Okinawa or Ryukyu kobudo is a generic term that is used to describe the armed martial arts of Okinawa. At Koushinkan Boston we practice Matayoshi lineage kobudo. This is a complete system of classical weapons practice that has been passed down through the Matayoshi family. It covers a large number of weapons and includes kihon (basic movements), kata, and extensive two person work- kumi waza and kata application. For a detailed description of the Matayoshi Kobudo, please see Fred sensei’s article here.  

Fred sensei began studying our kobudo in 1986, under Kimo Wall sensei, who had started under Matayoshi sensei in 1962. He studied under Sakai Ryugo, a student from the late 50s and early 60s, while living in Kagoshima and at that time trained periodically with Matayoshi sensei and other members of the Kodokan. When Gakiya Yoshiaki, who had been appointed head instructor of the Kodokan after Matayoshi sensei’s passing, founded the OKDR in 2001 Fred sensei began training under him and we remain members of the OKDR, now headed by Neil Stolsmark sensei.

   In studying the kobudo, the same level of commitment is required as is required of karate; some say more, as each weapon has aspects of range, timing, and application that are specific to it and must be learned as one works towards mastering the system and its unified principles of movement and application. It is a well rounded and fascinating practice and core to our martial arts here at Koushinkan Boston.

 

Anyone interested in training in our kobudo system is welcome to contact us.