Nunchaku do is a martial art involving the nunchaku, two sticks connected by a rope or chain. The exact origin of this martial art is not known.
It is likely that the nunchaku was originally an agricultural tool used in 13th and 14th century China. The martial art probably originated in China and was further developed in Japan. The sport consists of four parts: Kumite (one-on-one fighting), Freestyle (show element), Kata (a specific series of techniques), and Jutsu (self-defense).
Kumite
This is the part where participants engage in one-on-one combat with the nunchaku. The goal is not to knock each other out but to strike the opponent in specific areas with the correct technique. Both wear a helmet and a groin protector.
Points are scored by hitting each other, allowed on all areas except below the knee, the groin, and the neck/throat. Strikes to the head are permitted since helmets are worn.
Before attempting to score, it is necessary to perform two hand switches, called overpakkingen. There are various ways to do this, and new methods are regularly invented that even the original creators of Nunchaku would not have imagined.
Variation in the hand switches is required; otherwise, a half-point penalty, called chui, is given. A chui is also given if a player steps outside the mat or hits too hard. Matches last two and a half minutes or until someone reaches six points.
One point is called a Waza-Ari, awarded for an almost technically perfect score. An ippon counts as two points and is given when a technically difficult technique is successfully executed or when a player:
- Disarms the opponent
- Makes the opponent drop their weapon
- Makes a good block-counter
Block-Counter
An attack is not always rewarded with a Waza-Ari; the strike can be too hard, dodged, or blocked. In a block, you hold both ends of the nunchaku and try to deflect the opponent’s attack.
After a successful block, you may immediately counterattack without needing two hand switches if the counter is made within one second. A successful block-counter is awarded an ippon.
Freestyle
A freestyle lasts 1 or 2 minutes, during which participants are not bound to a specific series of techniques. The focus is on putting on as much ‘show’ as possible by perfectly mastering the nunchaku techniques. The judges base their scores on speed, rhythm, use of two nunchaku, and so on.
Kata
Katas are series of techniques that must be performed in a precise order. They exist in almost all martial arts. The goal is to execute the hand switches smoothly and correctly, not drop the nunchaku, and perform at a good speed. The judges provide a score for this.
Nunchaku-jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is the self-defense art with the nunchaku, focusing on more realistic use of the weapon. It teaches defending oneself with the nunchaku against attacks from other weapons such as sticks, knives, swords, punches, and kicks. This style was developed by people with a jiu-jitsu background.
Chui’s and Keikoku’s
A chui is a penalty in the form of a half-point against. You receive a chui for:
- Too little variation in your hand switches
- Hitting too hard
- Stepping outside the competition area twice
After a second offense, you receive a Keikoku, a Waza-Ari against. After a third offense, a Keikoku 2, an ippon against. After a fourth offense, you are disqualified.
