Kobudo

The Kobudo curriculum’s goal is to teach traditional Okinawan Kobudo (Weapons), starting with the Bo. So what does it mean to be a traditional Bo? Traditional for the purpose of this class is learning to use the weapon in a way that represents real usage, and not fancy “tricks” as performed on the XMA circuit. Emphasis will be placed on proper striking and blocking techniques with the weapon, culminating in 2 person drills, and finally learning the kata.

Okinawan Kobudo

What is Okinawan Kobudo? Okinawan Kobudo is roughly translated into the Ancient Way of Peace, but more importantly, it is the addition of training with ancient weapons from Okinawan history. Isshinryu uses 3 of these weapons, the Bo, Sai, and Tuifa (Tonfa). Okinawan Kobudo, has other weapons, which are not usually associated with Isshinryu, this includes, Nunchaku, Kama, Eku, Tinbe-Rochin, Sansetsukon, Nunti, Kuwa, Tekko, and Suruchin.

Most of the weapons originated from farming tools, since the Emperor of Okinawa first banned all weapons, except for his personal guard.

Kobudo Kanji and Meaning

NOTE: Kanji or Okinawan writing starts in the top right of a page, and works downward, and to the left. Opposite of English, which starts from the top left and works right, then down.

Kobudo: The Ancient Way of Peace