History of Nunchaku

Karate and Kobudo were, by their nature, to be kept from the uninitiated. Thus, there are but few historical records and the arts were conveyed almost entirely through transmission from master to student.

Until 1879 that is, when the dynasty fell and Okinawa officially became part of Japan. New institutions came into effect and Karate and Kobudo were incorporated into the public education system. A movement followed to introduce these arts to the general public. During the Taisho Era (1910-1926), many demonstrations were organized throughout the mainland of Japan. Karate and Kobudo became very popular throughout Japan.

At the end of World War II, US military troops were stationed on different locations in Japan. As a pastime, soldiers started to train in Karate and Kobudo. Once back in the USA, many started their own martial arts schools. In a few decades, Karate and Kobudo were spread around the world. The nunchaku followed in their path and found its way to the global population.