Jump to content

Nunchaku

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the animated TV series, seeNumb Chucks.
For other uses, seeNunchaku (disambiguation).
Various types of nunchaku.
Nunchaku
Chinese name
Traditional ChineseSong tiết côn
Simplified ChineseSong tiết côn
Japanese name
Katakanaヌンチャク

Thenunchaku(/nʌnˈtʃækuː/)(Japanese:ヌンチャク,sometimes "dual-section stick","nunchuks"[1](/ˈnʌntʃʌks/), "nunchucks",[2]"chainsticks",[3]or "chuka sticks"[4]in English),(ChineseSong tiết côn,Shuāngjiégùn) is a traditionalEast-Asianmartial artsweapon consisting of two sticks (traditionally made of wood), connected to each other at their ends by a short metal chain or a rope. It is approximately 30 cm (12 ") (sticks) and 1 inch (rope). A person who has practiced using this weapon is referred to in Japanese asnunchakuka(ヌンチャク gia,nunchakuka).

Nunchaku
Vietnamese master Hà Dũng performs nunchaku

The nunchaku is most widely used inSouthern Chinese Kung fu,Okinawan Kobudoandkarate.It is intended to be used as a training weapon, since practicing with it enables the development of quick hand movements and improves posture. Modern nunchaku may be made of metal, plastic, orfiberglassinstead of the traditional wood. Toy versions and replicas not intended to be used as weapons may be made ofpolystyrene foamor plastic. Possession of this weapon isillegalin some countries, except for use in professional martial arts schools.

The origin of the nunchaku is unclear. One traditional explanation holds that it was originally invented byEmperor Taizu of Song,as a weapon in war. Another weapon, called thetabak-toyok,native to the northernPhilippines,is constructed very similarly, suggesting that it and the nunchaku descended from the same instrument.

In modern times, the nunchaku (Tabak-Toyok) was popularized by the actor and martial artistBruce Leeand byDan Inosanto.[5]Lee famously used nunchaku in several scenes in the 1972 filmFist of Fury.[6]WhenTadashi Yamashitaworked with Bruce Lee on the 1973 filmEnter the Dragon,he enabled Lee to further explore the use of the nunchaku and otherkobudodisciplines. The nunchaku is also the signature weapon of the characterMichelangeloin theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesfranchise.

In addition the nunchaku is used in certaincontact sports.

Etymology[edit]

The origin of the Ryukyuan wordnunchaku(ヌンチャク)likely originated from theMin Chineseword of "nng chat kun" ( song tiết côn ). Another name for this weapon is "nūchiku" (ヌウチク).[7]

In the English language,nunchakuare often referred to as "nunchuks".[8]It is a variant of a word from theOkinawan language,which itself may come from aMin Chineseword for a farming tool, neng-cak.[5]

Origins[edit]

Hyoshiki (wooden clappers)
ASouth-East Asianrice threshing tool similar in design to nunchaku.

The first written record of nunchaku-like weapon was the Chinese militarycompendiumofVõ kinh tổng yếu;Wujing Zongyaocompiled during theNorthern Song dynasty:

"Thiết liên giáp bổng, bổn xuất tây nhung, mã thượng dụng chi, dĩ địch hán chi bộ binh. Kỳ trạng như nông gia đả mạch chi gia, dĩ thiết sức chi, lợi ô tự thượng kích hạ, cố hán binh thiện dụng giả xảo ô nhung nhân."[9]

English Translation:

"Two sticks connected by metal chain, originated fromXirong,used on horses in combat against Han infantry, shaped similarly to flails used by farmers to sow wheats, iron-decorated, easy to strike below from above, Han soldiers who were able to master could exercise with excellence against theXirongs."

