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

Ko = Ancient

 

Bu = Stop Shield or Stop War meaning Peace is made up of two images combined.

 

Stop = 

Shield = 

Do = Way (Head or Neck / Road) and is comprised of two symbols combined.

Head or Neck = 

Road or Street = 

Translates into: Ancient Way to Stop War or Ancient Way of Peace

Weapons

Bo

Names of the Parts of the Bo

Kontei – End Chukon Bu – Middle Kontei – End

Kata

• Tokemine no Kun
• Urashi no Kun
• Shishi no Kun

Sai

Names of the Parts of the Sai

Tsukagashira – Butt End Tsuka – Grip Moto – Wing Base Yoku – Wing Tsume – Wing Tip Monouchi – Shaft Saki – Tip

Kata

• Kusanku Sai
• Chatan yara no Sai
• Kyan no Sai

Tuifa or Tonfa

Names of the Parts of the Tuifa/Tonfa

Zento – Front Head E / Nigiri – Handle / Grip Egashira – Handle Head Monouchi Zoko – Bottom Jomen – Top Sokumen – Side Koto – Rear Monouchi – Main Body

Kata

• Hama Higa no Tuifa Sho or sometimes simply referred to as Tuifa Kata
• Hama Higa no Tuifa