Martial Arts with Weaponry

The martial arts with weaponry (Kobu jutsu) started appearing in actual battles during the Sanzan (3 kingdoms) period of the 11thand 12th centuries in Okinawa. At that time, the three largest kingdoms - Nanzan (Ozato Aji), Hokuzan (Nakijin Aji) and Chuzan King (King Tamagusuku) - were competing for supremacy, and various weapons, fighting methods, castle construction techniques and other skills were developed. It is also believed that Okinawa's unique martial arts with weaponry were developed during the century or so when the traffic with China was stopped.

In the 15^th century unification led to the establishment of the Shuri Dynasty. The Okinawan martial arts with weaponry spread to various regions while developing mainly around the warrior class in Shuri, the capital. There was also influence from Chinese martial arts.

There were two great turning points in the history of the Okinawan martial arts. The first was the 'Order of the Sword Hunt' implemented by King Shoshin (1477-1526), by which the carrying of weapons was prohibited for not only the general public but the warrior class people as well. The second was the 'Policy of Banning Weapons' enforced after the Satsuma Invasion in1609. The Ryukyuans naturally began to think of ways to defend themselves and their property using ordinary tools or farm equipment. They discovered that they could fight against swords or spears on the same footing using such tools. So they kept on studying and making inventions. The result was a secret form of hidden martial arts, Okinawa's martial arts with weaponry. However, a policy of secrecy was adopted and few secrets were made available to society in general.

Upon entering the 20th Century, a social movement was begun by masters like Moden Yabiku (1878-1941), Shinko Matayoshi (1888-1947) and Shinken Taira (1897- 1970), to undertake systematic research on the Okinawan martial arts with weaponry to ensure their continuity. The organization of schools and associations was accelerated.

Karate & Martial Arts with Weaponry http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp

Okinawa Budo Kai  Weapons Lineage

Tokumura Kensho Sensei, 9th Dan - Okinawa Tokushin Kobudo

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    Iha Kotaro Sensei,    10th Dan - Okinawa RyuKonKai Kobudo

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Sensei Roy Osborne III, 8th Dan - Michigan RyuKyu Kobudo