One popular belief is that nunchaku in its contemporary form was originally a short South-East Asianflail.A near identical weapon to the nunchaku calledtabak-toyokexists in the northernPhilippines,[10]which was used tothreshrice or soybeans. Alternative theories are that it was originally developed from an Okinawan horse bit (muge) or from a wooden clapper calledhyoshiki[11]carried by the village night watch, made of two blocks of wood joined by a cord. The night watch would hit the blocks of wood together to attract people's attention, then warn them about fires and other dangers.[12]

An oft-repeated claim is that the nunchaku and otherOkinawan weaponswere tools adapted for use as weapons by peasants who were forbidden from possessing conventional weapons, but available academic sources suggest this is likely a romantic exaggeration created by 20th century martial arts schools. Martial arts inOkinawawere practiced exclusively by the aristocracy (kazoku) and "serving nobles" (shizoku), but were prohibited among commoners (heimin).[13][self-published source?]

Parts[edit]

Parts of nunchaku
  • Ana:the hole on thekontohof each handle for thehimoto pass through—only nunchaku that are connected byhimohave anana.
  • Himo:the rope which connects the two handles of some nunchaku.
  • Kusari:the chain which connects the two handles of some nunchaku.
  • Kontoh:the top of each handle.
  • Jukon-bu:the upper area of the handle.
  • Chukon-bu:the center part of the handle.
  • Kikon-bu:the lower part of the handle.
  • Kontei:the bottom of the handle.[14]

Construction[edit]

Close-up image of thekontoh(top) of two nunchaku, showing thekusari(chain) on one, and thehimo(rope) andana(hole) that thehimogoes through on the other.
Uncommon nunchuks made of solidnylon,hollowaluminum,and solid metal (unlinked)

Nunchaku consist of two sections of wood connected by a cord or chain, though variants may include additional sections of wood and chain. In China, the striking stick is called "dragon stick" ( "Long côn" ), while the handle is called "yang stick" ( "Dương côn" ).

The rounded nunchaku is comparatively heavy and used for training, whereas the octagonal nunchaku is used for combat.[15]Ideally, each piece should be long enough to protect the forearm when held in a high grip near the top of the shaft. Both ends are usually of equal length, although asymmetrical nunchaku exist that are closer to a traditionalflail.

The ideal length of the connecting rope or chain is just long enough to allow the user to lay it over his or her palm, with the sticks hanging comfortably and perpendicular to the ground. The weapon should be properly balanced in terms of weight. Cheaper or gimmicky nunchaku (such as glow-in-the-dark versions) are often not properly balanced, which prevents the performer from performing the more advanced and flashier "low-grip" moves, such as overhand twirls. The weight should be balanced towards the outer edges of the sticks for maximum ease and control of the swing arcs.

Traditional nunchaku are made from a strong, flexible hardwood such asoak,loquatorpasania.

Formal styles[edit]

The nunchaku is most commonly used inOkinawan kobudōandkarate,but it is also used in Koreanhapkidoandeskrima.(More accurately, theTabak-Toyok,a similar though distinct Philippine weapon, is used, not the Okinawan nunchaku). Its application is different in each style. The traditionalOkinawan formsuse the sticks primarily to grip and lock.Filipino martial artistsuse it much the same way they would wield a stick: striking is given precedence.Korean systemscombine offensive and defensive moves, so both locks and strikes are taught. Other proprietary systems of Nunchaku are also used in Sembkalah (Iranian Monolingual Combat Style), which makes lethal blows in defense and assault.

Nunchaku is often the first weapon wielded by a student, to teach self-restraint and posture, as the weapon is liable to hit the wielder more than the opponent if not used properly.[citation needed]

The Nunchaku is usually wielded in one hand, but it can also bedual wielded.It can be whirled around, using its hardened handles for blunt force, as well as wrapping its chain around an attacking weapon to immobilize or disarm an opponent. Nunchaku training has been noted[by whom?]to increase hand speed, improve posture, and condition the hands of the practitioner. Therefore, it makes a useful training weapon.

Freestyle[edit]

Freestyle nunchakuis a modern style of performance art using nunchaku as a visual tool, rather than as a weapon. With the growing prevalence of the Internet, the availability of nunchaku has greatly increased. In combination with the popularity of other video sharing sites, many people have become interested in learning how to use the weapons for freestyle displays. Freestyle is one discipline of competition held by the World Nunchaku Association. Some modern martial arts teach the use of nunchaku, as it may help students improve their reflexes, hand control, and other skills.

