Nunchaku

Introduction

Structure of syllabus

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Introduction

The most popular form of the nunchaku consists of two pieces of wood attached to each other by either a chain or simply a cord. It bears considerable similarities to a flail, a primitive agricultural implement used to thresh corn. The violent action of the flail may have given rise to the idea of a smaller version which could have been used for self defence. Okinawan peasants, who were forbidden by law to carry swords, considered the nunchaku a "portable bo" (staff) which could easily be concealed and which provided them with a means to defend themselves against armed bandits.

Nunchaku is an elective weapon from Nidan 3 onwards.

The nunchaku units available are listed below:

Structure of the syllabus

Unit 1

Nunchaku Drill: Simple familiarisation drill

Nunchaku drill (members only - click picture to download pdf)

Unit 2

Nunchaku Kihon: Basic nunchaku form.  Members can also download a pdf of the form.

Sempai Ash demonstrate Nunchaku kihon kata in 2005

Unit 3

Nunchaku Nagare Surechigai: "Flowing" form specialising in horizontal circular strikes.

Nagare surechigai

Unit 4

Nunchaku Nagare Furiage: "Flowing" form specialising in upward circular strikes.

Nagare furiage

Unit 5

Nunchaku Nagare Mawari: "Flowing" form specialising in defenses requiring turning to face an attack from the rear.

Nagare mawari

Unit 6

Nunchaku Taira: Nunchaku form developed by weapons master Shinken Taira.

Laoshi Bob demonstrates Taira nunchaku kata in 1988