Kobudo
-
Karate & Kobudo: Two Wheels on an Axle
I started to learn Ryukyu Kobudo from my teachers Minowa sensei and Yoshimura sensei when I was 24 years old. At that time I was living on Amami Oshima and studying at their dojo in Naze-shi. Minowa sensei would often say to me that Kobudo and Karate-do were, “like two wheels on an axle.” At… Continue reading
-
Thoughts on Okinawa Kobudo Systems
The other day I was chatting with one of my students after Kobudo practice and we got on the topic of Yamane (Yamani)-ryu. This of course got me thinking about not only Yamane-ryu, but also the other Kobudo systems (Taira, Matayoshi, Ryukonkai, Ufuchiku) practiced on Okinawa. Below are some random thoughts about Yamane-ryu and Kobudo… Continue reading
-
Walking a Path
Canadian culture, and by extension US culture, suffers from a staggering lack of patience. I would go so far as to say that it borders on narcissistic. A few months ago I was standing in line to pay for my groceries when a women behind me asked if she could cut ahead of me because… Continue reading
-
Inoue Motokatsu: Nunchaku & Suruchin Kata
I find it odd that the Inoue Motokatsu’s Ryukyu Kobujutsu group do not use the kata developed by Taira Shinken for suruchin and nunchaku. Indeed, Inoue’s nunchaku and suruchin kata do bear Taira’s name (ie. “Maezato no …”). To the best of my knowledge Inoue stated that all his kata came from Taira and there… Continue reading
-
Do You Practice How to Fight? I Don’t.
During class a few years ago a new student became annoyed with himself because he wasn’t able to perform a technique we were working on. His stance was wrong, hands in the wrong place, his timing was off; typical run-of-the-mill beginner mistakes. They were nothing to get worked-up over I thought, and yet here was… Continue reading
-
Dialogue in the Dojo
I enjoy practicing Kobudo and Karate in the morning by myself so I can polish and work through techniques. If I’m honest with myself, it’s probably not enough time, but I concentrate just on a few things, so I feel I can make a little progress or at the least not get any worse. The… Continue reading
-
Stances Aren’t Natural
I think that some Okinawa Karatedo teachers look at foreign student and inwardly mumble to themselves, “what the he!@ is that?” It is a sad fact that some of these students’ Karate is weak or at times downright terrible. Their backs are rounded, knees knocked inwards, elbows flaring away from the body, shoulders rolling forward, just… Continue reading
-
Learning to Learn
I’ve been really fortunate to cross paths with some amazing teachers, mentors and friends in my Karatedo and Kobudo journey. As I’ve shared in previous posts, I’m constantly amazed at the incredible patience all of them have shown me, regardless of my grasp on their respective art. Reflecting on their teaching styles, it’s clear to… Continue reading
-
Seiyo no Sai
As some readers may know, I have been intermittently translating the publication, “Karate Kenkyu” (Karate Studies) magazine, on and off for two years. I am pleased to announce that I have finally completed a working translation of the magazine. Translating this publication has been a labor of love for me, and I am excited to… Continue reading
-
Taira Shinken’s Business Card
Here is a little known fact about Taira Shinken. At one point, Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai founder Taira Shinken referred to his organization as the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Kenkyukai – The Ryukyu Kobudo Preservation & Study Association. You can see this in the highlighted business card of his above. Interestingly, we can also see from… Continue reading
Support
If you enjoy this blog, please consider supporting it by purchasing a book translation.