NAMlC

Edito Mike L
Graphic Design: Karen Massad
Ar Production: Junko SadJadpur
Ludovlc Szvercsak
Sergio Onaga
19 Ohara Publications. Inc.
All rights resered
Printed In the United Stales of America
Library of Congress CalaloQ Card Number: N+
ISBN 0-97501055
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I would like to thank four very fine martial artists: Sam Kuoha, James
Lew, Teik Huat Ooi, and Richard Rebago, for their expert assistance in
demonstrating the tehniques in this book.
Ab0uHhrAulh0f
Tadashi Yamashita Wbor in Japan i 1942, bUI he considers himself
an Okinawan. His father died when he was three, and his mother, who never
remarried (the older Japanese did not believe in remarriage) move to
Okinawa when Tadashi was eight years old. He lived in Okinawa until, at
the age of 24, he came to the United States where he has since become a
citi7cn.
Yamashita's experience of more than 27 years in martial arts began at the
age of 11. The roughest kid in school, he not only picked fights with the
other students, but with the teachers as well. This was brought to the alten
tion of the PTA which realized it could not handle him.
One day, the PTA president, who was also a karate instructor, stopped
by to pick up Tadashi after school. Always the warrior, Tadashi tried to
fight him. The instructor slapped the rebellious youngster and dragged him
off to the dojo where he was taught the elements of kicking, punching, and
most important of all, discipline. Tadashi found his probation period very
interesting. His destructiveness was channeled into a hidden talent. The
young man had discovered an art form, a religion, and a way of life. Yama
shita was awarded his black belt at the age of 16. In 196, he captured the
All-Okinawan Shorin-ryu Free Sparring Grand Champion title.
On Okinawa, in addition to practicing martial arts, he was also an out
standing baseball pitcher, and collecte some 6 trophies for motorcycle
racing.
When he came to the United States, he opened a karate school which he
owned and operated for five yers.
In 1968, he visited Japan and tested before his instructor, Sugura Naka
zato, ninth-degree black belt. Also on the panel was the famous Chosin Chi
bana, tenth-degre black belt. Tadashi became the youngest seventh-degre
black belt in Japan's history.
In 1972, in search of a fuller life, Tadashi moved to Southern California.
At the Pro-Am Tournament in Los Angeles in 1973, the first of many tour
naments in which he would demonstrate his talent, Yamashita brought
7,( spectators to their feet for a standing ovation, and from then on, his
reputation in the United States as a karate and weapons expert grew.
During the same year, Yamashita was featured on the television show
Thrillseekers with Chuck Connors. After that program aired in Japan, Toei
Productions starred him in his first motion picture, The Karate. This film
was so well received that Toei used him in two more films, The Blind Karate
Man and Karate I. Some American films in which Yamashita has appeared
include Warner Bros.' Enter the Dragon, Cannon Films' American Ninja,
and American Cinema Productions' Octagon with Chuck Norris.
Yamashita is one of the foremost karate and weapons expert in the
United States today. He is the head instructor of Shorin-ryu iu the United
States, and the head instructor of American Karate Association.
AnI0mg0fIhrNu0th8u
The traditional belief is thaI after countless hours of practice and hard
work, your nunchaku will take on some of your spirit and character. When
you begin to feel this way, that the weapon is becoming a pan of you. you'll
know that your skill is at the threshold of becoming real and viable.
Each of the nunchaku sections can be gripped in three places: the top,
which is where the rope is connected, the middle, and the bottom; and each
of these areas is a little more than the length of your fist, making the total
length of each section about the same as the distance from your elbow to the
middle of your hand, although this may also vary according to your pref
erence.
The nunchaku sections are made of hardwood, and are connected to
gether by rope, or in the case of those of less traditional construction, by
chain. Tis always wise to check both the wood for splinters and the connect
ing rope or chain to make sure all parts are sound and secure before every
practice session.
L0nIrnI$
11 Preparing for Practice
A simple but effective warm-up routine for stretching the muscles
and loosening the joints
17 Drawing the Nunchaku
Methods of drawing the nunchaku quickly and swinging it into ac
tion in a single motion, including drawing from the waist, the
sleeve, from behind, and from the collar
27 Developing Lightning Dexterity
Practice exercises for developing essential speed and control over
the weapon in fully focused strikes, In changing directions without
recoiling off your body, and in twirling
83 Blocking and Striking
Dynamic blocking and striking methods including target areas for
swinging strikes, thrusts, double strikes as well as simultaneous
block and strike teChniques and a training exercise for improving
timing and accuracy
105 Fighting Techniques
Technique drills against an attacer both armed and unarmed,
designed to practice nunchaku use in combat
157 Applications
Self-defense scenarios against single and multiple opponents
breaking down the fight into essential phases
9
Preparing
for Practice
u should always warm up thoroughly before you begin prac
ice. You'll find that you will make fewer mistakes. and Ihal
this will increse your confidence. Then you cn build on Ihe skills you
already have. This is the natural way of learing and the b.
The worst kind of practice is that in which you make too many errors, in
which the weapon becomes your enemy, and you develop bad habits due LO
incorrect technique and insecurity about the weapon. This is usually the case
if you start out cold, ignore the basics. and overstep yOUf skills too far.
This warm-up exercise is extremely simple. The truth is what specific
things you do to warm up are really less important than yOur state of mind.
This warm-up routine is enough to stretch your body properly but simple
enough to allow you IOrelax and clear your mind.
11
Warm-Up Rine
With both sections together, (1) extend
the nunchaku out at arms length and at
shoulder height. (2) Raise II overhead,
then (3) slowly lean your upper body !O
the left side, keeping your shoulders
squared, and feeling the streiCh in your
right side. Next, (4) lean slowly to the
right to SmlC1Dleft side lDthe same
way. (5) Lbk 1Oan upright posi
tion, and lower the nunchaku 10 Shoul
der height. (6) Bend forward, keeping
your knees straight, but not completely
locked. Le the weight O your upper
body bring your hands tothe floor. Think
0lrelaxing the muscles In your back and
In the back of your legs. As Ihese mus
cles relax, your upper body will Sink
12
l

