I picked up Nunchaku for fun, and I have no formal training with it. I studied Karate when I was much younger and got up to a brown belt before my family left CA. I was always looking forward to learning nunchaku... but never got the chance. I understand the different between proper technique and improper technique like "juggling". Like Patrick, I am self taught. I understand that my methods lack proper technique or power... but there is no doubt that even doing "flashy" moves requires plenty of skill. Instead of having an elitist attitude about how "flash" chucks are just stupid and how Patrick is trying to pass himself off as a "master" or how his video clips hurt and degrade the art, I think it would be better to embrace what he has done, and how he encourages people to experiment and try new things (many of which are a lot of fun). Many self-taught people turn to his clips as a good example of an average joe (or a husky joe), with only self-training, can do. And most importantly, he does it because it's fun. I do it because it's fun. It's really cool to see all the flashy moves that can be done... and it's definitely entertaining to watch. So lose the elitist attitude ... there's no need to deride Patrick just because he is self taught. He has encouraged many people to seek an interest in the art.
