Yes, nunchucks are legal to own, carry, and use in Texas. Texas repealed its ban on nunchaku in 2017, making them lawful for martial arts training, personal possession, and even public carry. Unlike some states that still treat nunchucks as “dangerous weapons,” Texas places almost no restrictions on them. However, they cannot be used in a threatening manner or carried into certain restricted locations, and using them as weapons in a crime can lead to enhanced charges.
Texas has one of the most permissive weapons laws in the country. The state has consistently moved away from banning personal weapons, instead focusing on criminal misuse. This approach applies to nunchucks, throwing stars, brass knuckles, swords, and other martial-art style weapons.
Why Nunchucks Became Legal in Texas?
Before 2017, nunchaku were considered “illegal clubs” under Texas Penal Code §46.05. This classification grouped them with things like nightsticks and mace-like weapons. In 2017, Texas lawmakers changed course and removed nunchucks from the banned list entirely, legalizing:
- Nunchaku (traditional rope or chain-linked sticks)
- Three-section staffs
- Tonfas
- Sai
- Throwing stars (later legalized in 2019)
- Brass knuckles (legalized in 2019)
Texas shifted its laws to protect martial arts practitioners, weapon collectors, and self-defense enthusiasts.
What You Can Legally Do With Nunchucks in Texas?
1. Own Them at Home
Completely legal for adults and minors.
2. Carry Them in Public
Open or concealed carry is allowed. No license is required.
3. Train With Them
Martial arts schools may freely teach nunchaku and sell them.
4. Collect, Display, or Transport
They are legal as sport, hobby, costume, and training equipment.
Texas does not require registration—it treats nunchucks like any other personal possession.
What’s Still Illegal?
Although nunchucks are legal, misusing them as a weapon is not.
Using Them to Threaten Others
Display or use of nunchucks in a threatening, reckless, or intimidating way can bring charges such as:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Terroristic threat
- Deadly conduct
Bringing Them Into Restricted Places
Texas bans deadly weapons (including nunchucks if used as weapons) in:
- Schools and school events
- Polling places during elections
- Courtrooms
- Bars with 51% alcohol revenue (if signs posted)
- Airports beyond security checkpoints
Even though nunchucks are legal, restricted zones apply to all weapons.
Can Minors Own or Carry Nunchucks?
There is no statewide ban on minor possession. However, local school districts and youth programs may impose their own rules, especially on campus. Students carrying nunchucks at school can face suspension or police action—not for possession, but for violating school policy or causing alarm.
How Texas Views Weapons in General
Texas has steadily moved toward deregulation of personal weapons:
| Weapon | Status in Texas |
| Swords | ✔ Legal to carry since 2017 |
| Brass knuckles | ✔ Legal since 2019 |
| Throwing stars | ✔ Legal since 2019 |
| Batons | ✔ Legal |
| Nunchucks | ✔ Legal since 2017 |
Texas lawmakers focus on criminal misuse rather than banning objects themselves. If a weapon is used in a crime, penalties become more severe.
Final Note
Yes, nunchucks are legal in Texas. You can own, buy, sell, carry, and practice with them freely. Texas law only restricts misuse and carrying them into certain protected places. Responsible use is key.
