Authentic Ryukyu Kobujutsu Training

​Train in a living tradition passed down from the masters of Okinawa. Join Ichigokai to develop discipline, strength, and practical martial arts skills under internationally recognised instructors. Start Your Journey. . . . .
 

Why Train With Us?

Ichigokai offers a unique opportunity to study authentic martial arts
with direct links to the masters of Okinawa.
 

🌍 International Affiliation We are proudly affiliated with the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Association of Great Britain (RKAGB), giving you access to seminars and courses across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
 

👑 World-Class Instruction Benefit from the guidance of Sensei Julian Mead and the opportunity to train with instructors directly from Japan, the birthplace of Kobujutsu.
 

⚔️ Complete Martial Art Our curriculum integrates Karate and Kobujutsu, following the wisdom of the early masters who knew that each art is incomplete without the other.
 

📜 Authentic Lineage We preserve the complete system of 42 traditional katas across eight weapons, passed down from Master Taira to Inoue Hanshi and maintained to this day.

​

The Eight Weapons of Ryukyu Kobujutsu

Each weapon develops unique skills, principles, and attributes
that will deepen your understanding of martial arts.

​

Bo;  Sai;  Tonfa; Nunchaku;  Kama;  Tekko; Tinbe Rochin; Surujin.

​

To find out more about our syllabus with each weapon, look at the website of the RKAGB at

https://www.rkagb.com/syllabus/
 

Our Heritage & Lineage

A tradition preserved by masters, passed down through generations.
 

Master Shinken Taira (1897 – 1970), a disciple of Master Moden Yabiku, dedicated his life to preserving Ryukyu Kobujutsu. In 1940, he founded an association to protect this ancient art and compiled 42 traditional weapon katas — a legacy that survives today.
 

Master Taira passed the complete system to his most distinguished pupil, Gansho (Motokatsu) Inoue (1918 – 1993). Following his teacher's order, Inoue Hanshi structured a comprehensive system encompassing kata, usage, basic kumites, and applications for all eight weapons.
 

This knowledge was inherited by his son, Kisho Inoue Sensei, who now serves as Chief Instructor and President of the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai — the international governing body headquartered in Japan.
 

The RKAGB is honoured to be part of this global organisation, which has clubs in over 15 countries. Through this affiliation, we regularly welcome instructors from Japan to hold exclusive courses in the UK.
 

Kobujutsu & Karate: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Unlock a deeper level of understanding in your martial arts journey.
 

It is widely acknowledged that Kobujutsu training is essential to fully understand how these two arts complement each other. The early masters of Okinawa trained in both — they knew that Karate and Kobujutsu are incomplete without one another.
 

Senior Karate practitioners have always recognised the importance of studying weapons. The careful study of each weapon and its correct use reveals the hidden connections, principles, and breadth within martial arts that cannot be seen through empty-hand practice alone.
 

At Ichigokai, you don't just learn techniques — you gain a complete martial education.

​

Begin Your Training Today

Whether you are a beginner looking to start your martial arts journey or an experienced practitioner seeking authentic Kobujutsu, Ichigokai welcomes you.
 

 You are ready to start. . . .

Email: meharbrar@hotmail.com
Phone: +447949 269 261

© 2025 Ichigokai Karate & Kobujutsu. All rights reserved. Adapted from: