 The
Ssahng Jeol Bong (better known as the nunchaku or nunchucku) is a weapon
which benefits coordination and dexterity as well as upper body
conditioning.
The history of the Ssahng Jeol Bong is quite interesting. "In its
earliest form, the Ssahng Jeol Bong served the farmer in the harvesting
of his crops by separating grain from the shaft. Picture a harvest of
grain laying on a specially prepared surface. The farmer would beat the
crop with a tool that was comprised of a long staff with a shorter stick
attached to the end by a rope. The length of the longer staff would
help generate power into the strike, making the job somewhat easier for
the farmer. By beating the crop with the tool, the shorter stick would
make the grain separate from the plant so that it could be harvested.
"During times of war, this farm tool could easily be used as a
weapon. Often called a Chul Te or
Dur Ree Ge, we may be able to picture it easier if we
think of a mace. In these battles, the length of the longer staff
allowed the warrior to stay at a safer distance from his opponent and
would also aid in the generation of power into the strike. As peace
time prevailed, the warriors, with little to do but train, refashioned
the Chul Te into smaller versions until we have the design we
are familiar with today." Introduction to the Ssahng Jeol Bong,
'Ssahng Jeol Bong Manual', Copyright Protech Training
Systems, 1996 |