American Style Nunchaku – The Modern Weapons System

American Style Nunchaku, founded by Grandmaster Michael L. Burke, is a complete weapons-based martial arts system designed to develop skill, control, and real-world application through the use of the nunchaku. Built from decades of experience, training, and competition, the system emphasizes efficiency, adaptability, and precision.

At its core, American Style Nunchaku is a structured martial art, training practitioners to develop control and effectiveness through every phase of movement:

  • Fundamentals – grips, control, striking mechanics, and transitions

  • Forms (Kata) – structured routines focused on timing, flow, and precision

  • Partner Work – distance, timing, and controlled application

This structured approach ensures that students are not simply learning freestyle movement, but developing a complete understanding of how to control and apply the weapon with purpose.

Originally developed through personal experimentation in the early 1970s, the system was built to fill the gap in formal nunchaku training. Over time, it evolved into a complete martial art with a defined curriculum and ranking structure, eventually becoming recognized as its own system.

American Style Nunchaku is known for its speed and fluidity, using efficient wrist movement and lighter nunchaku to create continuous motion. While visually dynamic, the system maintains a strong focus on control and realistic application, ensuring that techniques are trained with awareness of timing, distance, and effectiveness.

As the martial arts world continued to evolve, American Style Nunchaku expanded into the competitive arena, proving its effectiveness in weapons divisions and forms competition. Practitioners began using the system in tournaments, demonstrating its ability to perform under pressure and against judging standards.

Today, the system continues to grow through the American Style Nunchaku Federation, which supports training, instructor development, and the progression of students worldwide.

This dual focus—technical development and competition—makes American Style Nunchaku a unique training system. Students gain not only the ability to perform at a high level, but also the discipline, coordination, and control that come from structured martial arts training.

Beyond technique, the system promotes focus, consistency, and personal growth, maintaining traditional martial arts values while continuing to evolve in a modern training environment.

Start Training & Earn Rank

Students interested in training in American Style Nunchaku can begin through the official federation and certified instructors.

Training is structured through a belt ranking system, where students progress based on skill, consistency, and instructor evaluation. Advancement is earned over time and requires meeting the standards of the system.

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