Nunchaku-do is a martial art practiced with the nunchaku, two sticks connected by a rope or chain. The origin of this martial art is not known exactly.
The nunchaku was probably originally an agricultural tool used in China during the 13th and 14th centuries. The martial art most likely originated in China and was further developed in Japan. The sport consists of four disciplines: Kumite (one-on-one combat), Freestyle (show element), Kata (a specific series of techniques), and Jutsu (self-defense).
Kumite
This is the discipline in which competitors fight one-on-one with the nunchaku. The aim is not to knock each other out, but to hit the opponent in specific areas using the correct technique. Both competitors wear a helmet and a groin protector.
Points are scored by hitting each other. Hits are allowed anywhere except below the knee, in the groin, and on the neck or throat. Hits to the head are allowed because competitors wear helmets.
Before attempting to score, it is necessary to perform two hand changes. This means switching hands twice. There are several ways to do this, and new variations are regularly invented that even the creators of Nunchaku could never have imagined.
Variation in the hand changes is necessary; otherwise, the competitor is penalized with half a point against, called a chui. A chui is also awarded for stepping off the mat or hitting too hard. Matches last two and a half minutes or until one competitor reaches six points.
One point is called a Waza-Ari and is awarded for an almost technically perfect score. An ippon is worth two points and is awarded when a technically difficult technique is successfully executed or when a competitor:
- Disarms the opponent
- Makes the opponent drop their weapon
- Performs a successful block-counter
Block-Counter
An attack is not always rewarded with a Waza-Ari; the strike may be too hard, be evaded, or be blocked. During a block, you grasp both ends of the nunchaku and attempt to fend off the opponent’s attack.
After a successful block, you may counter immediately and launch a new attack. Two hand changes are not necessary if the counter is made within one second. A successful block-counter is awarded an ippon.
Freestyle
A freestyle routine lasts 1 or 2 minutes, during which the competitor is not bound to a specific series of techniques. The aim is mainly to provide as much ‘show’ as possible by demonstrating perfect control of the nunchaku. The judges base their decision on speed, rhythm, the use of two nunchaku, and more.
Kata
Kata are series of techniques that must be performed consecutively in a precise order. They exist in almost all martial arts. The aim is to perform the hand changes smoothly and correctly, avoid dropping the nunchaku, and maintain a good speed. The judges give a score for the performance.
Nunchaku-jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is the art of self-defense with the nunchaku and focuses on using the nunchaku in a more realistic way. Practitioners learn to defend themselves with the nunchaku against attacks involving other weapons, such as sticks, knives, and swords, as well as punches and kicks. This style was developed by people with a jiu-jitsu background.
Chuis and Keikokus
A chui is a penalty in the form of half a point against. A chui is awarded for:
- Insufficient variation in your hand changes
- Hitting too hard
- Stepping outside the competition area twice
For a second offense, the competitor receives a Keikoku, worth one Waza-Ari against. For a third offense, they receive a Keikoku 2, worth one ippon against. After a fourth offense, the competitor is disqualified.
