History of Ryukyu Kobujutsu

We are affiliated to the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Association of Great Britain (RKAGB) and through that are fortunate to be able to train with Sensei Julian Mead and his students across the UK, Europe and wider countries. The international governing body, with headquarters in Japan is the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai. It has clubs in over 15 countries.  Instructors from Japan regularly hold courses in the UK.

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Eight kinds of weapons (‘Buki’) are used in Ryukyu Kobujutsu - Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, Tekko, Tinbe Rochin and Surujin. Each weapon has its own characteristics and develops different elements and techniques of martial arts.

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It was Master Shinken Taira (1897 - 1970), a disciple of Master Moden Yabiku, who founded an association to preserve and promote Ryukyu Kobujutsu in 1940 and spent his life compiling  a total of 42 traditional weapon katas.
 

Taira taught all the 42 traditional kata of the eight weapons to his most distinguished pupil, Gansho (Motokatsu) Inoue (1918 - 1993). Following the order of Taira, Gansho Inoue put together a comprehensive system, including the usage, basic kumites and applications for each weapon.

 

Inoue Hanshi had one son who inherited this knowledge, Kisho Inoue Sensei. He is now Chief Instructor and President of Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai, to which the RKAGB is affiliated.

 

It is widely acknowledged that some Kobujutsu training is necessary to understand how Kobujutsu and Karate complement each other. Early masters trained in both. Senior Karate practitioners have always recognised the importance of studying Kobujutsu. Each is incomplete without the other. The careful study of each weapon and its correct use is essential to understand the overlap between, and breadth within, martial arts.

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Adapted from: www.ryukyukobujutsuhozonshinkokai.org