Legality[edit]

In a number of countries, possession of nunchaku is illegal, or the nunchaku is defined as a regulated weapon. These bans largely came after the wave of popularity of Bruce Lee films. Norway, Canada,[16][17]Russia,Poland,Chile, and Spain are all known to have significant restrictions.

In Germany, nunchaku have been illegal since April 2006, when they were declared a strangling weapon.[18][19]

In England and Wales, public possession of nunchaku is heavily restricted by thePrevention of Crime Act 1953and theCriminal Justice Act 1988.However, nunchaku are not included in the list of weapons whose sale and manufacture is prohibited bySchedule 1 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988and are traded openly (subject to age restrictions).

In Scotland, laws restricting offensive weapons are similar to those of England and Wales. However, in a case in 2010,Glasgow Sheriff Courtrefused to accept a defence submission that nunchaku were not explicitly prohibited weapons under Scottish law, although the defendants were acquitted on other grounds.[20]

The use of nunchaku was, in the 1980s and 1990s, censored from UK rebroadcasts of American children's TV shows such asThunderCatsandTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlescartoons and films.[21]The UK version ofThunderCatsedited out nunchakus used by the characterPanthro.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesneeded to be edited, the nunchakus used byMichelangelowere edited, until they were replaced by agrappling hook.[22]The UK version of theSoul Bladevideo game was also edited, replacing the characterLi Long's nunchaku with a three-sectioned staff.

In Hong Kong, it is illegal to possess metal or wooden nunchaku connected by a chain, though one can obtain a license from the police as a martial arts instructor, and rubber nunchaku are still allowed. Possession of nunchaku in mainland China is legal.

Australia varies by state laws. InNew South Wales,the weapon is on the restricted weapons list and, thus, can only be owned with a permit.

In the United States, the popularity of Bruce Lee movies in the 1970s led to a wave of state-level nunchaku bans in New York, Arizona, California, and Massachusetts. Only the Massachusetts ban remains, but other state laws and local ordinances continue to prohibit carrying nunchaku in specific situations, such as on school grounds or in government facilities, or if carrying in public as aconcealed weapon.[23]New York's nunchaku ban was ruled unconstitutional in the 2018 caseMaloney v. Singas.[24]The state of Arizona previously considered nunchaku to be a "prohibited weapon", making mere possession illegal, with the sole exception of nunchaku-like objects that are manufactured for use as illumination devices.[25]A constitutional challenge failed,[26]but Arizona legalized nunchaku in 2019.[27]California prohibited nunchaku with exceptions for professional martial arts schools and practitioners, but the ban was repealed in 2021.[28]This leaves Massachusetts as the only US state with a nunchaku ban. Massachusetts law classifies nunchucks as "dangerous weapons," with an exemption for use in martial arts, and anyone found carrying them without proper authorization may face criminal charges.[23]

Law enforcement use[edit]

Nunchaku have been employed by a few American police departments for decades, especially after the popularBruce Leemovies of the 1970's. For instance, in 2015, police in the small town ofAnderson, Californiawere trained and deployed to use nunchaku as a form of non-lethal force.[29]They were selected because of their utility as both a striking weapon and a control tool.

Orcutt Police Nunchaku (OPN) had been adopted by more than 200 law enforcement agencies in the USA. Even though it could be used as a striking weapon, it was mainly used as a grappling implement on the wrists and ankles for pain compliance. They were very effective in that regard but improper use had been associated with injuries like wrist and limb breaks that led to them being phased out.[30]

However,tasershave become the preferred non-lethal weapon for most departments.[31]

