{"id":353318,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/nunchucks-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2023-10-26T16:05:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T21:05:31","slug":"nunchucks-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/nunchucks-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Are Nunchucks and Martial Arts Weapons Legal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Are Nunchucks and Martial Arts Weapons Legal?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Nunchucks, or nunchaku, are legal in most states. But, improper use can have both criminal and civil consequences. Despite their cultural popularity, nunchucks can cause serious injuries and should be used with caution and proper training.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Nunchucks are a traditional martial arts weapon. They originate from Okinawa, Japan. A pair of nunchucks, called nunchaku, consists of two short sticks connected by a rope or chain.<\/p>\n

Nunchucks frequently appear in mass media. Many Bruce Lee martial arts films and animated television shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature nunchucks. Nunchucks also have a history in street gang violence. As a result, many people glamorize them and don’t realize they can threaten public safety.<\/p>\n

Nunchucks are illegal in a shrinking number of states and countries. Still, using martial arts weapons irresponsibly can result in criminal and civil charges.<\/p>\n

This page discusses nunchuck laws in America. If you are facing criminal charges or a personal injury lawsuit due to a martial arts weapon, legal help is available. Contact a criminal defense attorney<\/a> or personal injury attorney<\/a> near you to understand your rights and legal options.<\/p>\n

Changes in Nunchuck Laws<\/h2>\n

The legality of nunchucks varies. Some states ban the possession of nunchucks and nunchaku. Most states allow them.<\/p>\n

Until 2019, four states had laws banning personal nunchuck usage:<\/p>\n