Modern Knowledge from Ancient Wisdom

                                                                                                                      

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The Matsusoden Kobukan's  purpose is to preserve the old methods of the kobushijutsu (ancient gentlemen warriors art) of the Ryukyu kingdom  of Okinawa. The Royal Castle Guards practiced an indigenous form of defense and weaponry that to this day has a devastating effect on any potential physical threat.  Weapons practice creates superior empty hand techniques.  This is due to the fact that empty hand technique comes from the weapons use. Unfortunately, this rare art form is on the verge of extinction due to the McDojo, drive through commercialization of the martial arts. Kata without the knowledge of what the movements represent is merely a performative dance. These ancient weapons and techniques have a practical and pragmatic application in the modern era. 400 years ago or today, a stick is still a stick. The Bo, Tanbo, Gusan (Jo), kama, nunchaku, knife and even the sai have a modern day relevance with improvisational weapons of opportunity for self defense. Knowing how to use a weapon also trains you on how to defend against an armed assailant. The Matsusoden Kobukan teaches the following martial arts:

 

Ryukyu Kobujutsu (Ancient Weapons of Okinawa): Ryukyu Kobujutsu is the art of the Ryukyuan Castle Guards who defended the castle states and the aristocracy who resided in them. Bushi Sokon Matsumura being one the most famous who was appointed as King Sho's personal body guard oversaw the daily practice of the Bushi (warrior) training in weapons.

Empty hand is derived from the weapons training, necessary to re-arm after loosing a weapon in battle. The weapons taught are the Bo ( 6 foot staff), Sai (Two prong truncheon), Tonfa (Handled baton), Eku (Boat oar), Nunti (Spear), Kama (Scythe), Tanbo (2 foot Short Stick) and Nunchaku (collapsable Staff), Chizikunbo ( 6 inch Fist stick) and Gusan (4 foot Short Staff) . The weapons date back to the 14th century on Okinawa. The use of the weapons predates Okinawan Te or hand by three centuries.  The three styles of weapons in the Matsumura (Soken) kobujutsu are Yamane Ryu, Kochinda Ryu and Uhugushuku Ryu kobudo.
 

Hakutsuru (White Crane):  Okinawan White Crane is a rare system of self-defense which combines foot, hand, and seizing/controlling techniques. The style is renowned for its rapid hand strikes executed in conjunction with devastatingly effective pressure point attacks. The art consists of many advanced forms and energy development techniques. Hakutsuru is also extremely effective for reality fighting in the modern world.

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Shorin-Ryu Karate:  We study the oldest versions of empty hand and as close to the original without modern influences.

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Matsumura Seito (Orthodox) Shorin Ryu  system. The art had its roots in China and was combined with Okinawan Te (hand) fighting to become Shorin-Ryu.  Bushi Matsumura, the royal bodyguard of the Okinawan king, perfected this art and handed it down through direct family lineage. Our dojo teaches the original katas that were developed by Sokon (Bushi) Matsumura.  These kata stress the actual combat applications, concepts and principles of the art, including nerve strikes, grappling, body alignment and pressure point techniques.

 

Matsubayashi Ryu (Shorin Ryu): We study the original Matsubayshi Ryu (Shorin Ryu System) of Shohin Nagamine. This style of Okinawan Karate is derived mainly from the Tomari village influences of Kosaku Matsumora,  Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan.  The katas in this style are very old and with natural movement. Integrated into the system is the Yamane Ryu Kobudo weapons.
 

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