Nunchaku kata trains discipline and precision.

Nunchaku Kata de Base sequence demonstration

Form 1: Kata de base découpé

In this form, the kata is performed in separate segments. Between each technique, a count may be given by the instructoror examiner. This allows the techniques to be executed on count. The term découpé here means: divided into parts, like ajigsaw cut into pieces. The name of the kata is announced first by the examiner, followed by the salute.

Form 1b: Kata de base – enchaînement

In this form, the kata is presented independently, including the announcement and the salute. The movements and transitions must be fluid and continuous, with power being generated from the legs. To keep the kata rhythmic and controlled, a few short moments of rest or relaxation are permitted. These occur at the end of a sequence or after an impact on the target, ensuring that the kata is not performed as a single sprint, but instead contains an alternation of tension and relaxation.
During the kata, two kiai are performed. After each kiai, there is a moment for breathing, allowing the rhythm and energy of the kata to be maintained.

Starting salute and ready position at beginning of Kata de Base


1 – Annonce : Kata de base découpé – saluez – prêt
1b– Annonce : Kata de base – saluez – prêt

Vertical thrust, triceps guard and piquée strike

2 – Frappe verticale remontante 3 – Garde triceps 4 – Frappe piquée

Triceps guard, high side guard and rising vertical strike

5 – Garde triceps 6 – Garde côté (haute)  7 – Frappe verticale remontante

Piquée strike, armpit guard and pivot

8 – Frappe piquée 9 – Garde à l’aisselle 10 – Pivot

Hand change into rising vertical strike and triceps guard

11 – Avec changement de mains 12 – Frappe verticale remontante 13 – Garde triceps

Piquée strike, shoulder guard and vertical strike

4 – Frappe piquée 15 – Garde à l’épaule 16 – Frappe verticale

Lateral strikes with cross flank guard

7 – Frappe latérale 18 – Frappe latérale 19 – Garde croisée flanc

Pivot into rising vertical strike and triceps guard

20 – Pivot 21 – Frappe verticale remontante 22 – Garde triceps

Piquée strike, back guard and pivot

23 – Frappe piquée 24 – Garde derrière le dos 25 – Pivot

Back guard with vertical strike and back guard

26 – Garde derrière le dos 27 – Frappe verticale 28 – Garde derrière le dos

Piquée strike with front guard and triceps

29 – Frappe piquée 30 – Garde frontale 31 – Garde triceps

Lateral strike, cross guard and pivot

32 – Frappe latérale 33 – Garde croisée 34 – Pivot

Vertical strike, back guard and lateral strike

35 – Frappe verticale 36 – Garde derrière le dos 37 – Frappe latérale

Hand change into vertical strike with back guard

38 – Changement de mains 39 – Frappe verticale 40 – Garde derrière le dos

Piquée strike, cross guard and vertical strike

41 – Frappe piquée 42 – Garde croisée 43 – Frappe verticale

Side guard, vertical strike and shoulder guard

44 – Garde côté 45 – Frappe verticale 46 – Garde à l’épaule

Piquée strike with kiai, armpit guard and pivot

47 – Frappe piquée kiai 48 – Garde à l’aisselle 49 – Pivot

Hand change into rising vertical strike and triceps guard


50 – Changement de mains 51 – Frappe verticale remontante 52 – Garde triceps

Back waist guard, lateral strike and triceps

53 – Garde derrière la taille 54 – Frappe latérale 55 – Garde triceps

Vertical strike, shoulder guard and vertical strike

56 – Frappe verticale 57 – Garde à l’épaule 58 – Frappe verticale

Shoulder guard, lateral strike and cross guard

59 – Garde à l’épaule 60 – Frappe latérale 61 – Garde croisée 

62 – Frappe latérale 63 – Garde croisée 64 – Frappe latérale

Cross guard, lateral strike and cross guard

65 – Garde croisée 66 – Frappe latérale 67 – Garde croisée

Pivot into rising vertical strike with triceps guard

68 – Pivot 69 – Frappe verticale remontante 70 – Garde triceps

Vertical strike, shoulder guard and lateral strike

71 – Frappe verticale, garde à l’épaule 72 – Frappe latérale 73 – Garde croisée 

Shoulder guard, pivot and front guard

74 – Garde à l’épaule 75 – Pivot 76 – Garde frontale (base)

Vertical strike with back guard, kiai and shoulder guard

77 – Frappe verticale, garde derrière le dos 78 – Frappe verticale kiai 79 – Garde à  l’épaule

Final salute at end of Kata de Base

80 – Prêt – saluez