Spinning and Twirling Nunchaku Techniques

While learning how to use spinning and twirling nunchaku techniques, wear a helmet (and a sports cup, for males) to limit injuries. It is best to practice these techniques with both hands and two sets of nunchaku (commonly referred to as nunchucks). In the beginning it is hard to understand the momentum of the weapon. Once you get used to it you can ditch the helmet and cup. Sign up for a martial arts class locally for the best training with nunchucks. Ask for some private lessons on this particular weapon, and take a list of techniques with you.

  1. Helicopter Spins

    • Start low with this technique, not high as the name suggests. Always hold nunchucks a little over halfway from the bottom, just a little bit closer to the chain or rope connecting the sticks. This gives you more control over the weapon. Hold it out in front of you and begin spinning the nunchaku. Use your wrist to begin the momentum. Practice spinning both ways (to the left and the right). Once you feel comfortable with that movement, hold the chucks above your head with your arms in a V position to provide enough space for the weapons to spin without hitting each other. Practice in front of a mirror so you can see where the weapons are. Spin inward and then outward. You can also do this spinning and twirling nunchaku technique to the side.

    Shoulder Throw

    • Practicing the shoulder throw will help you get used to having the chucks hit your body without hurting you. There is a point in the technique where you need to slow momentum, so when the weapons do hit your body the impact is light. To do a shoulder throw, swing both nunchaku over your shoulders. The weapons will hit your back, but as long as you slow the momentum at the top of the pass it won't hurt. Now swing the nunchaku under your armpits and squeeze your arms to your side to catch them. Keep practicing.

    Figure Eights

    • Hold the weapons in front of you. Draw a sideways eight in the air with the nunchucks. Once you have one direction down, try going the other way. Make sure your arms are spaced apart enough so they don't collide when you're swinging the nunchucks.

    Back Pass

    • This starts exactly like the shoulder throw. However, in this spinning and twirling nunchaku technique you will need to use only one set of nunchucks. Do a shoulder pass on one side, but stop when the weapon hits your back. Reach behind with your other hand and grab the chuck. Pull it around and swing it over your other shoulder. Repeat as many times as you can.

    Training

    • Sign up for a local martial arts class that works with weapons to learn more difficult techniques. It is ideal to learn under a master of the nunchaku. You can also take private lessons at most martial arts schools to solely learn to master this weapon. You can learn many techniques through a qualified instructor.