Where are Nunchaku from? The first ever mention of this weapon is found in Chinese history. Mountain soldiers used two pieces of wood and tied them together using horse hair and were orginally used  as horse birdles. The nunchaku became more popular in the 17th century on the island of Okinawa, and until this time was not a weapon, but rather a tool to beat rice and seperate beans from their shells.

So how did it become a weapon? Around this time ins history, Okinawa was invaded by Japan and as such, a ban on all weapons was imposed, including all martial arts weapons. This was a method of controlling the native Okinawans. For this reason, these islanders felt vulnerable and began studying Karate, at the same time they realised that their tools could be used as an extention of their arms, and if mastered could be extremely powerful.

The islanders were not banned from having these as they were useful to daily life and farming and so placed in the hands of a skilled practitioner, the nunchaku became an excellent defensive weapon, which had speed and power written all over it.

Historically, the wooden sticks were made from a palm tree core and were hardened for up to five years in mud water. After this period, the wood became so hard that even samurai swords could not cut through it. The weapon became a second pair of arms which could block opponents weapons, with speed and agility.

Nunchaku Kata

The movements in a Nunchaku Kata are singluar in nature but they are combined to form a fighting set which can be used in conflict situations. Pictured right is historic drawing showing kata movements. A full syllabus can be found at the World Nunchaku Association.

The exam-rulebook includes 5 different kata’s:

Check out the official Nunchaku Kata Rule Book

Link kata:

The link kata is kata which is divided into section. Each section corresponds with a kyu. For example: a student attempting to obtain a Karate green belt (third kyu) has to be able to perform the first three link kata's merged together. To merge the kata's the opening/closing ceremony's except the first and the last.

Competition kata:

Kata is also used in competitions. So far, this is the only kata used in competitions. The competition kata is required study material for the Karate green belt.

Kata thé:

Kata thé is required study material for the blue belt, but it is actually carried out differently to the brown and black belt. For the brown and black belt, two participants perform kata thé. Their movements and techniques should be identically. Kata thé is known in this form as kata thé-synchronized.

Kata block:

This consists entirely out of blocking opponent’s strikes. Kata block is required study material for the brown belt.

Self designed kata:

A participant should design his own kata for the brown belt. The participant is free in the construction of this kata. The kata should nevertheless match the following requirements:

1. The kata must have a greet- and closing-ceremony

2. The kata should start and end at the same location

3. The kata must consist of 25 nunchaku-movements or techniques (a variation of 10% is allowed)

4. The performance of the kata must be perfected

5. The kata should be as creative as possible

Performing nunchaku kata:

Remember to use your hips when swinging the nunchaku and keep your wrist locked

Each kata consists of different sequences of techniques. However, the performance of each kata is the same. When performing a kata. There are hovwever guidelines which should be noted

The kata must be performed fluently and in a high pace, except during the movements of high concentration and rest

Keep well balanced at all times

Have the correct posture and be committed to your progress

The nunchaku must be under control during the performance of the kata - at all times

All techniques should be performed with confidence. The speed of the technique should be constant

The free hand in the kata is always a "contact hand". This means that the hand should be held around 30 centimeters before the chest, with the palm of the hand held vertically.

When a kata has a Kiai (scream), it should be clearly hearable and should be sign of confidence and power