How to Learn to Use Nunchaku by Yourself

A step-by-step guide to mastering nunchuck basics

Co-authored by John Graden

Last Updated: April 11, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or you just love Bruce Lee films, learning to use Nunchaku is a worthwhile and enjoyable pastime. With a focus on safety and proper technique, anyone can learn the basics of Nunchaku on their own time. In this article, we’ll show you how to start your self-training with your first pair of foam nunchucks. If you’ve got yours handy, let’s get to work!

Things You Should Know

Do a basic figure 8 move by passing the nunchuck under your arm, striking left and right, and wrapping it around your waist to stop it.
Move on to simple combat strikes using protective gear or a mannequin. Then, progress to more complex moves (or invent a few of your own).
Always practice in a safe area, like an empty room, so you don't break anything or hurt anyone.

1

Buy practice nunchucks.

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Look for foam handles connected by a cord or chain. Internet martial arts sites will almost definitely have pairs available. It is always better to accidentally hit yourself with foam than wood or metal.^{[1]
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- A Nunchaku is a weapon, so you should look up where you are allowed to carry it. Also, price the durability and cheapness of the weapon.

2

Practice in a safe spot.

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Go to a place that does not have a lot of things to break.

3

Get a feel for the nunchucks slowly.

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Twirl them around slowly until you get the feel of them, then practice passing from hand to hand and doing figure of 8's. When you get confident, you can always speed up.^{[2]
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4

Start with the basics.

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Pass the nunchuck under your arm, strike left and right and stop it by wrapping it around your waist. When you learn these simple moves, you will be set up to do progressively trickier stuff. Alternatively, purchase a book on nunchaku basics. Martial artists have used these for hundreds of years. Use their expertise.^{[3]
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5

Practice combat moves.

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Learn strikes. Take the weapon and strike it against objects in proper manners, i.e. strike the head area and other pressure points that would protect you in a fight. Always use protective gear or a mannequin.^{[4]
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- Take the weapon and put it under your arm.
- Then take the end your holding and flip it out toward a target.
- This is just one way. You can use the strokes to strike people as well.

6

Work up to harder maneuvers.

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By the time you get to the advanced techniques in the back of the books, you should be able to combine a few moves and invent your own. You can even learn to throw it up and catch it!^{[5]
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7

Upgrade to wooden nunchucks.

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As light and quick as foam is, you're now ready for the big challenge. the difference between the wood and foam chunks is weight. Start off slow again and get used to the increased weight. Practice all the techniques you've learned slowly. When you're ready, speed them up again!

Community Q&A

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Question

Are nun-chucks a "one size fits all" type of item?

Community Answer

No, every pairs comes with different feeling, weight, etc. The length of the chain also determine how swift you can go. Practice often to get used to one and stick with it. Switching nunchaku will require weeks of time to get used to the new pair in order to be as fast and accurate as the one you already used to.

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Can I use nunchucks in self-defense, or is that considered assault?

Community Answer

It depends. If you're in a situation where you need to defend yourself with a weapon, then the specific weapon you use won't really matter. If you're in a situation where you didn't reasonably need a weapon to defend yourself, then it could be considered assault regardless of the weapon you used, including nunchucks.

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How can I learn to spin a nunchuck without getting frustrated?

Community Answer

Practice slowly with your eyes closed. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a break and do something relaxing.

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Tips

Always learn each move slowly, then get progressively faster. Don't try it fast to start with or you could end up with a nasty headache! Even foam covered practice nunchaku can cause damage if mishandled!

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Start by firmly grasping a handle in each hand and without letting go see how far you can move them around your body.

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Get used to their range of motion this way before you try swinging them around.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Stretch your arms and wrists. Practicing can make then cramp.
Mix what you learned together to try combinations.

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Warnings

Wooden nunchaku are illegal to buy, sell, own or transport in some states/countries. Always check your local country and area laws before buying/making them. In some states of the USA it is Illegal to buy sell own or transport of nunchaku; this will vary from state to state and these laws do change.

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Remember that this is a weapon, not a toy. They are good for self-defense, exercise or just learning tricks with them. Using them in a confrontational situation will get you arrested/jailed in many areas.

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People who suffer from joint disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome should bypass these and look into other forms of exercise such as tai chi.

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As there is a very good chance you could seriously injure yourself or someone else with nunchaku. It’s best to have someone around to apply first aid in case of accident. Be careful!

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