Nunchaku History

Official version

"Although the certain origin of nunchaku is unknown (as with most weapons in history), it was possibly invented in China or Okinawa. The Japanese word nunchaku itself comes from the Min Nan word ng-chiat-kun (兩節棍). The popular belief is that the nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice (separate the grain from the husk). An alternate theory is that it was created by a martial artist attempting to conceal his staff from the current oppressive government by cutting it into three sections, creating what is commonly known today as a sansetsukon, and that nunchaku were derived from that weapon. It is also possible that the weapon was developed in response to the moratorium on edged weaponry under the Satsuma daimyo after invading Okinawa in the 17th century, and that the weapon was most likely conceived and used exclusively for that end, as the configuration of actual flails and bits are unwieldy for use as a weapon. Also, peasant farmers were forbidden conventional weaponry such as arrows or blades so they improvised using only what they had available, farm tools such as the oar. Regardless of the origin of the nunchaku, the modern weapon would be an ineffective rice flail.

The nunchaku as a weapon has surged in popularity since martial artist Bruce Lee used it in his movies in the 1970s. It is generally considered by martial artists to be a limited weapon. Complex and difficult to wield, the nunchaku lacks the range of the bo (quarterstaff) and the edged advantage of a sword. It is also prone to inflicting injury on its user. Nevertheless, the nunchaku's impressive motion in use and perceived lethality contributed to its increasing popularity, peaking in the 1980s, perhaps due to its (unfounded) association with ninja during the 1980s ninja craze..."

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I believe, that nunchaku was originally invented as a primitive and cheap kind of whip to drive or direct livestock or harnessed animals, simple and cheap, and then used as a weapon. Interesting to notice that nunchaku (Okinawa) technique resembles and looks very similar to whip technique. Practicing nunchaku for combat purposes suggested creating different kinds of exercises some of which were not particularly for fighting but for developing natural body moves, muscles, balance etc.

Through long years of nunchaku practicing you can approach 100-350 m/s as the speed of sticks rotation (note that speed of bullets in most of the handguns is about 300 m/s). That makes nunchaku at least comparable with handgun, bow or sword. My personal believe is that nunchaku is even better.

HHH

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