True martial artists, always considered men of honor and dignity, hold great reverence for their kobu-do weapons. They consider the nunchaku an asset in further developing their overall dexterity and coordination. Recently, however, the nunchaku has become not only one of the most popular but one of the most controversial of the kobu-do weapons.
Because of its simple construction-two sticks joined together by a length of rope or chain-the nunchaku is relatively inexpensive to purchase or to make oneself. Recently, though, it has fallen into public disfavor. In some states, legislation prohibits possession or use of the weapon. We are of the opinion that although the nunchaku has been faddishly popularized in a rash of martial arts movies, only a handful of the disreputable element has misused it.
The fact that the common kitchen knife takes part more often in accidents and crimes of violence, with less adverse publicity, is proof in itself that the nunchaku has been unjustly criticized.
What we are trying to point out is that responsibility lies not in the nature of the weapon but in the nature of its users. Seldom, if ever, has it been reported to us that an accomplished karateka has used the nunchaku improperly. For this reason, we appeal to all dedicated martial artists to help police our "own."
Let us work together to do everything legally within our means to see that only trusted members of our martial arts community practice the nunchaku.