| NUNCHAKU | In martial arts, 3 pair of hardwood sticks joined by a chain or cord and used as a weapon (8) |
| REI | Portuguese word for a king or one of its "royal" coins; or, Japanese for a bow of respect in martial arts (3) |
| INSECTA | Ants have an exoskeleton, 3 main body parts and 3 pairs of legs. They belong to the class of animals called ___ |
| TETHERED | Tied by a chain or rope |
| CLAVE | In music, one of a pair of hardwood sticks struck together to make a hollow sound (5) |
| STATEBORDERS | What the answers to three "pair" clues share, both in this grid and in reality |
| NUNCHUCKS | Weapon of two sticks joined by a chain (9) |
| NIA | Exercise regime combining dance, yoga and martial arts (3) |
| IRONS | Heavy shackles joined by a chain (5) |
| DAN | He's known on any level of the martial arts (3) |
| SPROCKET | Thin wheel with teeth driven by a chain (8) |
| TUG | A sudden forcible pull or wrench, such as that figuratively in love or war; a boat or plane for towing; a chain or rope for hauling; a horse's trace for draughting; or, any hard struggle (3) |
| BOUTIQUE | Show disapproval of hardwood, we hear, in shop (8) |
| JIUJITSU | Japanese martial art (3-5) |
| LINK | One of a series of loops forming a chain; or, a historical torch of pitch and tow used to light dark streets (4) |
| DIABOLO | Game involving two sticks joined by a string and a spool-shaped object (7) |
| OBI | Sash traditionally worn with a kimono or as part of a uniform for a Japanese martial art (3) |
| DAISY | Threaded by its stem to form a chain or garland, a "fresh" flower that covers its yellow disc in the evening and reveals it in the morning (5) |
| FESTOON | A chain or garland of flowers hung in a curve as a decoration (7) |
| TAEBO | Form of high-intensity exercise that combines elements of aerobics, dance and a Korean martial art (3-2) |
