Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Doug DuceyArizona Republicans plot flat tax after voters raised taxes on the rich Women are saving our democracy — and being attacked for it Arizona fails to pass ban on 'vaccine passports' MORE (R) on Friday signed a bill removing nunchucks from the list of deadly weapons, lifting the ban on the commonly used tool in martial arts, AZfamily.com reported. Supporters of the measure argued that martial artists should not be worried about facing charges for being in possession of nunchucks, made from two sticks connected by rope or chain. “It’s good to know that nobody’s going to get arrested for carrying their nunchucks to their training,” said Phoenix karate instructor Shawn Sample. Hey guys...nunchucks are now legal in Arizona. Yes, nunchucks. Enough said. #azfamily pic.twitter.com/V7WtSkmq74 — Briana Whitney (@BrianaWhitney) May 11, 2019 Nunchucks were previously classified as deadly weapons along with bombs, gun silencers and automatic firearms, the Associated Press reported. It was illegal to make, possess, transport or sell them in most circumstances otherwise face felony charges. ADVERTISEMENT Sample said nunchucks would not realistically be used for self-defense and, therefore, should not be classified as a deadly weapon. “If you pull yesterday’s weapons out on today’s people, they could pull a gun out and shoot you,” Sample said. Arizona Rep. John Kavanaugh (R) told AP that the average person could do “far more damage using a baseball bat than nunchucks.” "They're not dangerous to anybody. And we really should let kids and adults who want to do martial arts activities legally possess them,” Kavanaugh said. Critics argued that lawmakers should but their energy toward combating gun violence. "Instead of figuring out ways that we can save lives, we're wasting time on nunchucks," said Rep. Athena Salman (D) told AP.<doc-sep>Ducey signed Senate Bill 1291 Friday, which legalizes nunchucks in the state of Arizona. Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1291 Friday, making nunchucks legal after lawmakers voted to lift the restrictions on the martial arts weapons on May 2. "The average person can do far more damage using a baseball bat than nunchucks," said Rep. John Kavanaugh, a Republican from Fountain Hills last week. "They're not dangerous to anybody. And we really should let kids and adults who want to do martial arts activities legally possess them." Arizona has some of the nation's most permissive laws around weapons, and lawmakers regularly consider legislation to loosen remaining restrictions. Critics of decriminalizing nunchucks say they can cause serious harm. Some have said lawmakers should focus on reducing gun violence. "Instead of figuring out ways that we can save lives, we're wasting time on nunchucks," said Rep. Athena Salman, a Tempe Democrat. Nunchucks are classified as deadly weapons along with bombs, gun silencers and automatic firearms, which means it's illegal to make, possess, transport or sell them in most circumstances. Violations would previously bring felony charges. Rep. Jennifer Longdon, a Chandler Democrat who taught martial arts before she was paralyzed from a gunshot wound, said she's a strong advocate for gun control but sees no reason to restrict nunchucks.<doc-sep>It's now legal to own nunchucks in the state of Arizona -- if you're so inclined. Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation on Friday to remove them from the state's banned-deadly-weapons list. Until now, martial arts devotees had to worry about possible felony charges for carrying the weapons in public. Arizona had allowed people to use the weapon -- consisting of two sticks connected at one end by a short chain or rope -- solely to prepare for competitions. The state has some of the strictest weapon laws and lawmakers have tried to relax restrictions in the past. Nunchucks had been lumped in with bombs, gun silencers and automatic firearms, according to FOX 10. GAS STATION CLERK USES MARTIAL ARTS TO THWART ROBBERY Backers of the bill felt there are far more dangerous weapons to worry about than nunchucks. "The average person can do far more damage using a baseball bat than nunchucks," said Rep. John Kavanaugh, a Republican from Fountain Hills. "They're not dangerous to anybody. And we really should let kids and adults who want to do martial arts activities legally possess them." McDojoLife, a media company that features mixed martial arts content, tweeted excitedly about the new measure. ARIZONA MOM FOUND GUILTY OF STARVING HER 3-YEAR-OLD SON TO DEATH AND STORING HIS BODY IN A TOY CHEST Opponents of the bill felt lawmakers should spend their time limiting gun violence, not dedicating themselves to the kinds of contraptions you might see in a Bruce Lee movie. "Instead of figuring out ways that we can save lives, we're wasting time on nunchucks," said Rep. Athena Salman, a Tempe Democrat.<doc-sep>
Associated Press PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will decide whether to let people own nunchucks after lawmakers voted Thursday to lift restrictions on the weapons used in martial arts. Arizona allows people to have nunchucks to prepare for competition, but supporters say those who practice martial arts shouldn't have to worry they'll face charges for possessing the weapon made of two sticks or rods connected by a rope or chain. "The average person can do far more damage using a baseball bat than nunchucks," said Rep. John Kavanaugh, a Republican from Fountain Hills. "They're not dangerous to anybody. And we really should let kids and adults who want to do martial arts activities legally possess them." Arizona has some of the nation's most permissive laws around weapons, and lawmakers regularly consider legislation to loosen remaining restrictions. Critics of decriminalizing nunchucks say they can cause serious harm. Some have said lawmakers should focus on reducing gun violence. "Instead of figuring out ways that we can save lives, we're wasting time on nunchucks," said Rep. Athena Salman, a Tempe Democrat. Nunchucks are classified as deadly weapons along with bombs, gun silencers and automatic firearms, which means it's illegal to make, possess, transport or sell them in most circumstances. Violations can bring felony charges. Rep. Jennifer Longdon, a Chandler Democrat who taught martial arts before she was paralyzed from a gunshot wound, said she's a strong advocate for gun control but sees no reason to restrict nunchucks. "I don't think they are linked in any way," Longdon said. "I don't believe that we are going to see a sudden spike in the use of nunchucks in violent crime. And I think that this bill is overall very benign." The office of the Republican Ducey did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he'll approve or reject the bill.