Kobudo is a traditional Okinawan martial art that focuses on using weapons. The term "kobudo" can be translated to "old martial way" or "ancient martial arts," and it encompasses a wide range of traditional Okinawan weapons and their associated techniques. Kobudo students learn to use weapons such as the bo, sai, nunchaku, and tonfa between white belt and Shodan and then later on discover the more exotic weapons such as the eku, kuwa, sensetsukon, tekko, nunti bo, kama, tanbo, tinbei,

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The primary system of Kobudo we study is Matayoshi Kobudo which was originally systemized by Matayoshi Shinko Sensei (1888-1947) and was then passed onto his son Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei (1921-1997) who passed it to Yoshiaki Gakiya Sensei (1950-2002) who has since passed it to  Neil Stolsmark Sensei the current head of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-Kai ®.

 

The Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai®  is an organization of people who pursue the maturity of one’s personality through learning Okinawa Kobudo. Doushi: People who have the same will, comrades. Rensei: Train your body and soul.

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All students who reach Shodan (black belt) and above will receive international grading within the OKDR.

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Bo (Staff):

• The bo is a versatile weapon, typically made of wood or bamboo and measures about 5 to 6 feet long.

• It's known for its simplicity and effectiveness, often used for strikes, blocks, and locking techniques.

• Bo techniques emphasize balance, precise striking, and the use of both ends of the staff.

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Sai:

• The sai is a three-pronged weapon with a central, pointed blade and two tines.

• Originally a farming tool, it has been adapted for self-defence. The central blade can block and trap an opponent's weapon, while the tines can strike and disarm.

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Nunchaku:​​ ​

Nunchaku consists of two wooden or foam sticks connected by a chain or cord.

• They are known for fluid, spinning motions and rapid strikes.

• Nunchaku techniques require coordination, dexterity, and timing.

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Tonfa:

Tonfa are short sticks with a handle perpendicular to the shaft, used initially as handles for grinding stones.

• In Kobudo, tonfa can be used for blocking, striking, and joint manipulation.

• Tonfa techniques focus on defence and close-quarters combat.

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