2
1
3
LOnID
lw. ( Come Dto W upright psi
ti, and pivot Vyur leM on the baUsof
DPf&et lo establish a [eft side stance.
As you do this, bring the nunchaku into
an over-Ihc-shoulder ready position on
your righl side. Exert dynamic tension.
(8) Pivot back to your left on the bails of
both feet to establ ish a right side
stance, and repeat the oveHneshoul
CB|ready position on Ihe left side, exert
Ing dynamic tension as before. (9)
Straighten your legs as you swing for
W|0 to touch your left toes. (10) Swing
to the right to touch yur right tos. (II)
Come back to an upright posture, and
turn the nunchaku so the top pints
down, twisting your wrists OLtW8|0.(12)
With knees slightly flexed, pint th6
nunchaku straight ahead, and reach.
PUSh your shoulders forward to stretch
your upper back muscles. (13) Fold the
nunchaku and straighten your legs,
ready to bgin again. Repeal five lImes.
14
Drawing
the Nunchaku
@kinawans. usinglhe nunchaku as a self-defense weapon in the
days when kohujulsu was the bt insurance against coming
to harm, often carried il hidden from sight. When enemies threatened, these
mcn could draw (heir nunehaku into action without a moment's hesitation.
This chapter demonstrates how to accomplish these kinds of draws.
Above all, when practicing these draws, be smooth. Keep your eyes on
the opponent at all times, and when you draw, do it with the sense of ur
gency that a real confrontatioll would evoke. In practicing in this way,
you'll notice immediately how it is possible to be extremely fast while keep
ing an inner calm. Remember this because it is an important feeling that will
be of value to you as you progress.
17
)
DrawIng !Hmthe Waist
(1) The nunchaku remains
hidden under your clothing
tucked in behind your ben.
The top is pointing inward.
Reach in and ()dlaw.ln one
molion, us your ODhand
!O (3) grip one Ol the sec
tions, restraining it as you
begin to exert force on the
other section, pushing it
toward your target Then, (4)
release your restraining
grip, and snap forward into
your imaginary target, ex
tending your whole arm into
the forward strike.
19
Drawing Irom the Se e
(1) With the nunchaku tucked into the
sleeve with the top pointing Inward, grip
the nunchaku by bending your wrist. (2)
As you pull it out, extend your arm for
ward, and grip one section with your
thumb and index finger whBe support
ing the other with your other fingers. (3)
\n the nundlaku clears your sleeve,
allow the bUom sctK to drop while
maintaining your gripon the top stio
with your thumb and index Unger. When
the bttom section lalls clear of your
hand, grip the top section wllh your
whole hand in a backhand grip. (4) To
swing the free section, recoil the nun
chaku over to the outside and swing to
the Inside, flipping your wrist to (5) strike
with a sideward sweep.
20
21
|WD from Behind
Begin with the nunchaku lucked In back
under your belt, the top pointing down.
{ll Grab both sections, and (2) draw from
behind. One 01 the sections will b
closer to yoU( palm. (3) Secure your grip
on Ihls one, and allow the olhe, one to
fali free of your hand. F/Om your right
side, (4) swing lhe nunchaku forward,
slriklng with the fre salon In circu
lar motion acros the front of your bdy,
B0(5) catch W \Dyour t6Hhand al your
left hlp.
22
M

.
I
.-
N
m 4

23
w
"
4
HHY!
Drawing from the Collar
(t) Start with the nunchaku
lucked under your coilar at
the back of yoor neck, the
lop pnllng down. (2 Dfaw
by gripping oniy one of th
sections. OPCl will D
drawn out along wilh it. and
will lall free. With the draw,
the tree section wiit b
resting close 1O your face. It
Is necessary that your first

==
move pulls this free section
away from your face. Your
swl should go oul In an

arc away from your face, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

the BlDu0 B( aross
the Iront QfyDUlDyto
cute the strike. (4) Catch
with your right hand, and
come to another ready posl
tion.

4
Developing
Lightning Dexteritl
gt isn't difficult for an anacker, given the privilege of making
the first move, (Qjam a defender's technique. Faced with a
situation that can't be handled in an orthodox way, the defender's weapon
for that instam actually becomes a liability to him.
Though the nunchaku can overcome any attack. unless you are versatile
with it, you're better off without it. These practic routines can develop your
dexterity so thai you can b nexible and spomaneous with the nunchaku.
able to answer any situation.
Learn the movements so you can do them at full speed and focus. Then,
use them examples from which to develop your own practice routines,
crealing moves that make sense, but which force you to practice what you
cannot do well.
This chapter is divided into three general categories, emphasizing skills
which are common weaknesses among students at this level. They arc: con
lToliing (he nunchaku after a fully focused strike; changing directions
without recoiling off your body: and twirling the nunchaku. The advanc
student, in addition to DS formal training, must begin to instruct himself in
his own way. These Practice exercises provide a way of beginning Ihal ad
vanced level of learning.
27
28
Controlling tht
Nunchaku After a Fully
Focused Strike
II is often said thaI
the nunchaku can pose
more of W thrt 10 the
unskilled user than IO
any opponent he may
face. and that only tradi
tional training can de
velop the skill IO ue it
competently. Surely,
01m Exercise No.1
The most common error In
catching the nunchak.u after
a strike is jetting it bounce
out C! the palm of yDU|
catching D bfoe clos
ing your lingers around It.
This resuits Irom stiffening
yCUtcatching hand. II must
be rei axed. The catching ac
tion has to be as if the force
01 the nunchaku is what
causes the hand to COB$8
B|CU0O it. (1) Hoid lP Du0
this is true in a way that
can only be described as
morally beautiful. Es
sential to the acquisition
of skill is your ability to
control your weapon,
just as self-control is
essemial \O traditional
martial arts training.
Cl" laku OUI at chest level. (2)
Step Into forward stance,
and turn one side of your
body toward the target. (3)
With yur lead hand, snap
the u0C0&Ku forward with
focus. (4) P||DW it \O Q
plete Snatural swing down
and back.loward yu. Then,
catch il quickly with your
free &0C, ready to strike
again.
29
106BNo.2
(1) With the nunChaku at waist level, (2)
step back with yur left loot into a right
1Dd stance, bringing th nunchaku
into a Iront ready pllioo. (3) Release
your left hand grip, and simultaneously
flip a forward strike with your right hand,
(4) pulling back and catching the nun
chaku once aQaln In your left han(L (5)
Pull back, and (6) thrust a strike with the
30
3
5
31

right section. (7) Twist your upper bdy

to the right as you pull back the right
section and bring the left section out to
your left shoulder in a ready position. (8)
Release your right hand grip, and flip a
circular strike from your left shoulder
across the front. Be sure, during the first
instant of this strike, thai you pull the
00OCPBu CC O your face blore
wipin RiOto the strik. Still, lShould
all b one motion. (9) Gatch the slflke in
your right hand. Po) Pull back \R0 nun
d1aku as you step up with your left foot
squaring your teet with your shoulders,
and (11) thrust a strike to the lett side
With the left sction.
32
9
10
33
Control rise NO.3
(1) Bin in a right forward stance, hold
ing the nUr\haku in a lrl ready posi
lio. () Release)Our leh hand grip an
simultaneously IUp a forward slrike wilh
your right hand. (3 FOiiow through, let
ling Ihe nunchaKu swing thr ough a
downward arc and back toward your
body. (4) Gatch 11 underhand with your
lett hand. (5) Turn the left section L]
right Wgu ste
p forward wilh your left
Klinto a leh lorward S ane, and (7)
thrust a slrike Wllh the tell seclion, lean
ing your body weight into the thrust for
focus.
34
^
5

2 3

6
35
Ctr Exercise No ..
Following through after a strike Is
another way of controlling the nuncha
ku. (1) Begin with the nunchaku at waist
ievel in front of your body. (2) Pivot to
yOur leHon the balls of your feet Into a
leflside stance, carrying the nunchaku
over to yoU right side inlo an overthe
Shoulder ready pli1 on your HDl
side. (4) Rle yur KRhand grip, and
(5) exeute a downward strike wilh
speed and locus. This strike should D
focused at the head Ol your Imaginary
opponent. Foilow through by (6) con.
tlnuing the motion of your arm, slowing
the nunchaku !Oa stop by the time your
arm is lUily extended at your side. Fol
lOwing through prevents the fre sec
tlon from going out of contrOl.
36
Control Eercise No.5
Controlling the nunchaku on the fOllOw
through Is most necessary when using
two nunchaku since you have no way of
catching them except under your arms.
(1) With both nunchaku secured in ready
positions under your arms, assume a
forward stance faclnQ your target. (2)
Execute a right hQ(lzonlal strike across
the front, and conlrOI the nunchaku by
13) following lhrourh ! lhe opposite
sideo! your body. (il Eecute a let hoi
zontal strike across lhe front. and con
trelihe nunchaku b 1again ( fol
lowing through to the opposite side.

