used interchangeably with the term ninpō ), it is the martial arts practiced by the shinobi (also commonly known as the ninja). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the prefecture. ...

In the early '80s, Kevin D. Orcutt, an American police sergeant, holder of a black belt in Jukado, developed the OPN (Orcutt Police Nunchaku) system. Since then some American law enforcement agencies employ the Nunchaku as a control weapon instead of the Tonfa, also known as the common police baton, which also finds its origin in the Kobudo weapons family. This system emphasises only a small subset of the nunchaku techniques, for speedier training. “Truncheon” redirects here. ...

Nunchaku training has been noted to increase hand speed, correct posture, and condition the hands of the practitioner.

There is now a dedicated World Nunchaku Association, based in the Netherlands, which teaches Nunchaku-Do as a contact sport. They use yellow and black plastic weight-balanced training nunchaku and protective headgear. They have their own belt colour system where one earns colour stripes on the belt instead of using fully coloured belts. One side of the belt is yellow, and the other black, so that in a competition, opponents may be distinguished by the visible side of the belt.

There is also a complete system of ranking in the nunchaku called the North American Nunchaku Association, which is based in California, USA. They offer a complete system of the nunchaku teaching traditional and free-style techniques, from white to black belt. They have students in many countries including England, France, Netherlands, Canada, South Africa, and Denmark. Some students study at home from DVDs, and send their recordings to the school in California.

Anatomy

A nunchaku is two sections of wood connected by a cord or chain, though variants may include additional sections of wood and chain. Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas the Japanese version has an octagonal cross-section (allowing one edge of the nunchaku to make contact on the target increasing the damage inflicted). The ideal length of each piece should be the length of the user's forearm; the bone between elbow and wrist. Traditionally both ends are of equal length, although asymmetrical nunchaku exist. The ideal length for the connecting rope/chain is just enough to allow the user to lay it over his or her palm, with the sticks hanging comfortably and perpendicular to the ground. Weight balance is extremely important; cheaper or gimmicky nunchaku (such as glow-in-the-dark ones) are often not properly balanced, which prevents 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 Human Forearm The forearm is the structure on the upper limb, between the elbow and the wrist. ... Elbow redirects here. ... In human anatomy, the wrist is the flexible and narrower connection between the forearm and the palm. ...

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 prevented rotting and caused the wood to harden. The rope is made from horsehair, and was traditionally claimed to be able to block a sword.^{[citation needed]} 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. Species See List of Quercus species The term oak can be used as part of the common name of any of several hundred species of trees and shrubs in the genus Quercus (from Latin oak tree), and some related genera, notably Cyclobalanopsis and Lithocarpus. ... Binomial name Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb. ... Pasania is a genus of plant in family Fagaceae. ...

The modern nunchaku can be made from any suitable material: from wood, metal, or almost any plastic or fiberglass material, commonly covered with foam to prevent self-injury or the injury of others. It is not uncommon to see modern nunchaku made from light metals such as aluminum. Modern equivalents of the rope are nylon cord or metal chains on ball bearing joints. Simple nunchaku may be easily constructed from wooden dowels and a short length of chain. For other uses, see Plastic (disambiguation). ... Bundle of fiberglass Fiberglass (also called fibreglass and glass fibre) is material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. ... This article is about metallic materials. ... Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ... For other uses of this word, see nylon (disambiguation). ...

The Nunchaku-Do sport, governed by the World Nunchaku Association, promotes black and yellow Styrofoam nunchaku. Unlike readily available plastic training nunchaku, the ones they promote are properly balanced. Styrofoam is a trademark name for polystyrene thermal insulation material, manufactured by Dow Chemical Company. ...

There are some alternative nunchaku, made solely for sporting such as:

• Telescopic Nunchaku, sporting retractable metal sticks.
• Glow-Chucks, made either with fiberglass and a coloured light fitted in the ball bearing or fluorescent tape wrapped around the sticks.
• Penchaku, which are flashier Lissajous-do sticks available for artistic performances. These are more colourful and sometimes fluorescent with a modified anatomy which favors control in expense of power; they have longer length sticks and extremely short ropes. The idea is based on a mathematical model, the Lissajous, which allows the user to keep a continuous flowing form.[1]

Lissajous figure on an Oscilloscope Lissajous figure in three dimensions In mathematics, a Lissajous curve (Lissajous figure or Bowditch curve) is the graph of the system of parametric equations which describes complex harmonic motion. ...

