Legality of NunchakusPossession of nunchaku is illegal in a number of countries, in
cluding Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom (anti-nunchaku laws in the UK were loosened somewhat in 1991, however media scenes with nunchaku are still edited out by censors). Legality in the United States varies at state level, e.g. personal possession of nunchaku is illegal in New York, Arizona, California and Massachusetts, but in other states possession is not criminalized. Legality in Australia is also determined by individual state laws. In New South Wels, the weapon is on the restricted weapons list, and thus can only be owned with a permit.
Even though I don't use Nunchaku as such I am constantly asked if they are legal or illegal, Nunchaku in most countries are illegal but not all. What there doesn't seem to be is any kind of database on which countries do allow possession of them. If you would like to fill in the Nunchaku form with what the laws state in your country, about possession of the Nunchaku. they will be posted on this page and a lot of people will be very grateful and I thankful for your contribution on there behalf. Please note that juggling with a twist cannot guarantee the accuracy of these laws if in doubt ask your local law enforcement agency. Over the last few months more and more Martial art web sites are selling what they call Glo Chux, Glow Chux, Glow Nunchaku - Nunchacka - Nunchucks even though these may be similar to Glowstick Twisters they aren’t and most if not all Law Enforcement agencies still classify them as Nunchaku and they will act accordingly to their Laws.
CaliforniaIn California, Nunchaku are illegal except in a martial arts school. That means that technically you can't own them, transport them or possess them, even at home. They can only exist at a martial arts school. Of course this law is virtually impossible to inforce, especially inside someone's home. There have only been two cases of someone being prosecuted for possessing Nunchaku inside their home in the past 30 years. Both times the police were looking for something else and stumbled on the Nunchaku in the persons home and decided that arresting them for possession of Nunchaku was better than nothing. The laws in New York and Massachusetts are very similar.
Washington DCThe Nunchaku Law’s in Washington DC say even though it isn’t illegal to carry them, they can only be used for demonstration or for martial arts tournaments if you are caught using these on another person they automatically become illegal and are counted as an offensive weapon.
New YorkIn New York Even possession of a pair of Nunchaku in your house is illegal
KentuckyAllows conceal weapon rights to Nunchaku with a permit.
CanadaNunchuckus are partially illegal in Canada. These are the conditions. Wooden or metal nunchuks are completely illegal unless you have some sort of martial arts weapon license (that's the part I don't know about). Otherwise they have to be made of plastic or some sort of foam material that wouldn't be conventionally used to harm anyone. If you live in Toronto, there's various places that sell them.
EnglandThe laws regarding weapons in England do not state specifically anything pertaining to the possession of nunchuku as most offensive weapons laws apply to items with a sharpened edge or point and items that are concealed. It is however illegal to transport anything which can be directly linked to being used to cause harm to a person or persons, which means that you can own nunchuku, or any other martial arts weaponry but not take it anywhere concealed or otherwise. If the police see you with what they deem to be an offensive weapon they can arrest you without a warrant, however you can claim that the item is for any of the following, a). for use at work b). for educational purposes c). For religious purposes d). as part of any national costume, and if you can prove the claim beyond reasonable doubt then you will be let off, however the punishments for being convicted are fairly severe. In addition to this possessing any form of weapon on a school premises carry's far more severe consequences. In short anything can become an offensive weapon if used in that manner from a chair or bottle to nunchuku or Bo-staff and you will be convicted of using an offensive weapon if caught hitting someone with a brick or something that was designed as a weapon. Many sports shops stock Nunchuku, Bokkens, Si etc. but you must be over 18 and in some cases 21 to purchase these items.
FranceThe Nunchaku is considered by the French legislation as a weapon of 6th category. The port and the use prohibited in downtown's. You can buy a Nunchaku, but you cannot transport it. The tonfa is also regarded as weapon 6th category. The port of the Nunchaku can, on certain occasions, being compared to a wearing of offensive weapon. If you are not in a private place, ensure that the Nunchaku is wrapped in a case, at the bottom of your bag, proving thus that it cannot quickly be caught in hands. Always ensure that a sufficient space is available around you and never handle in the presence of a person located at less than three meters of you.
GermanyHere nunchuckus are strictly forbidden. It is possible to get firearms under certain circumstances but it is not possible to buy or own a nunchuck legally! An exception is the foam-nunchaku. But since a new weapon law was published it's no more clear if nunchucks made of foam are forbidden or not. Nunchuckus are strictly forbidden in Germany since 1971. Criminal statistics show a massive use of knives, baseball bats and machine pistols for criminal action. Nunchucks are not used for criminal purposes.
LebanonThey are legal In Lebanon under these conditions: - only the foam and chrome Nunchaku are allowed. - a Nunchaku player ID from an official martial arts club. - a Nunchaku player ID from an official Nunchaku federation like LNF, FINCA and WNA. - you have to carry your Nunchaku in a Nunchaku case with a zip. - you can’t hold the Nunchaku in professional instructor. and lately the police started asking about the International Sportive Nunchaku passport. If you are stopped by the police and you missed any of the above you will be asked to hide the Nunchaku.
Netherlands / BelgiumOnly the foam Nunchaku’s are legal in the Netherlands. Possession of the chrome and wooden Nunchaku is illegal. About Nunchaku law says that it is not a safe weapon and treated as a firearm. But you can get permit if you are 21-years-old and not have a criminal record. If you use weapon for sports, educational or recreation, permit on weapon is not required - but I haven't checked it in real life. It is funny but the Head office of WNA (World Nunchaku Association) is located in Amsterdam.
PolandNunchaku are illegal except for soft foam Nunchaku regarded as a toy
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