Nunchaku do is a martial art 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 used in China in the 13th and 14th centuries. The martial arts most likely originated in China and further developed in Japan. The sport has four parts: the Kumite (one-on-one fight), Freestyle (show element), the Kata (certain series of techniques) and Jutsu (self-defense).
Kumite
This is the part where you have a one-on-one fight with the nunchaku. The goal is not to knock each other out, but to hit the opponent in certain places with the right technique. They both wear a helmet and a toque . Points are scored by touching each other, which is allowed in all places, except below the knee, in the crotch and on the neck. It is permitted on the head as one is wearing a helmet.
Before attempting to score it is necessary to make two transfers. This means that you have 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 overpacks is necessary, otherwise you will be penalized with half a point against, chui. A chui is also given if one goes off 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. You receive an ippon if you successfully perform a technically difficult technique or if you:
- The other disarms
- The other drops his weapon
- Makes a good block counter
Block Counter
An attack is not always rewarded with a Waza-Ari, the blow can be too hard, be dodged or blocked. With a block you take hold of the two ends of the nunchaku and try to repel the attack of the other. In the event of a successful block, one may immediately counter and launch a new attack. This does not require two transfers if the counter is made within one second. In the event of a successful block counter, an Ippon is awarded.
Freestyle
A freestyle lasts 1 or 2 minutes, and you are not bound to a series of techniques to follow. It is mainly about giving as much 'show' as possible by perfectly mastering the techniques with the nunchakus. The jury makes its judgment based on the speed, rhythm, use of two nunchakus, etc.
Kata
Katas are series of techniques that must be performed one after the other in a precise order. These exist in almost all martial arts. The point is that you carry out the transfers nicely and correctly, that you do not drop the nunchaku and that you do it at a good speed. The jury will give an assessment for this.
Nunchaku jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is the art of self-defense 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 half a point against. One receives a chui for:
- Too little variety in your overpacks
- Hitting too hard
- Go outside the competition area twice
A second mistake results in Keikoku, a Waza-Ari. With a third mistake a Keikoku 2, an ippon against. After a fourth mistake you will be disqualified.
