Ok, first things first. We gotta be careful with the word "traditional" in the typical usage (authentic, orthodox) and accept a meaning more like "commonly accepted as." If you get right down to it this is a traditional nunchaku.
But that isn't what we are talking about here obviously. I'm not sure what the nunchaku that Yakiba Moden used in the late 1800s looked like but they probably were not nylon parachute cord. The modern corded octagon with channels seems to go back to around 1920-30 based upon pictures of Shinken Taira but even in those old B&w photos I can't really tell how many cords are there or exactly how they are tied.
There probably wasn't a "standard" until after WWII when nunchaku became something that was produced by a martial arts supplier rather than made at home. History aside this is my favorite method for tying nunchaku, especially when the cord on a pair of Dolan's finally gives up the ghost and I have run out of those metal super clips they used to make. You can only recycle that clip about three times.
Typically when a triple cord is done the cords are braided and tied in the channels as seen on this pair of Kemco nunchaku.
Quite honestly this is probably more "traditional" than my method and likely predates it by several years if not decades. It is absolutely secure and you will probably break wood before that setup let's go assuming you are using quality cord. This is also the method found in the DIY tutorial on this forum. But aesthetically it's not as pleasing as the two parallel cords in the channel (stupid reason but it's a reason).
Ok, getting started you are going to need about 3 1/2 to 4 feet of nylon cord depending upon how much distance you want between the sticks. I prefer about 4" and I like to have some extra cord when I'm done rather than not quite enough.
Prepare your cheats. These are simple twist ties that you use to thread the cords. Ones with stiff wire and plastic rather than paper covers work best.
Then just follow the self explanatory step by step.
Make sure to pay attention what directions to cords are going next (indicated by loose cord in the picture)
Left side partially complete
Both sides partial complete. (Note: you now have THREE CORDS in the middle)
Send your cheats through one more time and out of the top on each side. You should now have THREE CORDS and TWO LOOSE CORDS.
Do final adjustments until you are satisfied with the length between sticks and then clamp one of the loose ends flush with the top.
Pull that cord and ONLY THAT CORD out a couple inches and mark it about 1/4" under the clamp with a sharpie or something similar.
Tie a knot in the cord at the mark you made. These will be the only knots tied in this setup and they will not be seen.
Perform the same clamp, mark and knot procedure for the other loose cord.
Cut and burn the ends above the knot. Make sure knot is very tight.
Pull nunchaku to remove slack and adjust as necessary until cords are about even and knots are flush with top of sticks.
Then gently press knots inside top opening with small screw driver, chopstick, etc.
Make slight adjustments to remove slack and make each length almost equal and uniform.
Cords will further adjust with use but typically you will always have one cord with just a hint of slack. This is EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT because when all three cords begin to show some wear and one finally snaps you still have one cord that has been taking the load for some time and one cord that has not carried much load to keep the other stick from flying across the room.
When I have restrung Dolan's that saw heavy daily use and replaced them with this triple cord setup it took almost 3 times as long as the Dolan's setup before it needed to be replaced again. I have never had one of the retaining knots slip free.
Side by side with a Dolan's original double cord.
Really does result in a strong, aesthetically pleasing look. Kinda Dolan's with a little old school kobudo style.
Top view with seated knots.
Here's some triple cords I have in a variety of stick lengths and cord lengths. Very short triple cords are possible.
