Book 2 in the Nunchaku Mastery series
Nunchaku LawsA 50-State Guide to Possession, Carry, and Self-Defense Law, Plus D.C. and U.S. Territories
Paperback, 204 pages. A Kindle ebook version is also available.
Nunchuck Laws in Other States
Last checked Nov 13, 2026: Beyond the seven most-searched states, some other states have a statute or court case that names or clearly reaches nunchaku. This is not a complete list, and any state not listed can still apply general weapons laws.
Last updated:
| State | Law | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | C.R.S. § 18-12-106 | Restricts nunchaku in public places (outside an authorized demonstration, exhibition, or class). No statute found that bans keeping them in a private, non-public place. |
| Connecticut | C.G.S. § 53-206; § 29-38 | Carrying a martial-arts weapon, which includes nunchaku, is a class E felony, with student and instructor exceptions. A martial-arts weapon in a vehicle can be a class D felony (§ 29-38). |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1 | Names nunchaku in its school-zone weapons law. No statewide ownership or carry ban found. |
| Hawaii | HRS § 134-51; State v. Muliufi (1982) | No statute names nunchaku, and the state Supreme Court held they are not, by themselves, a deadly or dangerous weapon under the concealed-weapon law. County rules were not reviewed. |
| Maryland | Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-101 | Defines nunchaku as a weapon. Owning them at home is not banned, but concealed carry, or open carry with intent to injure, is a crime. |
| Nevada | NRS 202.350(1)(c) | Names nunchaku, but only to ban possessing or using them with intent to harm someone. Concealed carry falls under the general concealed-weapon rule. |
| North Dakota | N.D.C.C. § 62.1-01-01(1) | Lists nunchaku as a "dangerous weapon." No ownership ban found, but concealed carry without a license is a Class A misdemeanor, and possession at schools, churches, and public buildings is restricted. |
| Pennsylvania | 18 Pa.C.S. § 912 | Names "nun-chuck stick" only in its school-property weapons law; possession on K-12 property or school transportation is a first-degree misdemeanor unless a defense applies. |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-42 | Restricts "Kung-Fu" weapons and has not repealed that language. Treat nunchaku as prohibited there. |
| Virginia | Va. Code § 18.2-308(A)(iii) | Lists nunchaku-type flailing instruments among weapons that may not be carried concealed. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with felony penalties for repeat offenses. |
FAQ
Is my state on this list?
This page covers some states where a statute or court case names or clearly reaches nunchaku. It is not a complete list. If your state isn't listed, that doesn't mean nunchucks are legal there; general weapons laws can still apply.
Where can I read every state's rules?
Nunchaku Laws covers all 50 states, D.C., and five U.S. territories.
Not legal advice. This page is general educational information, not legal advice. I'm not an attorney. City, county, tribal, federal, and private-property rules can be stricter than state law, and laws change. Check the current statute and talk to a licensed attorney in your area if you have questions.
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