5
39
Control Exercise No.6
This exercise contains a variety of
swinging strikes. They rSQulre that you
reco'ff Ctrol quickiy by following
through D0 yur swing even while you
bin anthr strike with the other nun
chaku. (1) tn a ,orward sance with bth
nuochaku in ready positions under your
arms, (1) strike directly forward with
both nunchaku simultaneouSly. Both
strikes are focused at the face of your
Imaginary opponent. Follow through on
these striking motions, bringing the
nunchaku out to the sides. (3) Execute a
diagonal strike with the right nunChaku,
snd (4) follow through to the leN hlp.
Then Immediately (5 bring It off the left
hip, & re UllODS to exeute
another diagonal strike upward. At the
same time, execute a diagonal strike
with the lett nunchaku. (6) While the
right nunchaku swings up to the right
shoulder in a reverse diagonal strike,
the left nUllchaku swings down to the
right hip in a diagonal strike of Its own.
Next, (7) execute a diagonal strike with
the right nunct1aku by (8) swinging It
thfOugh an inside-ut path, fOCusing at
/f oppooent's right side, aM pull
back W the le hip. Then, ( execute
anothe l0S|CDu diagonal strike with
the leN nunchaku, focuSing at your Q
ponent's lett side.
/
Changing Diretions Withoul
Recoiling Off Your 80dy
The basic method of changing
dire:tions with the nunchaku is by
recoiling it off part of your body,
and then pulling it into its new di
re:tion. There is another way of
changing dire:tons which is fast
er; howeve, it require more skill.
Although the free .section will
have a tendency to flip back to
ward your hand when you stop
abruptly after a fully focused
strike, if you keep a flexible wrist,
you can whip the nunchaku into a
new direction quickly without hav
ing the fre setion go out of con
trol. Your wrist softens the abrupt
ness by compensating, bending
back, half way B the most, like a
whip, the once some speed is
gained toward the new direction,
whips forward again into its natu
ral attitude before focus.
Diretio Chane Eercise No.1
(1) In a right fOard stance with the
nunchaku in a front ready pl on. (2
Rleaseyourleft han and fUpa 1DW
strike, (3 following through in a d0
ward direction. (4) Fiip the nunChaku
quickly back upward or your right
shoulder. and (5) catch It with your left
hand on the right side in an over-the
shoulder ready position, but don't hold
It there. Immeiately release your right
hand. As soon as your left hand catches
4
2
the nunchaKu, release your right. (6)
Swing a bacKhand horizontal striKe
across the front, and (7) follow through.
(8) Snap the nunchaKu out of the hori
zontal follow.through into an upward
flip (9) overthe left shoulder, and catch it
with your right hand on your leI! side
.
(10) As soon as your right hand catches
it, (11) release your left hand, and exe.
cute a downward blOCK across the front.
4
9
#

"

7
Direction Chane Eercise No.2
(1) Holding the nunchaku at waist level,
{2 pivot to the left on the balls Cl blh
leel into a left side stance, and (3) shift
the nuncaku to your right side into
M over-the-shulder ready position. (4)
Pivot back tothe lett onthe ballsol bth
leet inlo a right side stance, and (5) re
lease your right hand grip to (6) strike
horizontally from right to left with your

s
6
47
left hand. (1) Flip the nunchaku upward
'rom the horizontal follow-through. Your
change of diretion here must b crisp
and clean. You must whip the nunchaku
Into Its upward motion instantly with a
lIexlble wrist. Then, (8) flip it over your
loft shoulder and catch it with your right
hand In an over-lhe-shoulder poSition at
YOLK left side. (9) Pivot Inlo a left side
stance, and (to) release your left hand,
(t 1) striking horiontally with YOLK right
hand. (12) Immeiately come back In the
opposite direction with another horizon.
tal strike. Here again, your change of
direction must Dquick to prevent the
section from flipping Oul Clcontrol.
(13) Catch it on your left hlp with your
lett hand.
+

7
49
Diretion Chane Exercise No
.
3
(1) Begin with the nunchaku at walSI
level,and from your hOfOO stance, (2) pIv
Ol slighlly !O your left the balls 01
b fet into a left sid s, tIIp
the nunchaku over your right shauldel,
(3) calchl It In an overthe-shoulder
poSition with your left hand at your right
side. (4&) Release your right hand as
soon as you catch It in your left, and exe
cute a horizontal strike across the Ironl,
pivoting back to the right side slmul
taneously. () Snap it out ollh horizOn.
tal fllow-through into an OYerthe
shoulder catet' with the right hand on
your left side. (7) With bth hands main
taining their grip on the nunchaku, bring
it forward as you pivot back into ahorso
stance.
50
2
Diretion Change Eercise No.-
(1) Begin in a horse stance, nunchaKu at
the ready position in front of you. (2)
Step back with your left foot, establish
ing a right forward stance, and snap a
forward striK ( cch it uocehaoc
with your KR hand. (4) tum II upright,
and 5) stepping forward with your lell
fOl inlo a left INward stance, thrust a
strike IOIhethroat C!your Imaglnaryop
52
7

pnent. (6) Maintaining hold with bth

hands, shift the nunchaku Into an over
the-shoulder ready position at your right
side. (7) Release your lett hand grip, and
execute a downward inslde-ut diagonal
strike focused at your opponent's neck
on his right side. (8) Change directions
by snapping the nunchaku horizontally
Dv0lOlhe lett SOOyour body. ( flip-
mm
p)ng II undr yur uRW&0C&lChg
|l W|lR your 0| 0MC In M overthe-
Stloulder ready position. (10) Release
your right hand grip, and execute an
InSlde-out downward di8onal strike
focused at your opponent's 06Ck on his
B!l side.
54
I
10
55
Dirtion Chane Eecise No. 5
(1) Frm a left forward stance with the
nundlaku in a ready position in Irool, (2)
step up wilh yoyr righl 1O1Gpivot to
yoyr right into a right stance, bringing
Ihe nunchaku IntO an over-Ihe-shoulder
ready psition on the left side. (3) Ee
cute a downward strike, and (4) Snap the
nunchaku back up, (5) catching It wilh
your right hanc (6) Pivot on the balls of
both fe inlo a left side stance while
you shift the nunchaku inlo an ohe.
6UC rd pti O uf PgDl
U
57
'
side. (7 Execute a downward strike, and
(8) snap the nunchaku back up, flipping
it over your right shoulder, and catching
il with your lett hand in an OYl
shulder ready psition on | DgR
sioo. ( Sep back with your left tot,
establishing a right forward stance as
you bring the nunchaku Into thrusting
position. (10) Twist the rope around your
right wrist, (11) bring it to the right side,
and (12) execute a dOwnward block with
your right arm.
5
10
59
Diretion Change Eercise No.6
(1) Starting In a right forward stance
with both nunchaku In ready positiOns
under your arms. (2) snap bth nuocha
kutosllike forward, focusing allhe face
of your imaginary opponent. (3) Flip
bOth nunchaku through halt circles on
the outsides of your wrists, and finish
the circles on the Insides to (4) catch
under your arms, (5) Bring the right nun
chaku to an overtheshoulder ready
W
'
2
5
0I1Hu
61
positk)n over the right shouider, and (6)
as you flip the left nunchaku toward ,he
same position on the left shoulder,
simultaneously (7&) execute a down
ward strike with Ihe right nunhaku. (9)
WW WWWWWW
Flip Ihe right nunchaku back as you
-
strike down with the left. (10) With the
right nunchaku In an over-Iha-shoulder
position and the left nunchaku down at
your side, you're ready to begin another
series of alternating strikes.
62
8
7
9
6
3
Twirling the Nunchaku
This aspect of nunchaku train
ing is for developing an extra
sharpness to your dexterity with
the nunchaku. In most twirling
techniques, using a plain baton can
be of some aid in understanding
the mechanical details involved in
the movements. Though the nun
chaku is act ually easier to flip since
it is flexible, the baton permits you
to try the moves slowly while
you're still learning.
Twitting Eercise No.1
(1) With the nunchaku at chest level, (2
simultaneously release your lett hand
grip, and flip the nunchaku by twisting
your right hand In a clockwise direction.
() P the free setion cmes roune to
complete the circle, release your right
hand grip and quickly snap your right
hand back In a counterclockwise dlrec
tion to catch the free section. (4) Con
tinue the Circular motion of the nuncha
ku by twisting yOur wrist again clod<
wise, and repeal by (5) releasing your
right hand grip. snapping your right
hand back counterclockwise. and
catching the free section as it comes
round to complete the circie.