Notable organizations[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^""Nunchaku" definition, Oxford Dictionary of English ".Oxford University Press. Archived fromthe originalon 8 August 2016.Retrieved11 July2016.
  2. ^"Nunchuck" definition, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, accessed Apr 3, 2019
  3. ^"Enter the Dragon case study".British Board of Film Classification.Archivedfrom the original on 22 March 2018.Retrieved28 February2023.
  4. ^Active Interest Media, Inc. (March 1975)."Black Belt".Black Belt. Buyer's Guide.Active Interest Media,Inc.:10–.ISSN0277-3066.
  5. ^ab"Meet the Guy Who Introduced Bruce Lee to Nunchucks".Angry Asian Man.Archivedfrom the original on 25 July 2017.Retrieved26 July2017.
  6. ^"BBC - Films - review - Fist of Fury DVD".
  7. ^ヌンチャクについて[Regarding Nunchuks] (in Japanese). Budoshop Japan. Archived fromthe originalon 2013-04-20.Retrieved2012-01-15.
  8. ^thefreedictionary.com
  9. ^"Võ kinh tổng yếu - duy cơ văn khố, tự do đích đồ thư quán".zh.wikisource.org(in Chinese).Retrieved2023-08-20.
  10. ^Donn F. Draeger& Rober W. Smith (1969).Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts.ISBN978-0-87011-436-6.
  11. ^Reframing Japanese cinema: authorship, genre, history,Authors Arthur Nolletti, David Desser, Publisher Indiana University Press, 1992, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized May 5, 2008ISBN0-253-34108-6ISBN978-0-253-34108-2
  12. ^"OKS Nunchaku".oks-online.com.Archived fromthe originalon 2009-04-06.
  13. ^Alex Levitas."The real history of the nunchaku".nunchaku-do.com.Retrieved2021-04-06.
  14. ^Demura, Fumio (10 May 1971).Nunchaku: Karate Weapon of Self-defense.Black Belt Communications.ISBN9780897500067– via Google Books.
  15. ^Fumio Demura (1971).Nunchaku, Karate Weapon of Self Defense.Ohara Publications. p. 14.ISBN9780897500067.
  16. ^Taylor, Kim."The Legality of Martial Arts Weapons In Canada".ejmas.com.Archivedfrom the original on 2008-05-14.
  17. ^Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted, SOR/98-462Archived2010-11-04 at theWayback Machine.Canlii. Accessed 2010/06/30
  18. ^Feststellungsbescheid desBKAfrom 5 February 2004, AZ KT21 / ZV 5-5164.02-Z-23/2004
  19. ^WaffengesetzAnlage 2 (Waffenliste), Abschnitt 1, Ziffer 1.3.8
  20. ^"Men cleared of banned weapon sale".BBC News.Retrieved2018-01-21.
  21. ^Reid, Craig."TMNT: The Rennaissance [sic] Reptiles Return ".Kung Fu Magazine.Archivedfrom the original on 2010-01-06.Retrieved2009-12-27.
  22. ^Francisco, Mikael Angelo (2021-09-01)."The Untold Truth Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Looper".Looper.com.Retrieved2022-04-30.
  23. ^ab"World Population Review: Nunchucks Legality by State".March 2023.Retrieved2023-08-12.
  24. ^"03-786 - Maloney v. Singas".govinfo.Retrieved2018-12-18.
  25. ^"Arizona Revised Statutes - 13-3101 - Definitions".Arizona Legislature.Retrieved2018-12-18.
  26. ^"State v. Swanton, 129 Ariz. 131 | Casetext".casetext.com.Retrieved2019-11-18.
  27. ^Saldivia, Gabriela (12 May 2019)."In Arizona, It's No Longer A Felony To Own Nunchucks".NPR.org.Retrieved2019-11-18.
  28. ^"California Legislative Information: bill text: SB-827 Public Safety Omnibus.(2021-2022)".10 September 2021.Retrieved2023-08-12.
  29. ^Michael Martinez, Dan Simon and Augie Martin (4 November 2015)."Nunchucks: California police use martial arts equipment".CNN.Retrieved2020-09-10.
  30. ^"Beyond the baton: 5 forgotten police weapons".
  31. ^Peralta, Eyder (28 October 2015)."Small California Town Gives Its Police Nunchucks As Non-Lethal Alternative".NPR.Archivedfrom the original on 6 November 2015.Retrieved9 November2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related toNunchaku.
Look upnunchakuin Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nunchaku&oldid=1230100466"