Karateka learn ninja skills

Nunchakus are not just for ninjas on a mission, as karateka from Butokukan Shoryn Ryu discovered.

A nunchaku seminar was hosted by Sensei Frik Willemse at Newcastle Senior Primary on Saturday, where karateka were taught the basics of the weapon popularised by action movies.

“There is a misconception about the nunchaku’s origin, but with all kubodo weaponry, it came from farming implements,” Sensei Willemse said.

Centuries ago, the nunchaku was a horse bridle but after ancient Japanese royalty banned the use of weapons, old farmers developed fighting instruments from their household appliances for self-defence.

“While we are continuing with the tradition of using it, many do not realise nunchaku is used for close range striking and grappling, not just swinging it around in hopes of hitting someone,” Sensei Willemse explained.

He said it was an excellent self-defence weapon, because of the way it was made.

“If someone comes at you with a knife, there is a very good chance that you will beat them,” he said.

During the seminar, karateka were introduced to the weapon and learned the basics of it, as well as applications of the nunchaku in kata and kumite.