How to Do Tricks With Nunchucks

Co-authored by John Graden

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

Nunchucks, or nunchaku, are a type of weapon that originated on Okinawa, an East Asian island. Most famous in Bruce Lee films, nunchucks are comprised of two sticks connected with a cord or chain. You too can master this unusual skill, which will give you an insight into martial arts, keep you relatively fit, and impress others.

Steps

Download Article

Go to a quality martial arts site and get foam or rubber training nunchucks with a cord. Do not buy a set of wooden, metal or hard acrylic nunchucks for your first pair
Nunchaku; Karate Weapons of Self Defence is a helpful intermediate guide for individuals who are experienced in martial arts. However, you may want to invest in a book that is aimed at a beginner's level.

Advertisement
3
Focus on basic moves. These moves are more beneficial for beginners. As Bruce Lee said, "I do not fear the man who has practiced 1000 moves once, but I fear the man who has practiced one move 1000 times." So practice!
Watch Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury," paying close attention to the scene in the karate dojo. Go on YouTube and search for "nunchaku" and/or "nunchuck tricks". Even if the techniques are too advanced for you, seeing them in action will help you get a feel for how nunchucks are used.
They should be soft, not hard", as you might expect
Now you have "the feel", you can spin them faster, do a figure 8, and pass them under your legs, over your shoulder and under your arms.
Try to replicate a few of the moves you've seen on the Internet. Naturally, take it slow for your first time around. Work your way up the ladder, as many of these complex tricks are simply basic techniques used in an unusual way. More often than not, advanced moves are just basic steps executed with brilliant speed and impeccable timing. It can be difficult to remember to start off, but persevere and you will learn quickly.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is it okay to make nunchucks?

TheThinkingPanda Zhao

Community Answer

As long as you don't bring them into public, they are legal to make/own in the U.S.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16
Question

I just knocked the crap out my face.

Community Answer

This happens. Keep trying and work on technique prior to speed. Keep working at it and looking bad with your nunchucks will become second nature, no face-hitting involved.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
Question

Can I defeat a person with a gun using nunchucks?

Community Answer

Yes! While the person is distracted, whip out your nunchucks and hit the hand holding the gun to disarm him.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 34 Helpful 22

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Try two pairs at once. See what you can do!

Thanks
Helpful 31 Not Helpful 9
If you want to use a second pair, purchase one of the same type as the first, so they are the same weight, length and in balance.

Thanks
Helpful 29 Not Helpful 10
Passing is relatively easy in that you swing the nunchucks so that the free end travels round your body or body parts, to be caught by the free hand. Use your imagination.

Thanks
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 7

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Be aware that, unless they are used properly, nunchucks can and will seriously injure others, if not yourself. Take care when showing off your tricks.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
Wooden, acrylic or steel nunchucks may be illegal in some states or countries. Check before buying.

Thanks
Helpful 27 Not Helpful 6
Be sensible. Don't try to do completely insane tricks you see someone do on a video game. They are almost impossible and should not be attempted for fear of cracking your head open.

Thanks
Helpful 26 Not Helpful 6
As stated above, nunchucks are essentially ancient, deadly weapons. This article in no way gives you the right to go around the streets beating people up! Although using your nunchucks is fun, they are still a tool of the martial arts and should be treated how you would treat any other weapon or martial art: With respect.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1