Okinawan Kobudo | Matsusoden Kobukan

Ryukyu Kobudo

Kobujutsu means (ancient warrior arts) and is the ancient art of weapons used for defense of oneself or family. Originated on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan using mainly wooden derived weapons, but there are metal weapons that were used by the Bushi (Gentlemen warrior) class and lower level law enforcement (Shikusaji) of the times. Kobudo is practiced as a separate art form in some schools, however weapons and empty handed techniques are inseparable as they are both integral parts of karate and it is practiced as the movements of one compliment the other. The two primary styles of Okinawan bojutsu are the Yamane Ryu (Aristocratic), and Matayoshi (Village) styles. Other styles of Matsusoden Kobukan Kobujutsu is based in Yamane, Kochinda, Uhugushuku (Ufuchiki) and Matsumura Ryu style concepts and principles of wielding and employing these ancient martial art forms of self defense.

Ryukyu Kobujutsu is comprised of a collection of various weapons from indigenous and foreign influences made from metal and wood. Each weapon individually is its own art. The weapons forms taught by Matsusoden include:

Rokushaku Bo (6 foot staff)

Jo (4 foot staff)

Hanbo (3 foot staff)

Tanbo (2 foot short stick)

Nunchaku (2 foot sectional staff)

Tiji kun bo (Chizikunbo / 6 inch clenched fist stick)

Yawara (short stick)

Tonfa (Wooden Handle)

Eku (Boat Oar)

Nunti Bo (Bo with Affixed Manji Sai)

Manji Sai

Suburi Tanbo (Wooden Sword)

Sai (Three Prong Truncheon)

Nunti (Manji) Sai

Kama (Hand Sickle)

Tettchu ( Knuckle duster)

Wakinagare Cane

Tanto (knife)

Book A Lesson

Home Study Course

Tsu Guwa Ichi Tonfa- Okinawan tradition derives the tonfa from a millstone handle used to turn the grist mill. Although its true origins remain debatable it is probably the second most demonstrated wooden weapon from the Ryukyu Islands. Many kata are named after their originators or locations and two notable kata are the Matsu Higa and Hama Higa which are smaller islands of the Ryukyu archipelago. This weapon is fast and demonstrates great range and flexibility to include many grappling and entangling techniques as well as strikes and blocks. Used singularly or in pairs, the wielding of this weapon creates tremendous momentum and force, sufficient to break a Bo (kun) in half. There are a variety of grips to hold the tonfa for a unique means of applying its advantages over other weapons.

Matsumura Bo Shodan- The rokushaku bo or (Kun in the Okinawan Dialect) is a 6' wooden staff used as a distance and leverage weapon against an attacker. Its history originates from the wooden pole used to draw and carry water or rice bundles in the village. There are many different kata performed with this weapon indicating its importance in the hierarchy of Okinawan weapons repertoire. The Bo or (Kun as it is called in Okinawa) is the fundamental weapon in Kobujutsu. It is the first weapon taught in Kobujutsu. The hand movements, body position, hand and feet coordination are derived from the manipulation of this weapon. The bo is the foundation of both kobuki and karate together, inseparable.

Ananku no Sai (Soken no Sai Yondan) The sai is a traditional weapon used in Okinawa. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, prong shaped metal truncheon (Three-pronged sword). There are many types of sai with varying prongs for trapping and blocking. In Okinawa the sai was used by domestic police (ufuchiku) to arrest criminals and for crowd control. The prongs or (yoko) are particularly useful in pinning or trapping the wrist of an armed samurai as he reaches to draw his sword. This is one of the few metal weapons used by the Okinawans as metal was rare and expensive to own.

Oyata Nunchaku Kihon Kata - Nunchaku (Two Foot Staff) Flailing Weapon -Okinawan weapons consist of two sticks connected at one end by a short chain or rope. Used by Okinawan as concealed and portable weapon that could be carried on the person. As opposed to the rokushaku (six-foot staff). In Okinawa this weapon generates devastating power and is used both in striking and seizing, to include strangulations and submission holds. To the untrained, this weapon can be very dangerous to self-inflicted injuries to the uninitiated. Mimicking the movements with a real weapon by an unskilled practitioner can yield serious injury to oneself.

Matsusoden Kobukan is an affiliated member with the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozan Budo Kyokai under Hanshi Peter Carbone at https://weaponsconnection.com/

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