Minowa Katsuhiko
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Choun no Kon (趙雲の棍)
One day in the dojo, Minowa sensei called me over and said it was time for me to learn Choun no Kon (趙雲の棍). Now, whether I thought I was ready for it or not was irrelevant; Minowa sensei had decided. The Choun no kon as passed down by Minowa sensei had come from Taira Shinken,… Continue reading
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Remembering My Teachers
January 12th and January 13th marked the anniversaries of the passing of Minowa Katsuhiko and Kanzaki Shigekazu. Although their passings were years apart, it is a bit ironic that they passed within a day of each other. Their deaths left me in a bad place, and I was filled with sadness and so much regret.… Continue reading
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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
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Kinjo Masakazu Sensei
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Kinjo Masakazu. He, along with Yonamine Kousuke (who also recently a passed away), were students of Minowa Katsuhiko sensei. Both were skilled and prolific Karate and Kobudo teachers. It seems Minowa sensei’s students are slowly passing away. I never had the opportunity to meet Yonamine sensei,… Continue reading
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1st Amami Karate & Kobudo Demonstration: Part 3
Akamine Eisuke On the occasion of the fifth anniversary martial arts demonstration tournament of the Amami branch dojo, I would like to express my congratulations. Since the establishment of the Karate-do Uechi-ryu and Ryukyu Kobudo in Naze City, it has been five years. During this time, Minowa sensei has led not only the Amami branch but also the Matsukawa… Continue reading
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1st Amami Karate & Kobudo Demonstration: Part 2
Here is the speech given by Uechi Kanei and the first Amami Karate & Kobudo demonstration. Uechi Kanei Today, we were able to hold a demonstration tournament celebrating the establishment of our Amami Shurinkan Dojo, which is based here in Amami, as well as four other dojos, including one in Aira. We are truly grateful… Continue reading
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