Nunchaku do is a martial art using nunchaku, two sticks connected by a rope or chain. The origin of this martial art is not exactly known.
The nunchaku was likely originally an agricultural tool used in 13th and 14th-century China. The martial art almost certainly originated in China and was further developed in Japan . The sport has four components: Kumite (one-on-one combat), Freestyle (show element), Kata (a set series of techniques), and Jutsu (self-defense).
Kumite
This is the part where a one-on-one fight takes place with nunchaku. The goal is not to knock each other out, but to hit the opponent in certain places with the correct technique. Both participants wear a helmet and a toque .
Points are scored by touching each other, which is allowed everywhere except below the knee, in the crotch, and on the neck. Touching the head is permitted because a helmet is worn.
Before attempting to score, it is necessary to perform two hand-over-hand transitions. This means changing hands twice. There are several ways to do this, and new techniques are constantly being invented, some that even the inventors of nunchaku would have considered impossible.
Variety in the attacks is necessary; otherwise, one is penalized with half a point against, a 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 a nearly technically perfect execution. An ippon counts for two points; an ippon is awarded if a technically difficult technique is successfully executed, or if:
- The other person disarms.
- The other person drops their weapon.
- A good block counter makes
Block Counter
An attack is not always rewarded with a Waza-Ari; the blow may be too hard, be avoided, or be blocked. In a block, you grasp both ends of the nunchaku and try to deflect the other's attack.
After a successful block, one may immediately counter and initiate a new attack. Two overhand grips are not necessary if the counter is executed within a second. A successful block-counter earns an ippon.
Freestyle
A freestyle lasts 1 or 2 minutes, and is not bound to a set series of techniques. The focus is on putting on as much of a 'show' as possible by perfectly mastering the techniques with the nunchaku. The judges base their decision on speed, rhythm, use of two nunchaku, etc.
Kata
Katas are sequences of techniques that must be performed in a precise order. They exist in almost all martial arts. The focus is on performing the transitions smoothly and correctly, not dropping the nunchaku, and executing the sequence at the correct speed. The judges then give a score.
Nunchaku-jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is a self-defense art using nunchaku, focusing on more realistic applications of the weapon. It teaches self-defense with nunchaku against attacks from other weapons such as sticks, knives, swords, punches, and kicks. This style was developed by people with a jujutsu background.
Chui's and Keikoku's
A chui is a penalty, in the form of half a point against. A chui is given for:
- Not enough variety in your packing.
- Hitting too hard.
- Leaving the competition area twice.
For a second foul, you receive a Keikoku, which is equivalent to a Waza-Ari against you. For a third foul, you receive a Keikoku 2, which is equivalent to an Ippon against you. After a fourth foul, you are disqualified.
