What does "Kobudo" mean?

Kobudo is a term used for the Okinawan weaponry associated with traditional karate.  Literally translated, Kobudo means “old martial ways.”  The use of weapons on the Okinawan islands dates back tens of centuries, however the set of weapons encompassed by the modern term Kobudo came into more common use in the early 1600s.

What kinds of weapons are used?

The Kobudo weapons most frequently encountered are bo (long wooden staff), mini-bo (short wooden staff), sai (three-pronged hand-held weapon), eku (boat oar), tonfa (rice-grinder handles), kama (sickle), nunchucku (the bit and side pieces for horses), and yari (spear-ended bo) and other weapons.

Where did these weapons come from?

In the year 1609, it was decreed that native Okinawans were not allowed to use the traditional weapons of war, including swords, bows and arrows, without special permission from the ruling class from mainland Japan.  In response to these restrictive laws, native Okinawan practitioners of karate adapted farming, fishing, and tradesmen’s tools for use as weapons.  Defensive weapons that were used to keep the peace, such as sai,  were also allowed.  Okinawans developed systems or techniques to fully utilize these permitted weapons.

Why we practice Kobudo

In modern Okinawan karate practice, Kobudo is often an integral part of training. The legacy of Kobudo as a part of karate training stems from the time when Okinawans needed to augment their empty-hand techniques in defense against weapon-wielding attackers. Knowledge of the potential of your opponent, whether armed with a weapon or empty-handed, is critical to effectively defend against him. The Ryuei Ryu style of Kobudo had been passed down through the family to the current students, and has influenced noteable karate-ka of other styles.