arizonakarate wiki / Kobudo

KOBUDO - ART OF ANCIENT WEAPONS TRAINING

In Seiyo-Kai Shorin-Ryu Karate, students are taught a large number of kobudo weapons, samuari weapons, and modern weapons.

These include -

Bojutsu

Bo training is a very important part of Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate. The bo originally was (and still is) used by Okinawa peasants as a tool for transporting materials. However, when confronted by agressors, this tool can quickly be transformed into a weapon. In Seiyo Kai, we practice a large number of kata with the bo, practice the applications of the bo, and advanced black belt students also practice the bo in kumite (sparring). We also practice bo with katana (samurai sword). In addition to the 6-foot bo staff, we have other sticks that are used in our martial art.

Hanbo (3-foot staff)

Nitanbo (2 sticks)

Kobu (short stick & pencil)

Tsue (cane)

Kioga (expandable police baton). Used by a wide number of law enforcement agencies. Proper training with this weapon can

produce effective results.

Tonfa

Tonfa (rice

-grinder handles)

Kama (sickle)

Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate members learn the use of kama through a series of 3 kata (one created by Soke Hausel) and by practicing bunkai (applications) of this farming implement.

Sai (forks)

What did this weapon evolve from? A farming implement? Some have suggested a similar tool was used to separate dirt during the planting of seeds. However, it is more likely that it came from a Chinese trungeon that had a fork attached to a 5 to 6 foot staff.