In the Okinawan context, Kobudō (古武道, “old martial way”) refers to the handling of traditional weapons, also called Ryūkyū Kobudō or Kobujutsu . Many of these weapons go back to tools from farming and fishing, or became known through the links to China and Southeast Asia. The weapons bans under King Shō Shin (attributed to around 1507) and after the conquest by Satsuma (1609) are often cited as the reason for the development of Kobudō and Tōde (see History of karate); this explanation is disputed among researchers.
Kobudō in the Meibukan
Meitoku Yagi (八木明徳, 1912–2003), founder of the Meibukan, added weapons training to the school. Between 1976 and 1991, alongside the Meibuken kata, he created Kobudō kata with Sai and Bō, built on the kata Geki Sai Ichi, Geki Sai Ni, Saifa and Shisochin (see Lineage of masters). The movements of the empty hand are thus carried over to the weapon. Meitatsu Yagi (八木明達) and Akihito Yagi are also active in the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association.
Overview of the weapons
| Weapon | Spelling | Description | Origin / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sai | 釵 | Trident-like metal fork, usually used in pairs; for blocking, catching, thrusting and striking. | In the Meibukan, with its own kata. |
| Tonfa | トンファ (also 旋棍) | Wooden stick with a side handle, used in pairs; defence along the forearm, strikes and thrusts. | Origin uncertain; often explained as the handle of a hand mill. |
| Bō | 棒 | Long staff, usually Rokushakubō (六尺棒, about 1.80 m). | In the Meibukan, with its own kata. |
| Hanbō | 半棒 | “Half staff”, about 90 cm long. | Better known from Japanese schools (Jūjutsu, Ninjutsu) than from Okinawan Kobudō. |
| Kali sticks | – | Short rattan sticks, used singly or in pairs. | Of Philippine origin (Kali, Arnis, Eskrima), not Okinawan Kobudō. |
| Nunchaku | ヌンチャク (also 双節棍) | Two short pieces of wood joined by a cord or chain. | Origin disputed (flail, horse bit or Chinese models). |
| Eku (Ēku, Eiku) | 櫂 | Oar of the Okinawan fishermen, heavy and with an edge on the blade. | The spelling 櫂 (kai, “oar”) is common. |
Connection to training
- The weapon extends the movement of the empty hand: stance, hips and body tension stay the same.
- Practice starts slowly and with control, later with a partner and suitable protective equipment.
- On the interplay of weapon and body, see Leverage and torque.
Sources
- IMGKA – International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate-do Association (biographies of Meitoku, Meitatsu and Akihito Yagi)
- Donn F. Draeger, Robert W. Smith: Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts. Kodansha International, Tokio 1969, ISBN 978-0-87011-436-6.
- further reading: Wikipedia, article “Okinawan kobudō” (individual weapons)
- Mark V. Wiley: Filipino Fighting Arts. Theory and Practice. Tuttle, 2000, S. 1–15, ISBN 0-86568-180-5.
- Ned R. Nepangue, Celestino C. Macachor: Cebuano Eskrima. Beyond the Myth. Xlibris 2007, ISBN 978-1-4257-4621-6.