As an adult, I use nunchucks way less than I expected.

As a kid, I thought there was no cooler accessory than a pair of nunchucks. Whether I was a ninja or a karate master, I felt complete with a set of nunchucks in my hands. I quickly discovered that the phrase “practice makes perfect” applies to learning the art of nunchuck use. I experimented with different weights, handles, and lengths until I found the perfect set. I even asked friends and family to grab items like newspapers, baseball bats, and umbrellas to use as stand-in nunchucks so I could try out various gripping and spin techniques.

I envisioned a future in which I would be able to wield improvised and even real nunchucks with the same skill and agility as a championship martial artist. Unfortunately, as I became an adult, I found myself using nunchucks way less than I expected. Despite my early enthusiasm for honing my nunchuck skills, adult life, with its stresses and responsibilities, usually got in the way of my practice. Juggling work and family, I devoted most of my time to seeking financial security and stability, leaving less time and energy to work on mastering the art of nunchuck use.

Why, then, would an adult who is too busy to practice with nunchucks even use them? In some cases, an adult may see nunchucks as an effective tool for self-defense, in which case devoting some time to practice would be seen as a worthwhile use of precious resources. Nunchucks can also be used recreationally, to show off agility and skill at a party or in the back yard. Some adults may even see the art of nunchuck use as a spiritual journey, one that offers insight into the self and the world. Regardless of the motivation, though, an adult is likely to find that it’s hard to commit enough time and energy to using nunchucks at an expert level.

Though my nunchucks have been collecting dust for a while, I still have some hope that I can become an accomplished nunchuck user in the future. If I have the resources, I look forward to revisiting my nunchucks and regaining the skills I once acquired as a kid. With some hard work and an eager spirit, I’ve no doubt that I can take my nunchuck use to the next level. In the meantime, I’ll content myself with admiring the skills of those I know who are competent nunchuck users, soaking in their wisdom and tips as I work toward joining their ranks someday.