In combat

Although it may cause injury to an inexperienced user, the nunchaku is a very effective close-range weapon. When used in combat, the nunchaku provides the obvious advantage of an increase in the reach of one's strike. Somewhat difficult to control, the rope or chain joint of the nunchaku adds the benefit of striking from unexpected angles. 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 movement. In addition, the reach of the nunchaku is often underestimated, even by those experienced with its use. However, when swung, the nunchaku loses between one to two inches in reach.^{[citation needed]} “Fights” redirects here. ...

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. The chain link version of the nunchaku has also been known to be able to fend off enemies with swords or staves. Okinawan may refer to: The languages or dialects of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuan languages, Okinawan language) The people of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuans) Of or relating to Okinawa This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

Gripping the nunchaku is usually a matter of preference. Gripping it close to the chain or rope link increases control but decreases both striking power and reach. A grip further down would have the opposite effect of increasing reach and power while decreasing control and, with the link further out, would also render it susceptible to capture. Unless in expert hands, it is unadvisable to use a nunchaku against a staff or a stick since disarming is often only a matter of striking at the link and jerking it hard out of the hands of the nunchaku practitioner. It is primarily because of this specific vulnerability of the nunchaku that most styles tend to minimize striking. It is strongly recommended that you do not try to use nunchaku if you do not know how, you will probably hurt yourself. They take much training before you can master them.

Care

For wooden nunchaku it is advisable (although not strictly necessary) to clean the nunchaku with a cloth moistened in olive oil, camellia oil or any other plant oil for easier grip. This also prevents fading of the original color. To prevent splintering, some owners wrap the sticks with cellophane tape. Candle wax can be applied to the nylon ropes at friction points to prevent wear. For the Popeye character, see Olive Oyl. ... Sellotape is a European brand of transparent, cellulose-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, and is the leading brand of clear sticky tape in the United Kingdom. ... candle wax This page is about the substance. ...

Many traditional Kobudo practitioners leave the wood untreated. This is so the oils of the skin and many hours of use can "season" or harden the wood. Varnish, lacquer and the like are usually considered bad for the weapon and not as good for grip and control.

Freestyle

Freestyle nunchaku is a modern style of performance art using the nunchaku as a visual tool rather than as a weapon. With the growing prevalence of the Internet the availability of nunchaku has increased greatly, combining this with the popularity of YouTube and other video sharing sites many people have become interested in learning how to use the weapons for freestyle displays. Freestyle is one discipline of the competitions held by the World Nunchaku Association. Some styles of modern martial teach how to use nunshaku, because it helps to student to improve reflexes , hand control and other skills, for example: hwa rang do, a type of tae kwon do some times teaches nunchaku. This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ...

References

1. ^ nunchakulaw.com

See also

This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

• Sansetsukon
• Flail
• Poi

Image File history File links Zhongwen. ... Japanese name Kanji: Hiragana: Korean name Hangul: Hanja: Vietnamese name Quốc ngữ: Hán tá»±: A Chinese character or Han character (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a logogram used in writing Chinese, Japanese, sometimes Korean, and formerly Vietnamese. ... Three sectional staff The Sansetsukon or three sectional staff(三節棍 , sān jié gùn), is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. ... Flail The flail is a medieval weapon made of one (or more) weights attached to a handle with a hinge or chain. ... Poi can mean: Poi (film) Poi (food) Point of Interest, a GPS location Poi (juggling), a Maori dance from New Zealand POI, three-letter acronyms and abbreviations Poor Obfuscation Implementation, a project to produce Java libraries for reading and writing Microsoft Office file formats Category: ...

External links

• French site about Nunchaku with lessons movies (soon in english)
• Poland nunchaku site Poland Nunchaku Association )
• Pro-Nunchaku German nunchaku site featuring a map of Europe showing the nunchaku laws in different EU-countries (German and English)
• North American Nunchaku Association Homepage for the North American Nunchaku Association, based in California, USA.
• World Nunchaku Association English homepage for the World Nunchaku Association, based in the Netherlands.
• Freestyle Nunchaku forum International forum for freestyle nunchaku.
• Nunchakulaw.com Chronicles the American legal case of Maloney v. Spitzer, which was begun in 2003, challenging the constitutionality New York's decades-old prohibition on possession of nunchaku in the privacy of one's home for peaceful use in martial arts training, etc.
• Zen Suishin Ryu Karate - Super Nunchaku Techniques by Mondo Kawai English site dedicated to the Nunchaku and has detailed explanations about the Nunchaku and its techniques. Japanese page also available.
• Site about nunchakus. Includes lessons and practical knowledge
• Nuri practicing nunchaku video
• Site about nunchaku. lessons movies, and more