Nunchucks Were Banned in New York City for Decades—Here’s Why They’re Legal Now

Few weapons have navigated a legal roller coaster as wild as this one. It remained acceptable to own for years—until a moral panic in the 1970s convinced lawmakers that it posed too much danger to the public.

So, lawmakers banned it outright.

For a staggering 44 years, New Yorkers risked criminal charges simply for possessing this weapon.

And the worst part? The weapon stayed illegal throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, even as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles skyrocketed its popularity.

Michelangelo swung his weapon around like a champ, yet in his HOME STATE of New York, owning even a pair could lead to arrest. How unfair is that?

Everything changed in December 2018 when a federal judge—likely a Gen Xer who grew up watching Bruce Lee movies and TMNT—ruled that banning this weapon violated the Second Amendment.

James M. Maloney, a lawyer and martial artist who has challenged the ban since his 2000 arrest for possessing a pair in his home, led the case.

He argued that if New Yorkers could legally own guns, why not this?

The judge agreed, striking down the law and officially legalizing nunchucks in New York.

Yes, Nunchucks

The weapon of choice for martial artists, Bruce Lee enthusiasts, and a certain pizza-loving Ninja Turtle was banned in New York for 44 years.

Now, you can own, manufacture, and transport them without any legal trouble.

Of course, New York could always attempt to impose new restrictions in the future, but for now, there’s no sign of that happening.

So, New Yorkers, if you didn’t realize this ban was lifted years ago, it might be time to brush up on your martial arts skills—just be sure to practice in an open space!