65
Twiring Eercise No. 2
(1) Stand in a h s W1Dthe ntK
chaku in both hands, palms up. (2 He
lease ur iett hand and slmultaneovsly
Ip your right hand counterclockwise L
that the free section round In a cir
cle. (3) As the free section comes over
the lOP to complete the circfe, and your
right hand is turned almost completely
arnd In a close to palm up pSition,
release your right hand, and twist It
back clockwise to eaten the tree section
In a palm up psition as it completes its
circle (4)Nt, ttip your right nand cun
l0|C0OtSl0 palm down pitio
and catch tne other sti of lD0 nun
C0Ku in your lell hand. (5) Repeat this
movement with your left hand by releas
ing your right hand grip and flippingthe
free section through a clockwise circle.
(6) As it comes over the top to complete
the circle, reiease your lett hand grip
and (7) catch thefree section. (a) Flip the
nunchaku coce more thrOUQh a half Cir
cle and catch with your right hand. (9
Bring the nunchalru back to Us original
hrizontai SUpsition.
66

2
67
1W0lEercise No.3
(I) From a right forward stance with the
nunchaku at chest level in front of you,
(21 twist the rope around your lett wrist,
and (3) thrust a strike to the throat of
your imaginary oppoent. (4) Bring the
nuchaku into W over-the.$houlder
ready position on your right side. 5&6)
Eeute a downward strike as you
simultaneously step up with YOlK lett
68
2
fOOl and pivol on the balls of both feet
Into a ieft side stance. (7) Pivot on both
feet into a right side stance as you ex.
/
tend your left arm f((ward.{8) Frm un-

Cerooalh, swing the nunchaku up !O

mmmmmm mmmmm
yur extended ieft wrist, and, letting Q
(9allow K\Ollipcompltely fre arOUnd
your left wrist. II wiil naturally fall off as
It completes one rotaHon. (10 Catch it
by extending your right wrist, and allOw.
10

/
7
9
Ing the nunchaku to fali across the top.
(11) Twist your right hand counterciock
wise, and grasp the outer section of the
nunchaku. (12&13) Pivot into a left side
stance, and swing the nunchaku down
/
and diagonally to the left side, then up-
..
ward on Uleft 10compleleh&lf a figure
ei ght. (14&15) Then, pivl bk Inlo a
right side stanc and Vover the top
then Udiagonally 10 the right sideto
complete the second hall of the figure
eight. (16) Snap the Ime section under
toward you, and catch it with your left
hand to comebackto a ready position In
a right forward stance.
72
73
Twirin ecNo.4
(1) Begin in a left sid slance With the
nunchaku in your right hand. (2) Shift
yOUr weight to your right leg, and lift
your lell knee up to waist level. Swing
tM nunchaku under your left thigh. and
(3) let go of it to allow it to pivot freely
around your left thigh through ono com
pfete revolution. (4) As It Illes off y
o
ur
left thigh of its own momentum, catch it
by letl ing it faU ars the top of your
right wist y se Oand shift
your wght to your left le. (5) Rise
your right knee up to waist ||as you
grip the nUlChaku With your rlghl hand.
(6) Swing the nUllChaku under your right
thigh, and let go of it so that it (7) rOlates
freely around your right thigh through
one revolution. (8) As It comes off your

right I, step down and catCh the nun-
3
chaku by letting il fall across the top of
your right wrist.
6
m
74

'

\ /
2
?
'
4
'
f `
75
Twirin Eerise No.5
(I) Begin wilh Ihe nunchaku in one hand
out to lhe side. (2 Swing II over 10 the
olher side and up toward your opposite
shoulder. (3) Flip the free section around
the DCO your neck, and cross YUI
B0to cach the fsection with the
OPhand yu(4)Slmuttaneoustyre
lease your original grip. Swing the nun
chaku cwn 110m behind YUI neck and
(5) out to the side.
76
|
4
s
77
Twining Eercise No. 0
(1) With the nunchaku at chest level, (2
step forward with your right foot Into a
right forward stance you flip the nun
chaku over your right shoulder, (3)
catching it bhind your DCwith yOUr
lett hand. (4) Release your right hand
grip and swing the nunchaku clear of
your bk a u to laclevel tocalCh it
In your right hand. (6) Mintaining blh
grips, carry the nunchaku to your right
side Into an over-the.shaulde1 rcady
posilion. (7) Release your left hand grip,
strike directly downward, and follow
78
W
79
trough btwen yur 1. (8 Se up
"lh your left foot Into a right side
stanco, catch the nunchaku behind you
with yeur left hand, and (9) releasi
your right hand, swing the nunchaku
clear O your bk and out to the le
side. (10 H% hizntally 1H to
righi, and follow through by (11) swing
ing It upward around the back of your
neck as you pivot Into a horse stance.
Catch It by crossing your right hand over
lO your left shoulder. (12 lBSyour
left hand grip, and (13) swing a down
ward diagonal strike with your left hand,
and (14) slep back with your right fool in
to a lett forward slance ready position.
b
7
r
81
Blocking
and Striking
min8 is the key to exeuting dynamic blocking techniques be
the block itself should constiwte an offensive option in
ils own rghl. Tn of (he tehnique of defleting a front punch for exam
ple. The bic block simply pushe the puch out of the way. The dynamic
block thrusts a strike to the wrist. damaging the bone at the same lime the
punch is dencxted. Another dyamic blocking technique employs the rope
10 set up the ncxt move which is often to trap the opponent's limb, and
render an armiock, ieglock, or wristlock.
Basic striking techniques properly executed can't be improved upon. The
use of two nunehaku instead of one introduces the ability to strike more
often while sacrificing so much in return, one can only say that double nun
ehaku are different but not necessarily better. Traini ng wilh them however
will improve your skills considerably. and is highly recommended.
83
BLOCKING TECHNIQUES
(A) Inside Thrst Block
A punch can b deflected TO the inside
using the end of one section IOthrust a
strike 1O the opponent's wrist.
(8) Downwar st Blok
Similarly. a punch can b dellected
downward Whie inllicllng iDjuQ to the
wrist at the same lime.
Ie) TrapBlok
Aconventional empty-hand type of block
using your wrist can be enhanced by
trapping the attacker's arm between
your wrist and the nunchaku.
(0) Dflection Blok
Blows c b deflected by using the
nunchaku as you would normall y us
your wrist or lomarm.
(E Dlletion Blok with Rop
in preparing for a vise grip trap, use the
nunchaku rope to execute tle deflec
tiOn on the opponent's wrist.
(F) Elbow Blok
Stepping to the outside, an ellective
block can be applied to the elbw.
IG) Sin
When blocking a kiCk, the OPPOnenl's
shin is similarly vulnerable.
{l-J Slidin Blok
A sliding biock along the opponent's
arm also ailows you to contral his arm.
8
c

F
G
85
Tart Aras for Swining Strikes
Swinging strikes are best applied \O
areas where the vulnerale anatomical
srur are close to the surface.
Bony areas of the bdy, for example,
where the bnes Bre fairly fraQile, are
good targets for swinging strikes. Other
areas include the groin and the kidneys.

