Nunchaku - Foam, rubber, wood or metal?

[BarbedTerror]

What do you believe to be the best material for nunchaku?

I've heard many bad things about foam, that they don't feel like real nunchaku, they're too light ect.

But what about rubber, wood and metal?

I was considering metal, although haven't heard alot about metal nunchaku. Are they any good?

[yamesu]

I am not a fan of foam (unless your into LARPing, but thats a different issue).

I would go with rattan for the most part, as they are a good weight and good for making cotact with other weapons, such as bo and tonfa.

From there move onto hard-wood.

[shinka]

I use foam to practice and homemade wood for demo.... It's a personal choice.

For all the people outside usa etc...mostly in canada...

Goodluck with wood and metal.. it's illegal in Canada.

You can buy the swivel kit and make them yourself.

You could probably make some in metal too...

[darksoul]

I use foam to practice and homemade wood for demo.... It's a personal choice.

For all the people outside usa etc...mostly in canada...

Goodluck with wood and metal.. it's illegal in Canada.

You can buy the swivel kit and make them yourself.

You could probably make some in metal too...

Yeah... you can still find them though, especially in Montreal at the Marché aux Puces.

[Harkon72]

My preference is an octagonal red oak 12" cord nunchaku.

I've seen a Nunchaku in Nine Circles that is octagonal in Japanese White Oak with a simple chain. I might splash out, but I doubt if the chain is quicker than the cord. Octagonal shafts are traditional to Okinawa because they do more damage.

[AikiGuy]

Foam for learning or practicing complex movements. I have several pairs of these in varying weights for solo practice (lighter) and for sparring (heavier).

But for more realistic training, I have wood ones. I have octagonal, round handled, wood for serious training and demos. Also, my dojo requires the real ones for most class activities.

[Harkon72]

Oak cord Nunckaku can be the cheapest to buy. About £5 a pair. Chain, ball bearings and even flashing lights can be included; they just add to the weight and the cost. A simple pair in the right hands can be more impressive. Foam flails are good for beginners, but a real pair give you a chance to benefit from the feel of a traditional weapon. They feel good and deserve respect.

[bushido_man96]

If you are just learning, and are "twirling," then start with the foam. The back of your head and your groin will thank you for it. Then, as you increase in skill and confidence, move to the wooden. If you are not just twirling them, then jumping right to the wooden ones might be ok.