Posted on Dec 23, 2025
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
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Nunchaku (or nunchucks) are traditional Okinawan martial arts weapons consisting of two sticks connected by a short chain or rope, used for training hand speed and coordination, with modern types ranging from lightweight foam for practice to heavy metal for strength; they are popular in martial arts but have legal restrictions in some places, so checking local laws is crucial. 

Types of Nunchaku

Wooden: Traditional hardwood, good for realistic feel and solid feedback.

Foam: Lightweight and padded, ideal for beginners and safe practice.

Metal (Steel, Aluminum): Heavier, used for strength training and durability.

Graphite/Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and strong, popular for speed and competition.

Cord vs. Chain: Cord allows for adjustable length, while chains offer smooth rotation and durability. 

Origin & Use

Origin: Developed in Okinawa, Japan, from tools used for threshing rice.

Purpose: Primarily for martial arts training to improve posture, speed, and reflexes, though they can be used as weapons.

Famous Association: Popularized globally by martial arts icon Bruce Lee. 

Legal Status & Safety

Varies by Location: Legality differs significantly; some areas ban them due to potential misuse as weapons, while others permit them for sport.

Safety First: Always practice with supervision (like a sensei) and start with safe, lightweight versions like foam nunchaku to avoid injury, as they are potent weapons. 

Learning & Practice

Start with basic figure-eight motions, moving slowly and focusing on smooth, controlled movements.

Practice on both sides and gradually increase speed and complexity, incorporating wrist rolls and switches. 


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Responses: 15
Lt Col Charlie Brown
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You go girl! One of my granddaughters was a "tom boy" and into basketball and soccer...she is 5'11 and very athletic...now an AIC in the Air Force and a B-52 mechanic married to a AF security policeman.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
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Lt Col Charlie Brown I saw you and her on your Facebook page. Super impressive. Her power suit isn't a skirt and jacket.
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Maj Robert Thornton
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If either of my grandkids came to me wanting to learn martial arts, I would research the local studio’s and enroll them. I sponsored all three of my grands for their preschool in at a local church. Why not self- defense training.
My two oldest grands will soon learn firearms training from me. I think it is very important to know what to do if they were to encounter an unsecured firearm. I have already gotten permission from my son to do this, so probably in the spring we will go to the range I use on the properties I hunt. Cheers
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Maj Robert Thornton
Maj Robert Thornton
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Exactly Sgt Albert Castro! Unfortunately the youngest isn’t old enough yet, even though she is probably the smartest.
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Sgt Albert Castro
Sgt Albert Castro
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Maj Robert Thornton - LOL Teach em well Sir. Blessings on you and your families this Christmas. Merry Christmas sir.
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Maj Robert Thornton
Maj Robert Thornton
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And a Merry Christmas to you and your families Sgt Albert Castro.
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Sgt Albert Castro
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SGT Lorenzo Nieto
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I’d have to say go for it.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
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SGT Lorenzo Nieto then Lady Kung Fu begins her journey.
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