How to Learn to Use Nunchaku by Yourself

A step-by-step guide to mastering nunchuck basics

Last Updated: November 11, 2022

Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or you just love Bruce Lee films, learning to use Nunchaku is a worthwhile and enjoyable pastime. With a focus on safety and proper technique, anyone can learn the basics of Nunchaku on their own time. In this article, we’ll show you how to start your self-training with your first pair of foam nunchucks. If you’ve got yours handy, let’s get to work!

1

Buy practice nunchucks.

Look for foam handles connected by a cord or chain. Internet martial arts sites will almost definitely have pairs available. It is always better to accidentally hit yourself with foam than wood or metal.^{[1]
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- A Nunchaku is a weapon, so you should look up where you are allowed to carry it. Also, price the durability and cheapness of the weapon.

2

Practice in a safe spot.

Go to an empty room and wear comfortable clothing. Go to a place that does not have a lot of things to break.

3

Get a feel for the nunchucks slowly.

Swing the nunchucks cautiously to feel their weight and flow. Twirl them around slowly until you get the feel of them, then practice passing from hand to hand and doing figure of 8's. When you get confident, you can always speed up.^{[2]
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4

Start with the basics.

Try a figure 8 move first. Pass the nunchuck under your arm, strike left and right and stop it by wrapping it around your waist. When you learn these simple moves, you will be set up to do progressively trickier stuff. Alternatively, purchase a book on nunchaku basics. Martial artists have used these for hundreds of years. Use their expertise.^{[3]
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5

Practice combat moves.

Learn strikes. Take the weapon and strike it against objects in proper manners, i.e. strike the head area and other pressure points that would protect you in a fight. Always use protective gear or a mannequin.^{[4]
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- Take the weapon and put it under your arm.
- Then take the end your holding and flip it out toward a target.
- This is just one way. You can use the strokes to strike people as well.

6

Work up to harder maneuvers.

Continue on to learn more complex moves, or invent a few. By the time you get to the advanced techniques in the back of the books, you should be able to combine a few moves and invent your own. You can even learn to throw it up and catch it!^{[5]
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7

Upgrade to wooden nunchucks.

Upgrade to wood when you have complete control over foam. As light and quick as foam is, you're now ready for the big challenge. the difference between the wood and foam chunks is weight. Start off slow again and get used to the increased weight. Practice all the techniques you've learned slowly. When you're ready, speed them up again!

Community Q&A

Question

Are nun-chucks a "one size fits all" type of item?

Community Answer

No, every pairs comes with different feeling, weight, etc. The length of the chain also determine how swift you can go. Practice often to get used to one and stick with it. Switching nunchaku will require weeks of time to get used to the new pair in order to be as fast and accurate as the one you already used to.
Question

Can I use nunchucks in self-defense, or is that considered assault?

Community Answer

It depends. If you're in a situation where you need to defend yourself with a weapon, then the specific weapon you use won't really matter. If you're in a situation where you didn't reasonably need a weapon to defend yourself, then it could be considered assault regardless of the weapon you used, including nunchucks.
Question

How can I learn to spin a nunchuck without getting frustrated?

Community Answer

Practice slowly with your eyes closed. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a break and do something relaxing.

Warnings

Wooden nunchaku are illegal to buy, sell, own or transport in some states/countries. Always check your local country and area laws before buying/making them. In some states of the USA it is Illegal to buy sell own or transport of nunchaku; this will vary from state to state and these laws do change.

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People who suffer from joint disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome should bypass these and look into other forms of exercise such as tai chi.

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Remember that this is a weapon, not a toy. They are good for self-defense, exercise or just learning tricks with them. Using them in a confrontational situation will get you arrested/jailed in many areas.

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As there is a very good chance you could seriously injure yourself or someone else with nunchaku. It’s best to have someone around to apply first aid in case of accident. Be careful!

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