OKINAWA WEAPONS OF SELF DEFENCE
After a qualifying time training in Goju Ryu Karate, all students are then introduced to Okinawa Kobudo weapons of self-defence.
For a student to qualify, the need for a solid foundation in another martial art, in this case the practice of Goju Ryu in our dojo, becomes an intrinsic part of the overall curriculum. The benefits in simple terms are: ·
You need to crawl before you can walk, hence the Karate skills background before attempting Kobudo. · Nothing compares in terms of balance, timing and coordination. · The most basic weapons of Okinawan Kobudo are very diverse, and unique, so they all require different methods and strategies before being used effectively. ·
This diversity, hones the skills necessary for the practitioner to confront any opponent using any number of every day artefacts. · By relationship, the use of a household item should be enough to protect oneself against "firs at hand" weapons of assault. ·
Finally, all students shall benefit from the practice of Okinawa weapons, by turning them into a more "rounded" martial artist...one who could use not only his/her body, but also any element that could serve the purpose of one's self protection.
KOBUDO AT KENYUKAN DOJO
Students are promoted to weapons training on obtaining a Green belt in our system, and they are most encouraged to try and practice with the BO or long staff to start with. There are many Kata and Bunkai associated with the BO, and we work extensively with the weapon throughout.
As time progresses, we move onto the SAI, a pointed, prong shaped metal baton, with two curved prongs (left, middle pic) This another weapon of the Kobudo arsenal, and the favourite one of many Masters in Okinawa. Equally, as the BO and other weapons, we find a large and important set of kata and Bunkai with this weapon, one that will bring years of joy trying for perfection in technique.
On achieving Black belt, the students are introduced to the TONFA. The tonfa (Okinawan: トンファー tonfa, is also known as tong fa', tonqua or tuifa, is a melee weapon best known for its role in the armed component of Okinawan martial arts. It consists of a stick with a perpendicular handle attached a third of the way down the length of the stick, and is about 50 cm long. It was traditionally made from red or white oak and wielded in pairs.
The tonfa is believed to have originated in either China or Southeast Asia where it is used in the respective fighting styles. Because of its versatility, it has been adapted by Police forces around the world, especially by riot squads, and present the user with a formidable weapon of self-defence and/or attack. There are a number of Kata associated with this weapon, and the Bunkai is also very extensive.
Moving right along, we have a less known array of weapons, only reserved for people who has achieved black belt status at a higher level. they are the EKU (oar) KAMA (sickles) and NUNCHAKU, a pair of sticks connected by a chain or rope at one end.
All and all and as previously stated, we present our students with magnificent ancient martial art which will undoubtedly double their expertise in the field of self-defence and also help them understand the true meaning of KOBUDO
