I'm going back before the 80's, before Star Wars, and even before Dirty Harry.
The Chinese Connection (aka Fists Of Fury which made more sense) when Bruce Lee beat up an entire Karate school with his NUNCHAKU.
At the time only those deep into martial arts knew what the hell these things were?
All I know is every kid in the neighborhood rushed home after the movie and began cutting his mother's mop handle and chopping the dog's chain to make a pair.
Some used rope for smoother action but just about everyone had a pair at one time or another.
Of course by the early 80's there were many different styles available now including bearings!!
in fact, I still have a nice ball bearing pair laying around somewhere?
Once again Bruce Lee's influence in the movies changed yet another game.
He was "THE MAN"