Matsusoden Kobukan

"On Ko Chi Shin " Modern Knowledge from Ancient Wisdom

Matsusoden Kobukan (Ancient warrior hall of Matsumura and Matsumora original teachings)-
As with all systems and schools of martial arts, it is a derivation of the lessons taught and knowledge gained by the Sensei's master. An old Okinawan saying summarizes this approach, "On Ko Chi Shin" which translates as "Respect the old, to learn the new". This is where our mantra, "Modern Knowledge from Ancient Wisdom" is derived.

The system and curriculum is based on the combative concepts, principles and methods embedded in the various katas, movements and motions inherent within these ancient forms. The research and study has sought out the oldest versions of these katas to preserve the ancient lessons of self-preservation before the advent of modern karate which is for sport and aesthetic performance.

The purpose of karate and martial arts in general is to preserve one's life in a winner takes all life or death encounter. The ability to dispatch an adversary quickly and efficiently as possible with little effort is supported by sound scientific principle, physiology, bio-mechanics and physics. These are the grounding principles of Koryu (old school) Karate. The guiding premise is founded on Chotokyu Kyan (1870-1945), Master to Shohin Nagamine of Matsubayashi Ryu (1907-1997), "Maximum results, Minimal effort"

Matsusoden Kobukan provides instruction in traditional old methods of Okinawan martial arts in both empty hand and weapon forms. The preservation of the oldest forms from Shuri Village, Tomari Village and Kume Village of Okinawa represent the origins and eclectic collections

of the indigenous fighting methods and infused Chinese influences that is known today as Karate.

What does the dojo name mean you wonder? Matsusoden is derived from the originators of the Shorin Ryu style of Okinawan Karate. It is a traditional hard/soft and circular form of karate which remains true to the original style and intent of the native martial arts of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. That is to defend oneself against attack in a life or death conflict. Its history can be traced back to the Shaolin Monk temple of the Fukien Province of China.

“The word “Shorin” is the Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin which means “small forest”. The name “Matsu“comes from the Bushi (warrior) Matsumura Sokon and Matsumora Kosaku who were both influential in creating the fighting styles known as Shuri Te and Tomari Te. The term “So” means original and “Den” means transmission or teachings. Thus we have the literal translation meaning “Original teachings of Bushi Matsumura and Matsumora”. Kobukan is made up from three words; Ko (ancient) Bu (Martial) and Kan (house) which literally translates to mean “House of the Ancient Warrior”.

The Matsusoden Kobukan Federation crest or “Patch” is symbolic of the representation of the style. Purple and gold are the royal colors or the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Mitsu Tomoe is comprised of three spheres in orbit around the earth and represents the unification of mind, body and spirit and the Yin/Yang relationship used in Shinto and Buddhist concepts. The symbol also represent the Royal Crest of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The “Hash tag” symbol represents the family Crest of Kyan Chotoku, one of the leading masters to transmit the teachings of Sokon Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumora. The hakutsuru (white crane) represents the underlying principles, concepts and fighting style in Shorin Ryu as all Okinawan karate transcends from the Ancestral Crane Chi.

The Ryukyu Kobujutsu crest or “Patch” is symbolic and representative of the style of weapons indigenous to the island of Okinawa Japan. Purple and gold are the royal colors of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Mitsu Tomoe is formed of three spheres in orbit around the earth, which stands for the unification of mind, body, and spirit. The Yin/Yang relationship used represented by the rotation of the spheres is symbolic of the cycle of energy concepts. The symbol also represents the Royal Crest of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The clenched fist and paired Sai are symbolic of Karate (empty hand) and the Kobujutsu (weapons) used in combat and self-defense being inseparable. The Chrysanthemum is symbolic of Japan and the national flower. The kanji inscription reads: “Ryukyu Kobujutsu” and “Okinawa Budo”, Ancient Martial Arts of The Ryukyu Islands and Okinawan Martial way.

The Northwest Crane Study Group (Hokusai Hakutsuru Kenkyu Kai) is an organization of dedicated practitioners of Okinawan white crane karate in the interest of preserving this rare and lethal form of empty hand combat. This Okinawan Koryu Bujutsu (Old School Martial Art) was reserved for the aristocratic class and their bodyguards as taught by Bushi Matsumura.

Matsusoden Kobukan is associated with the following martial art organizations: