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.
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 one engages in 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 correct technique. Both wear a helmet and a groin protector.
Points are scored by hitting each other, which is allowed on all areas except below the knee, the groin, and the neck/throat. Hits to the head are allowed since a helmet is worn.
Before trying to score, it is necessary to perform two hand switches. This means switching hands twice. There are various ways to do this, and new methods are regularly invented that even the inventors of Nunchaku would not have imagined possible.
Variation in the hand switches is necessary; otherwise, one is penalized with half a point against, called chui. A chui is also given if one 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 for two points and is given when a technically difficult technique is successfully executed or when one:
- 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, avoided, 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 and launch a new attack. Two hand switches are not necessary if the counter is made within a second. A successful block-counter is awarded an ippon.
Freestyle
A freestyle lasts 1 or 2 minutes, during which one is not bound to follow a set series of techniques. The focus is mainly on putting on as much ‘show’ as possible by perfectly mastering the techniques with the nunchaku. The judges base their judgment on speed, rhythm, use of two nunchaku, etc.
Kata
Katas are series of techniques that must be performed in a precise order. These exist in almost all martial arts. The goal is to perform the hand switches smoothly and correctly, not to drop the nunchaku, and to do it at a good speed. The judges give a score for this.
Nunchaku-jutsu
Nunchaku-jutsu is the self-defense art with the nunchaku, focusing on 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 a 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 variation in hand switches
- Hitting too hard
- Stepping outside the competition area twice
After a second fault, one receives a Keikoku, a Waza-Ari against. After a third fault, a Keikoku 2, an ippon against. After a fourth fault, you are disqualified.