Wrist
Temple
Cllare
QOWHead AW
Bk 0 te Hea
87
Target Areas for Thrusts
Using the ends of the nunchaku sec
tlons to thrust effects precision strikes
which are more penetrating than swing
ing strikes. These kinds of strikes, how
6I,require being in cJ05etoyour oppo
nent. Thrusts can effectively attack the
% targets as swinging stllkes, but
can als b used 10 anack parts ol lhe
bOdy that swinging strikes cannol, such
as the solar ple)us which can only b el
lectlvely struck with penetrating blows,
or pressure points which are extremely
precise targets.
Top 0 the Head

%0TNo

Temple Troat
Solar Plexus Ribs
89
Target P fo Duble Strkes
Striking with both nunchaku at the
same time to separate targets is lTlfe
QI1ICU1than it may QQ.You may b
ac usto 10 fOusing your strike
while looking directly at your target In
this case, you will find yourself trying to
decide which of the two targets to focus
your eyes on. Try Instead not to focuson
either one !Cthe exclusion of the other,
but to take in bth at ono. You can do
this by using your peripheal vision. It is
als avisable to COlargets that
are relatively close together.
90
Both Collarbnes
Elbow and Wrist
Collarone and Head
Forearm and Wrist
Foretrn and Knee
91
Hi & low Soke
92
Simultaneous Bk
an Se Tene
In attempting a simultane
ous block and strike, your
eyes must take in both tar
gets Bonce,just as with the
double strikes. However,
you must also remember
that the block is more impor
tant than the strike. The
blok is also the mOle dltti
cuit 01 the two to execute,
requiring sharper judgment.
The center of your field of vi
sioo should therefore be
shifted to favor yor block
Ing larget over your striking
target; and your block may
even precede your strike by
a spilt second. It Isn't neces
sary that they precisely
simultaneus, only that the
slrike takes advantage D
the natural opening yourop.
plel give you lD dliv
ing HIS %HK. Snc this
opening only occurs within
the shen. lime that he has
extended himself into his
strike, your strike must b
elecuted within a split sec
ond of your block.
Ws1 Blok. l
93
Training exercise
lor Bloking and Strikin
For this exercise, you need a partner
armed wilh a D. His b allows you 1D
execute your blocking and striking with
goo focus and spesince your target
WI1b the DIn HKand not the per
son wielding it ThIs i s also a line train
ing exercise !Or DO techniques as well.
learn the moves thoroughly Sthat you
can cordi nate with your parner to In
crease the speed and power 01 the tech
niques. (1) Stand facing your partner. (2)
As your partner attempts an ea
slrike. step to the right deUecl the
b b blocking it to th 1e wilh a fully
locused strike. (3) Your partner then 101.
lows with an attempted low strike with
the other end of the D. Step to the leI!
Into a left side stance, and block to the
right (4) Your parner comes back to the
other side with a strike at your head.
Lean DK to the right, pivoting inlo a
bak stance to exeute the blOCk. (5)
Your partner pulls back and (6) comes
over the top with another overhead
strike. Block upward with the nunchaku
folded together. (7 Flick a short back
hand strike Whlctl your partner parries
as he pulls back Into a cat stance. Then,
94
6
(8) as yoU part ner thrusts, block upward
with the nunctlaku. (9) Pull back, and (10)
execute a backhand strik. Your partner
par . (11) O!Ow Wl1D a forehand
strike Irom theolher side. (l2)Changlng
your angle of attack slightly, (13) strike
from the sloo. Your partner sidesteps In
to a back stance to face the blow and
execute his blOck. Then, (14) you sid&
step quickly Into a left side stance, and

(15) at!empt a lOw strike from the back.

(16) Your partner dips his b to protect
his rear and executes his block. (17)
Catch the nunchaku while your partner
brings thE Dover to thE opposite side.
(18&19) When he strikes, execute a side
block by shifting the nunchaku into a
modified overtheshoulcer position OD
the right side. (2) Release your left
hand, and (21) strike diagonally down
ward In an Insideout direction al your
panner's back. (2) LCagain, he dips
W
18
21

1 9

22
9
his Dbehind to execute the block. (23)
As your partner brings the Doverhead,
step back with your left foot into a right
forward stance, and (24&25) as he
swings the D down for an overhead
strike at your head, (26) block upward.
(27) Your parner comes under with the
other end to follow up with an attempt
ed low strir.e. (28) Execute a low block
with the nunchaku folded together. (2)
Open the nunchaku and (30) strike from
the side. Your partner pivots Into a side
stance to block with the middle of his
D.(31) As your partner leans back to ra-
100
2 5

28
position his b lor a follow-up, do nOI 31
break COD1BC1, D flip yur nunChaku
""
BtTUDU his D instead 1O make his re
covery dillicuM and limit his chOices lor
a quick follow-up. (32 With II nuncha
ku hung around the D, your partner's
attempted thrust is easily parried. Sim
Piy pulling on the nunchaku Influences
hiS thrust out to the left side. (33) Your
partner pulis back and (3) attempts a
side strike. Block this with Ihe nuncha
ku rope. (35) Reversing to the other side,
your partner steps in with his lei' loot
for a low SHK 1O the othe side. S1P
back w1Dyu right foot to S\sligh'Iy
out of range, and (36) slrikethe b from
behind W it passes i n frOnt of you.
Strike it with the rope so that the nun
chaku begins to flip around It. 0$D(37)
sweep the Dsharply upward to throw it
out to the side. Your partner sleps with
=

his right Into a side stance in order to try
to keep control. This completes the
eercise. (38) With the e9(cise at and
end, bthor yu coeback !Oyurorig
ina! psilions.
36
102
37 38
103
fighting
Techniques
g takes practice and more practice for nunchaku techniques to
become seond nature 5that you Cuse them creatively and
spm3lleously. He are a serie of shor technique dils which you should
practice with great care, slarting slowly until you understand the feclingand
intentions of the movements, and then, after the techniques arc thoroughly
learned, increasing speed.
ro these technique drills, your partner will be rendered helpless by your
technique and will not be able to protect himself effectively, Therefore, you
must take the responsibility for his safety. Be sure to pull your blows long
before they even come close eHough \0 be dangerous. Do not try to push your
skills O the limit when working with another person. Save that for inanimate
largets. With trapping and submission holds, use little rorce and encourage
your partner Ogo along. Ir he is slow i doi s, SlOp the tehnique.
105
106
AGAINST AN
ARMED AnACKER
bIC$DIt!,Trap and Disarm
(1) Both your panner and
yourself stand lacing u&CD
other in ready psitions,
Your BI\0uI, being the ai
tacker, (2) luns CI your
midsection with his K0IS.
Shift your body to one side
as you raise the nunchaku
overhead. (3) Strike down on
your parner's arm with the
middleol th nuncaku,and
(4) lrap hiS arm inavisgrip_
(5) Pivot away fOhim, and
twist the nunchaku !C dis
arm him.
107
Blk and Double Strike
(t) From the ready POSition, (2) your pan
nar lunges for your midsection with his
knife. Shift your body to one side to
avoid the knife as you deflecl your part
ner's a/T l with the nuocnaku. (3) Step in
Oclose lhe dis, and (4&) deliver B
slrik to his midsection with lhe nun
Chaku. (6) Step in with the other leg, and
() strike to the back of his head.
,oa
109
1 1 0
Sidestep and Strike
{1J As your partnel preare
for a downward stab, gllp
lhe nunchaku at both ends.
(2) Your partner brings the
Knife downward toward
your chest. Step to one side
to a'lo his stab, and (3&)
tUck the nunchaku with W
underhand motion to (5
stike the side of his head.
111
Si0if, Blk, Piv, Trap and Disar
(1) From the ready position, (2) your par
ner steps in with a stab at your midsec
tion, swinging from the outside inward.
Open the nunchaKu, and (3) step in as
you blocK his weapon with the rope of
the nunchaku. (4) Pivot in toward his
body with your back as you maintain
your blocK on his weapon hand to hold it
away from you. Then, (5&6) trap his
weapon arm by the wrist in a vise grip
with the nunchaku, and (T) twist to dis
arm him.
1 1 2
1 13
Sidestep end Inside Stnke
(1) From the ready position,
your partner (2) lunges with
the DD\ O his knife. Side
slep out ol lhe way yu
raise the nunchau oer
your headg and D one

