Where Did Nunchucks Come From?

By Adelia Ladson

A History Of Nunchucks

Nunchucks, also spelled "nunchakus", are a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The most popular belief is that this weapon came from the threshing tools that farmers used. Another, lesser popular, version is that they came from the wooden clappers that the village night watch carried to attract people's attention to warn them about danger in the village. However, there's no definitive origin story. They were made popular in modern times by the famous martial artist and film actor, Bruce Lee. In today's Okinawan martial arts schools, nunchucks are used as training tools to improve hand-to-eye coordination and dexterity.

The traditional Japanese weapon consists of two sections of wood, connected by either rope or chain with endcaps that have swivel bearings. The baton-like sections are the same length, and the rope or chain needs to be long enough so that, when it's held across the palm of the hand, both of the sections hang perpendicular to the ground. The weapon is made to be twirled by one of the wooden batons and then passed from hand-to-hand and around the body. Martial arts students sometimes use it in competitions as a weapon to do tricks and perform with. Here are a few different models to check-out that are well-suited for both novices and experts.

Rattan Nunchucks

The Rattan Nunchucks are a very simple, traditional style that are perfect for beginners to start out with as they're light and easy to maneuver. They won't hurt too much when you whack yourself, which is what you're guaranteed to do when you first start out. The nunchucks are a natural-look bamboo, secured together with the steel chain and stainless steel end caps with swivel bearings. Each of the bamboo sections is just under a foot long.

Natural Hardwood Nunchucks

Once you get more adept at using the nunchucks, you can start working with a pair that are a little heavier like the Natural Hardwood Nunchucks. The hardwood baton sections have ridged grips, giving you a secure hold, and each is 12" in length. The endcaps and chain are polished steel. You can also find classic Black Hardwood Nunchucks.

Leopard Nunchucks

For martial arts demonstrations and performances, there are more decorative nunchucks out there like the Leopard Nunchucks. The wooden batons are painted bright white and have a black leopard design that's expertly detailed and wraps around each baton. The nunchucks also have polished stainless steel hardware.

Dragon Nunchucks

Although wood is traditional and the most common, nunchucks can be found that are made of different materials. The Dragon Nunchucks are an attractive pair of nunchucks that are crafted of clear, acrylic with an intricate dragon design in black. They're connected by the same stainless steel hardware as the weapons above.

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