Nunchaku do is a combat sport with the nunchaku, two sticks connected by a rope or chain. The origin of this martial art is not exactly known. The nunchaku was probably originally an agricultural tool that was used in China in the 13th and 14th centuries. The martial arts most likely originated in China and was further developed in Japan . The sport consists of four parts: Kumite (one-on-one fight), Freestyle (show element), Kata (certain series of techniques) and Jutsu (self-defense).
Kumite
This is the part where one fights one-on-one with the nunchaku. The goal is not to knock each other out but to hit the opponent in certain places with the right technique. Both wear a helmet and a toque . Points are scored by hitting each other, which is allowed in all places, except below the knee, in the groin and on the neck/throat. On the head it is allowed because one wears a helmet.
Before attempting to score, it is necessary to make two over-packs. That is, to change hands twice. There are several ways to do this, and new ones are regularly invented that even the inventors of Nunchaku would not have thought possible. Variation in the over-packs is necessary, otherwise one is penalized with half a point against, chui. A chui is also given if one goes outside the mat or hits too hard. The matches last two and a half minutes or until someone has six points. One point is called a Waza-Ari, and is awarded for an almost technically completely well executed score. An ippon counts for two points, one gets an ippon if one successfully executes a technically difficult technique or if one:
- The other disarms
- The other drops his weapon
- A good block counter makes
Block Counter
An attack is not always rewarded with a Waza-Ari, the blow can be too hard, dodged or blocked. In a block, you take hold of both ends of the nunchaku and try to ward off the attack from the other. In the event of a successful block, you may immediately counter and launch a new attack. Two over-packs are not necessary for this if you make the counter within a second. In the event of a successful block-counter, an ippon is given.
Freestyle
A freestyle lasts 1 or 2 minutes, where one is not bound to a series of techniques to follow. The main thing is to give as much 'show' as possible by perfectly mastering the techniques with the nunchakus. The jury makes its judgement based on the speed, rhythm, use of two nunchakus etc.
Cata
Kata are series of techniques that must be completed in a precise order. These exist in almost all martial arts. The point here is that you perform the repacks beautifully and correctly, that you do not drop the nunchaku and that you do it at a good speed. The jury gives an assessment for this.
Nunchaku-jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is the self-defense art with the nunchaku, and focuses on the more realistic use of the nunchaku. One learns to defend oneself with the nunchaku against attacks from other weapons such as; sticks, knives, swords, punches and kicks. This style was designed by people with jiu-jitsu background.
Chui's and Keikoku's
A chui is a penalty, in the form of a half point against. You get a chui for:
- Not enough variation in your overpacks
- Hitting too hard
- 2 times outside the competition area
A second mistake will result in a Keikoku, a Waza-Ari. A third mistake will result in a Keikoku 2, an ippon. A fourth mistake will result in a disqualification.