smooth molion, (3) swing

the nunchaku in a diagonal
trom th olltside inward 10
strike the side 01 his head
from his blind side.
116
Sidstep an Outside Strke
II) From the ready position.
your parner (2 iunges for
your miion with the
point Ol his knife. As you
sidestep oul Of the way,
bring your nunchaku Into an
over-tha-shoulder ready
position on your right side.

i n one smooth motion, (4&5)

reiease your left hand grip,
and strike down through an
inside-ut diagonal path,
approaching trom his blind
side, to strike to the back of
his head.
1 1 7
10
Sidestep and Strike
(1l From your ready positkm
wlttl the nunctlaku behind
you. prepare for your part
ner's attack. The advantage
of having the nunchaku b
hind yu Is that yUare able
to strike faster. If the nun
chaku was forward !Obegin
with, you wouid first have to
bring it into str"rking posi
lion. This betrays your angie
of attack. With the nuncha
ku behind you, you can
slrike out from either side
withOut warni. Your part
ner attempts a slab. (2) Shift
out of range O1his stab, and
(3) $wingi from the lel1
side, (4&5 strike with the
nunchaku to the back Dhis
head from his blind side.
119
2
120
Backshift and Overead
Strike
(1) As your partner prepares
to stab, (2) raise Ihe nuncha
m overhead. This takes it
oul of his Immdiate visual
range. (3 Shlfl out 01 range
as he extends the knife and
(4&5) strike down on the top
of his head. Since the nun
chaku has a longer reach
than a knile, moving just
oulslO your opponent's
range still keeps him within
your range for a cunlerat
tack.
121
4
5
122
High KkDULow Sirike
(1) From lhe ready position,
}!panner () attempts an
O6Bs1tike with his D.
Block upward w1D the rope
O1 the nunchaku, you ()
shift lorward !O close lhe
distance, forcing the b up-
ward B\an angle. (4) Quickly
release your iefl hand grip,
BD0sWing the nunchakuout
!Olh side and then ODl0
BClfCUlBtB!D!o(5}l!K10
the shin.
123
Duble Blok and Overead Strke
(1) From the ready position, your partner
(2) attempts B strike at your head Wl!D
the boo Ekecute an outside block Wl!D
one setion D1 the nURCNBKU WPll6%
curing the other %lDnWJP the other
hand. (3) Your partner lollows with an
other attempt with the other end of tho
D.(4) Execute an Inside block with the
same section. Then (5) immediately lake
Ihe offense by (6) coming over the lop
WllD(7) a strik 10 the top Chis head.
124
125
Ro Blk, le Blk and Strike
(1) From the ready position, your partner
(2) moves foward, (3) dropping his shoul
ders lower, indicating his intention to
deliver a low stnke. (4) As he b(ings hiS
nunchaku inlo motion. youdothe same,
to ( 5) met hiS weapon with yur own,
striking the rope of his nunchaku, caus
ing his weapon to flip out of control.
Take care to raise your leg to avoid his
nunchaku. (6) Block his arm outward
with your leg, and (7) raising your nun
chaku overhead, (S) finish him by strlk
ing down on the back of his head.
,26
6
2
4 5
127
Double Side Blok and Strike
(1) From the ready position, (2) your part
ner prepares to strike. Bring the nun
chaku into a blocking positIOn. (3) As he
strikes to your side, shift the nunchaku
back into an overlh6ulder position
to block. (47) Your partner strikes again
to the side. Blck aain by shilling the
nunchaku back to protect yOur side.
Then (8) counter immediately by striking
to his elbw ;oint.
128
3
6
2

4
7 B
130
Rope Block, Strike and
Disarm
(1) From the ready position,
(2) your partner attempts a
swipe at your midsection.
D back just barely out 01
range to let his weapon go
by. (3) He follows immedl
ately by attemptlnQ a back.
hand swing for your head. (4)
As his nunchaku comes up.
strike Ihe rope to cause his
nunchtu to flip. Ten (5)
grab Ihe striking section of
his nunchtu with your free
1
I, (6) poll him closer, and
(7-9) slrike down on Ihe side
of his head !C weaken his
grip on his weapon. (10) AI
that instant, (11) strike to the
other side of his head with
his own weapon.
133
134
Defletion Block
and Duble Strike
(1) From the ready posilioo,
your partnru faces you arm
e with a b, (2) Hebeginsto
move In, swinging th b
bc in peation fo an
oerhead S1OKC. (3) As h
strikes down toward you.
step out to one side, and (4)
deflect the b outward with
one sec1100 of the nuncha
ku. (5) Follow up by striking
his arm with lhe other sec
tion, then () swipe as
his midsec1ion. neutralizing
his abliity to follow up. (
Step in close, and () strike
down across the back of his
head.
135
H0Blok and 0UD0 Strike
(1) From the ready position, you face
your partner who is also armed with a
nunchaku. (2) As he steps forward with
an overhead strike, (3) bring your nun
chaku in motion to (4) strike his weapon
as it comes toward you. Strike his weap
on exactly on the rope. This will neutral
ize his attemped blow, causing him to (5)
lose cntrol of
it momentarily. (6&7
fore he can recover, step in and imme
diately swipe across his midsection,
then (810) come over the top to finish
him with a strike to the back of his head.
7
136
137

AGAINST AN
UNARMED ATTACKER
Trap and Submission
(1) Fr the ready position,
your partner (2 moves in to
attempt front punch. (3)
Shill back out Orange, and
as he extends his list, trap
his 'ist in vs grip with
the nunchaku. (4) Pull his
arm down using the nuncha-
KU hold. (5) Bringing your
other hand from behind his
legs, switch the nunchaku
to the other hand, (6) tying
up your partner in a helpless
position, and neutralizing
his offensiv,e capacity.
14
Escap, Trap and Trw
(1 &) Your partner grabs you
by the lapels. (3) Place the
nunchaku across the lops
of his wriss. ttaping his
nands againsl your cnest.
Bnding forward, drop to
one knee, IOfdng your par
D 1O 1DtODU. w, b
(4)tWisling you' b, throw
hIm over to one side
141
Headlok, Throw
and Stranglehold Submission
(1) As you face your partner in the ready
position, hold the folded nunchaku in
one hand. (2) Your partner grabs you by
the belt to hold you in posilion as he pre
pares to strike with the other hand. (3)
Bring the nunchaku up, (4) raising it
overhead as your partner begins his
punch. (5) As he punches, bring the nun
chaku cwn on the back of his neck,
pulling him toward you, and stopping
his technique. (6) Step out to the side as
you twist the nunchaku to pinch your
partner's neck in a vise grip. (7) Pull him
to Ihe ground, and apply a stranglehold
with the nunchaku.
142
3
6
2
5
7
143
Downward Blok, Trap, and Throw
(1) From your ready position. (2) yOur
partner steps in to attempt a Iront
punch. As he steps C.raise the nunctla
ku overhead. (3) When he extends his
punchg lean DCKout of rangegand bring
the nunchaku down on his wrist to Q
I$tthe punch. w,(57 wrap the DUD
chaku around his wrist to (8) trap his
wriSI In a vise grip. and (9) throw him to
the ground.
14'

