Ninja Fun: Beginner Nunchaku (Nunchucks)
In this class, students will learn basic blocks, strikes, and passes using nunchaku.
Drew Smith
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(54)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
We will cover the basics of blocking, striking, and passing nunchaku (nunchucks) that can be used in combination for demonstration or choreography purposes. We will mostly cover using one pair, but will talk about ways to incorporate a second pair. It is not recommended that students plan or attempt to use martial arts weapons for defense or attack. (We will not cover the legal restrictions or consequences of doing so as it can vary wildly depending on local laws and parents should consult legal counsel before allowing students to use weapons for defense or attacks.) Nunchaku can be a fun way to improve coordination and can be useful for demonstrations (such as talent exhibitions) and choreographed fights (like student films or similar). They can also be dangerous (to the user, to people near the user, and to household objects like televisions and lamps). It is HIGHLY recommended students acquire (or make) foam nunchaku for training and practice purposes, especially when training inside homes. While foam nunchaku can be a bit more challenging to use for certain passes, they greatly reduce the risk of injury or breakage. (When I taught this lesson at a martial arts studio, we always used the punching bag room so no one could accidentally break one of the studio mirrors.) Foam nunchaku are available from multiple sellers online and in many retail stores. The easiest to work with have a plastic core to give them enough heft to swing properly. We will talk briefly at the end of class about ways to safely transition from foam training nunchaku to wooden or aluminum nunchaku.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basics of nunchaku use.
Basic swings and strikes.
Basic blocks.
Basic passes.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
It is HIGHLY recommended students acquire (or make) foam nunchaku for training and practice purposes, especially when training inside homes. While foam nunchaku can be a bit more challenging to use for certain passes, they greatly reduce the risk of injury or breakage. (When I taught this lesson at a martial arts studio, we always used the punching bag room so no one could accidentally break one of the studio mirrors.) Foam nunchaku are available from multiple sellers online and in many retail stores. The easiest to work with have a plastic core to give them enough heft to swing properly.
Note: I have seen black belt students bruise themselves practicing with wooden or aluminum nunchaku. They are especially hard on fingernails when practicing passes. Bruises are also common when practicing passes or stops with wooden or aluminum nunchaku. When practicing swings, it can be very easy to hit oneself in the face if not paying close attention to the weapon. (There is reason this weapon is commonly used in jokes where untrained users knock themselves out.)
Same as when teaching this material in a live class, students who are "goofing off" or not paying attention may be removed from class for a cooling off period for their own safety.
Again, students should not plan to use weapons for attacks or defense. (We will talk briefly about the concept of nunchaku as defense, but there will be emphasis on training and following local laws.)
Supply List
Students should acquire foam training nunchaku prior to class so they can learn safely (and not break anything in their homes). Foam training nunchaku should ideally have a plastic core with a foam covering. "Costume" grade nunchaku are generally not well-weighted for training and can be flimsy. Training nunchaku can be found online from major retailers (Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc.) and martial arts supply stores (Century, etc.) for $10-20. They are typically sold individually, but some sellers may offer them packaged as a set.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.7
54reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Teacher is a 3rd degree black belt in Kuai Shou Pai Gung Fu and Shinjutsu Kempo Karate and has taught martial arts students ages 4-60 for five years. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$13
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-9 learners per class
