The Nunchaku. The word nunchaku comes from the the Ryukyu language (original okinawan language) and means (nun=two chaku=unit of measurement). Generally the nunchaku consists of two wooden sticks bound together by a short length of either rope or chain. Each of the sticks usually measure around one shaku or one foot, though it is not uncommon for nunchaku to be up to 14 inches, and the cord or chain should be long enough that it lays across the open palm with the sticks perpendicular to the ground and hanging freely.

Although the exact history of the nunchaku is unclear it is believed the martial artist from Ryukyu (Okinawa) studied various martial arts extensively in China and brought back their knowledge to Okinawa, the nunchaku is thought to be a variation of the chinese war flail. The nunchaku is an example of Okinawan martial artists repurposing a common tool or object to be able to continue to train and protect themselves after the weapon ban. An item called a muge (okinawan horse bridle) was used both to replace and conceal the weapons they were no longer allowed to carry or use.