4
7
f

2
5
B
3
6
9
Double Blk and Trap
(I) From Ihe ready position, (2) your part
ner steps in for a front punch, (3) As he
extends his arm, sideshift to avoid the
strike, and execute an inside block with
one section of the nunchaku. (4) Keep
Ing contact wilh his arm, force il out and
down na circular W0|On,1D6D() cm
pleting the circie. swing d O to the
other sid. (6) Your partner followS with
a reverse punch. Block it with the mlddte
of the nunchaku, (T) trap his wrist in a
vise grip, and (8) Iwist to make him sub
mit.
146
c
3

6
2 ggg
4
5
7 8
Headlok and Throw
(1) Your partner grabs YOl In a bearhllg
from behind. (2 Open the nunchaku as
you raise it abOve your head and (3)
reach back to Irapyourpartnet'S head in
a headlock with the nuncnaku. Then, (4)
puli him around 1O your side as you
block his legs with yours. &(5) throw
him to the ground.
148
M
149
0uH SCu,Arlok, uO0Trw
(1) Your partner grabs you from bhind
in a bearhug, aiso pinning your upper
arms |O the sides of your body. (2&3)
Bring lhe nunchaku up and place it
under your partner's grip, btween his
clasped hans ad yr by. (4) USOQ
the iee of the nunchaku, break his
grip, and trap one of his arms. (5 V
out, and execute an armiock with the
nunchaku (6) to throw your partner to
the ground.
T
Rear Shoulder Grab Esc.
and Outside Armbar Submission
(1) Your partner, in preparation for an
assault, grabs you by your shoulder.
(2&3) Turn to spot his position, t0en piv
ot oul to one side, raising your arm up
0( his head. (4) Bring your arm down,
OV his arm, breaking his grip on your
shouldr. (5 Crcie your arm under his,
and allhesamelime, plac Ihe nuncha
ku over his uD ;oint, gripping the
other end of the nunchaku with your
other hand, and forming a fulcrum for an
armbar (7) Force your opponent to the
Ground by pushing down while keeping
hiS arm trapped in the armbar.
152
6

.
~
I
5
7
153
Rear Shoulder Grab Escape
and Inside Annbar Submission
(1) Your partner grabs you by the shoul
der. (2) Flfs, tum to spot P:W, then (3)
pivot TO the outside, bul bing the nun
chaku up on the inside over his arm. (4)
Apply an armbar, and by pushing down,
(5) lorce him to the ground.
154
3
2
4
5
155
Applications
_tudy these scenarios in which the nunchaku is used in self
defense, and consider those moments when the situation is
turned in the defender's favor. What did he do to cause this? Often, it is ob
vious-trapping (he anacker's hand, using his block 8a striking technique
and so forth. Other times, however, it is subtle-a matter of footwork, an
gling the body in a certain way, shifting to a strategically advantageous posi
tion.
Notice that although every situation is different, the action follows cer
tain discernable phases: attack, defend, counterattack. Upon the initial
move by the attacker, the defender blocks, or otherwise neutralizes the
strike, then shifts to the inside or outside of the attacker's line of attack for
the final step which is to land a strike of his own. Shifting to the outside is
safer, but leaves the defender fewer vulnerable targets. Shifting to the inside
gives the defender access to the front of the attacker's body, but puts him in
a position to which the attacker can more easily adjust.
157
SeIIDlense Application No.1
(1) As the defender steps out of RI$car,
he is faced with an assailant. (2) The at
tacker comes at the delendar with an
oYad strike. The def8(lder leans
back out of range, and cocks his le. (3)
Todeliver a front KCKto lhe allackeJ's
midsection, and (4) following through to
send the aUacker reeling back, the d
fender (S) retrieves the nunchaku he had
hidden in his sock. (6) The defender
brings the nunchaku back, ( cocks it
with his other hand as the atlacker
comes forward again, and (8) snaps a
strike to the attacker's face. (9) The at
tacker falls back on the hood of the car
stunned, and the defeflder (10) finishes
with a strike to the attacker's mldsec
tlon.
158
159
SlfDfense Application No.2
(1) An assailant approaches the de
fender from bhind as he is closing the
tn.mkol his car. (2&) The attackor grabs
the dle b the shoUldef and tums
him around Udeliver a suike 1Ohis fac.
dr quickly reaches bhind
and pulls his nunchaku R his back
pocket. (4) He opens It just in time to (5)
bring it down the attacker swings for
h is face, (6) catch ing the attacker's wrist
In a vise grip, and gaining control. (7 The
defender then brings hiS feet together
as he twists the nunchaku to tighten his
grip on the attacker's wrist. (8) The
defender steps fOard, and, using his
body rf lum, (9) extends his leg,
and throws 1D attaker. (10 Oe the
sllscker is Wth ground, Ihe defender
finisfles with a linalslrike.
161
SlIDefense Application No. 3
(i) Getting out of his new car, The de
fender comes face !C face WiTh an al'
tacker preparing to attack him with a
chain. (2) The defender reaches for his
nunchaku, and (3) pulls II out jusl as the
attacker cocks his arm to swing. (4) The
attakr goe fO the defender's head,
Dmisse Ihedefender duckS under
the attempted biow. (5) The defender
shiMs to one side, and (6) raises the nun
chaku overhead, (7) striking down on the
attacker's weapon arm and disabling it
temporarily. (8) The attacker, stunned by
the blow to his arm, falls back against
the car. () The defender moves in,
strikes to the throat, and then (10) exe
cutes a powerful downward biow to the
midsection with both ends Othe nun
cau.
162
163
SIfDefense Application No. 4
(1l
The defender is backed against his
car as the attacker approaches. (2 The
attacker attempts a front kicK and the
defender, pulling his nunchaku from b
hind, (3) blocks the kick, and Immediate
l
y traps the attackers ankle In a vise
grip with thentxlcaku. (4) Thedefeoder
\U the attas le uing the 00O
chakusothal, loai lunher Injl, the
attacker (5) must fali to the ground. (6
The defender releases his rip on the at
tacker's ankle, (7) sleps around !O his
side,and (8) finishes him WI\0strike to
the groin,
1b
165
166
Sll-Dfense
Application No. 5
(1) Unknown to the two at
tackers who confront him,
the single Uu!CHCuI has a
nunchaku tucked into his
back p.() Bh aUack
ers grab the defender b the
colla' al ,he lime. (3)
Pulling the nunchaku Irom
behind, the defender raises
it overhead, (4) opens it as
he brillgS it down, to (5) lrap
the hands of bth alta
in a v$ grip. ( M then
twists the nunchaku O
break their grip on hiscollar,
167
168
(7) releases the vise grip,
and (8) strikes one attacker
\Othe head, (9) Jng him
O th ground. (to Te 0
lender then turs 10 the
othe, attacker, cocking
back the nunchaku. (11) He
strikes him in the head to
(12 send him falling to the
ground. As he is going
down, the defender cme
back the other way to HDS
with a strike to the Kwer
back
169
SllDfense Ap licatio No.8
(1) The defender faces two attackers.
One of them grabs the defender by the
shoulder. (2) The defender moves his
8rm under the attacker's arm and (3)
brings the end of the nunchaku over the
lopol his V,10B,plWng hSth
e hand un the arm, l'apS 0 &
gains control O11Dirs!allaCker.(4, The
second allacker aHempts a reverse
front punch, and the defender blocks
the allempt by throwing the other at
tacker's arm in the way, deflecting the
blow. (5) With bth attackers In each
other's way and arms crossed, neither is
able to follow up effectively. (6) The
dafelder then uses this to his advan
tege by striking to the midsection C!the
s attacke, (7) turing swiftly, and
(8 Sliking 1Othe ROSODOlthe firs
attacke, the (&10 finising the
bth with a swipe across their heads in
one stroke.
170
171
SelfDefense Ap liction No. 1
(1) As lhe defender steps out of his car,
he is confronte by an attacker who
holds a knife in one hand. (2) As the al
tacker raises his knife, the defender
raises his nunchaku, gripping It with
bOth hands. (3) The defender opens the
nunchaku as the atlackar moyOS for
ward with the knife. (4) The attackcr at
tepts a tune with the point of the
K0lB. de shifts his bdy to
one side, and uss the open nunChaku
to deflect the strike to the other side. (5)
Moving quickly, the defender wraps the
nunchaku around the attacker's wrist,
pinching and trapping his weapon hand.
(5) With the attacker's weapon hand In a
Ylse grip, the defender () yanks It force
fully oyer lO the other side as he SlepS In,
weakening the attacker's grip L the
knife and fng himself cloSS( fO( a
172
7

