A Nunchaku is a very dangerous weapon, the force gived by the user is amplified by the rope, that make this a wrenching weapon.
Most people can't imagine how high is the destructive capacity of a Nunchaku.
You can easily break bones with it.
It's also very easy to kill someone if we strike at the right place...
Following these facts, a lot of countries consider Nunchaku as a very dangerous weapon, and they have made some laws about it.
The following map will show you some information about the law towards Nunchaku in some countries, select a country by clicking on its place on the map or by choose it in this list:
Australia
In this country, the Nunchaku is illegal, but if you are accredited by the Martial Arts federation or if you have an instructor license, you can have and carry a Nunchaku, nevertheless it must be on a closed bag.
Austria
The Nunchaku is totally legal in this country.
Belgium
Nunchaku is totally prohibited in this country: possession and sale are forbidden. The "Onkelinx" law (or law about weapons) defines it as "a flail formed by two short and rigid stems which are linked by a chain or by another mean". Following this law, a simple skipping rope fitted of two handles is became a prohibited weapon. Sanctions are very severe.
China
The Nunchaku is not subject to any special rules, training in public places is allowed. Nevertheless, aggressions with Nunchaku and other weapons are very severely sanctioned.
England
Before 2000, Nunchaku was totally prohibited: selling, owning, carrying and Nunchaku clubs was forbidden. In this country, movies which contain Nunchaku scenes were censored. The first broadcast of Bruce Lee movies with Nunchaku fight scenes was in 2000, and only on cable channel.
Since 2000, Nunchaku was no longer illegal, nevertheless we have to follow some strict rules when we have one:
- Carrying a Nunchaku on his body is forbidden.
- Carryig is allowed only if it was in a closed bag and if we can’t take it quickly.
- If we want to train in public areas, we first have to ask permission to the police. We have to precise where and how long your training will be. People will probably call the police when you train, so it’s better if you have warned them before. Insurance is highly recommended.
France
The Nunchaku is classified as a sixth category weapon, such as all white and blunt weapons. Sales and possession are allowed, but carrying Nunchaku in public areas is totally prohibited, except with special authorizations (for public representations for example).If we don’t respect this interdiction, we can risk as a simple confiscation of the weapon as an imprisonment penalty.If we are in a Nunchaku school, carrying is allowed on the way between your home and the school, but the weapon must be on a closed bag, and you must not be able to draw it quickly. Carrying is also allowed following the same restriction when you buy it, on the way between the shop and your home, be sure you have the bill to prove you have just bought it.
Germany
The Nunchaku, even in foam, is totally prohibited.
Hungary
Carrying is totally prohibited. Possession and training are nevertheless allowed.
Ireland
There is no law about Nunchaku in this country...
Italia
The Nunchaku is totally legal in this country and it can even be sell to minors. Nevertheless, if we carry a Nunchaku, we must have "good reasons". The rules are the same with other white and blunt weapons...
Netherlands
The Nunchaku is illegal, but foam ones are tolerated.
Poland
The Nunchaku is illegal, even to sale, but foam Nunchakus are considered as toys.
Spain
Only carrying is prohibited, sales and possession are legal.
Sweden
The Nunchaku is totally legal in this country.
Switzerland
Sales, carrying, possession and importation are totally prohibited. Foam Nunchakus and training in a Dojo are allowed.
United States
The Nunchaku is legal almost everywhere, however sales and possession are prohibited in the American States of New York, California and Massachusetts. It’s prohibited in Canada too.In the states of New York and California, it’s legal to have a shotgun, but it’s illegal to have two sticks linked by a rope...