Kobudo ( 古武道 ) is a japanese term meaning the ancient martial way, and refers in its modern sense to the way of the traditional japanese and okinawan weapons. The Ryù Kyù (Okinawa) kobudo is studied at our school, and includes the bo, the eku, the sai, the tonfa, the jo, the tambo as well as the tanto.
O'Sensei Kim considered the study of kobudo intrinsically linked to the practice of karate-do. This is why every karateka should get familiar with the way of the weapons. The techniques taught today find their root in century's old legacy. The evolution of the art of Okinawan traditional weapons throughout centuries had strong chinese roots. Okinawan were peaceful people, but developing the use of simple weapons was crucial in these uncertain times. There remains little written traces of this knowledge, meaning that historians' opinion will sometimes greatly diverge regarding the origin of a particular kata, or the influence of kobudo in the evolution of karate.
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"Seek wisdom, not knowledge."
O'Sensei Richard Kim |
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