Nunchuck: A Multifunctional Weapon That Performs Numerous Functions

The nunchucks were originally made of wood, but manufacturers began making them out of metal as well. Their popularity was at its peak during the 18th century. They were used as a weapon by certain members of society, such as merchants and farmers. In those days they were an effective self-defense weapon since weapons capable of being concealed were prohibited.

There are two types of nunchucks. The first kind has two sticks that are held in the left hand. They are used for grappling with the adversary’s weapons, striking, pinning, and throwing. The second kind is a single stick held in the right hand which is used for striking and throwing.

Origin Of Nunchucks

Nunchaku are wooden sticks joined by a short chain and used as weapons in martial arts, particularly those of the Okinawan and Japanese styles. They first appeared in Okinawa, Japan around the 14th century but were not widely known outside Okinawa until after 1801 when they were brought to mainland Japan and possibly China.

Nunchaku appear to be derived from hunting weapons called nihontō which were used by hunters on horseback. Although the two sticks that make up a nunchaku were once thought to be a traditional Okinawan weapon, by the mid-19th century the sticks became a common weapon in mainland Japan.

Nunchaku As Agricultural Tool

In Okinawa, nunchucks were traditionally used as tools to help farmers harvest their crops. The farmers used them to beat trees and rocks to break down the wood for use as firewood.

Also, these were used to reap and cut crops. The blades were mostly used for cutting wheat, rice, and soybeans. This weapon’s mechanism allows you to cut these crops with it.

Nunchuck: Weapon Of Martial Arts

In mainland Japan these sticks gained popularity as weapons, particularly for street fighting where they were encountered by western military men in the 19th century. The katas, martial arts routines that originated from Okinawan fighting styles, were also used as street fighting routines.

Nunchaku have been used as fictional weapons in kung fu movies and video games since the 1970s including “Way of the Dragon” (1972), “Bloodsport” (1988) and “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart Atchoo” (2006).

Characteristics Of Nunchaku

The two pieces of a nunchaku have a very thick round cross section. Each piece is around 30 centimeters long. The two pieces of a nunchaku have a very thick round cross section. Each piece is around 30 centimeters long. Although there is a variety of sizes and designs, the nunchaku were commonly made in three weights: light, medium and heavy.

The light and medium nunchuck had a length of around 30 cm and were approximately 2 cm thick. A heavy nunchaku was around 40 cm long with a thickness of 3–4 cm. The two pieces of wood were tied together with string or leather such as deerskin to make the weapon more durable.

Nunchucks, Get Yours!

Nunchucks are cool, now you know! It’s time to get yourself a pair of chucks and start using them. These are amazing weapons of self-defense. Besides, they’re also good for a variety of purposes. For example, they can be used for cosplay.