.
-
173
counterattack. (8) P6defender strikes
the attacker with oneend OthenunCha
ku, (9) steps back quickly while the 8t
tacker !S stUI slunned, and (10&11)
S1OK6S1D6B10Sknife hd,d
tQ Dlm (12 DCO6D0 SQ DCK
even fher, &(13&14) delivers a lin
shlng blow 10 the side O !D6attaCker's
head.
174
'
8
1 3
1 2
175
Slf-Dfense Apliction No_
(1) defender is approached by two
attackers. One is armed with a short
stick, and the other wields a chain. The
defender carries two nunchaku, one in
each hand. Both attackers converge on
the defender. (2) The attacker with the
chain makes the first move, throwing
the end toward thedefender's head. The
defender deals with that by simply tak
ing a step forward, (3) stepping btween
the attackers and out of their lines of
convergence. The end of the chain
misses to one side while the length of
chain falls harmlessly over the defend
er'soutstretched arm. At the sametime,
the other attacker with the short slick,
seeing the defender move from directly
In Iront of him to his side, attempts a low
side strike. The defender deflects it wilh
his other nunchaku. (4) With the chain's
momentum spnt, the defeodertums his
attention to the man with the stick who
is capableol recovering faster and strik
ing again. (5) Another low side strike
with the stick is attempted; and the
defender blocks that easily as well. (5)
StepPing even furher between the arm
e men and away from their effective
striking angles, the defender tums to
the chain opponent, and (T) puts him
away with a strike to the head, pivoting
at the same time to (a) face the same
direction as the attackers, and standing
side by side with them. (9) His oppo
nents are now helpless to strike ef
fectively due to their positions relative
Othe defender, whereas the defender's
pivoting renlum allows him to de
liver a strike to the back of the head of
the stick opponent.
,76
1
178
SIlDfense
Application No.9
(1) Face with two attackers
about the same distance
away, the defender decides
to strike first by (2) stepping
closer to one opponent and
farther away from lhe other.
This enables him to deal
with them one at a time. (3)
MB S\llKBSthe closer Cl\0B
1w aCroSS \Bjaw
,
and (4)
<0B rotreats 1 the 1
!lict, th U61BNUBl 1U0S 1O
the %DWOhe (5
dispatches with B strike to
the side O! lhe head.
179
7
SelfDlense Apicltion No. 1(
(1) Faced with two attackers, the de
lender stands his 'round with the nun
chaku behind his back. (2 As the attack
ers prepare to launch their assault, the
defender raises his nunchaku OYer head.
() The first attacker funges with a
punch, B th defender deflects his
blow with the nunchaku. (4) Pivoting
completely around, the defender turns
to face the second man who (5)throws a
punch toward the defender's face. The
defender deflects the blow upward, (6)
swings back to strike the first altaer
in the lower bk (7 shitts his weight
back U(8) stes ou1to th side. (9 He
pivots away from the second attacker,
and (10) strikes with a backhand motion
to the attacker's face.

180

8
'01
l!0080 Application NQ,11
(1) The attacKer has the defender In a
headlocK, but the defender reacts 1m
mediately by brii the nuncheku out
to one side of the attacker's bdy, (2)
hoking his leg, and tfappl It S he
can't step back. Then, () stepping
around his leg. the UuB0UuIm his
b around bhin attacker who
still UuVmaintain the headlock. The
turned position Clthe defender's b
however, has weakened the headlock.
(4) As the defender continues to turn, he
breaks the headlock, and (5) takes ad
vantage of the attacker's IOCKBd arm
182
poSitioo lO (69) strika down on the
shou\ joint, dislocating IheshOUldef.
(10 Holding theal1akef"stocked arm In
place, the defender gains cntrOl O!the
situation.
18
SlfDefense Aplication No. 12
The defender (1) is back against a fence,
and is confronted by an attacker. Theat
tacker (2) throws a punch for the defend
er's face, and the defender shifts to one
side, avoiding the biow. The defender (3)
deflects theattacker'sarm with thenun
chaku to the outside. The attacker (4) at
temps to come around the block with
the other fist, but the defender also
blocks that attempt. The defender (5)
pulls back the nunchaku, and (6) cap
tures the defender's slriking arm by
wrapping the nunchaku around it. (7) He
then applies an armlock, forcing the at
tacker down to a vulnerable position,
and (8) finishes hi m off with a knee
slrike to the side of the head.
18
0l00080Application Nu13
(1) The attacker grabs the defender by
the throat with bth hands to chOke him.
(2) The defender brings both hiS hands
u between the attacker's arms, (3)
opens the nunchaku, gripping D0 nun
CDKusections in the middle. (4) Gatch
ing DBBBCM'SBSWD1D6eds O
the stis th defender brings the
nunchaku down forcefully, caUSing the
attacker to release 0lS grip. (5) The C
fender pushes the attacker back by
thrusting to his throal, and (8) the at
tacker falls back off balance.
J
|

f ,

|
'
2
189
SlfDefense Appliction No. 14
The defender (1) is grabbed by \6 al
lacKer who prepares to striKe him wllh a
punch. The defender (2) opens the nun
chaku, and (3) as the attacker fires his
PlJh, the defender (4) deflects II and
wraps lhe nunchaku around his wrists.
The defender lhen (5) pulis the attacker's
punching hand ov his grabbing hand.
\DUS\fQt0QDDDBROSlogethe wilh
lhe nunchku. The defender (6 puShes
the attacker back by cntrolling bth his
hands. (7) He pulls down hard !Othrow
Ihe attacler's hands apart, then (8)
strikes him to the throat with the nun
chaku.
1

11
Ut0Cl0B
In deep appreciation for their countless contributions IO the art and phi
losophy of karate. dedicate this text to my grandmaster Chosin Chibana,
my master Saguro Nakazato, and my students throughout the world.
]R3L N0HL03X0