Okinawan Kobudo (Weapons)
McGuinness Sensei practices on the beach, 1992
Tonfa (tuifa) and Sai
Kobudo is the modern name for the study of the classical weapons devised and used by the people of Okinawa. When the ban on weaponry was imposed on the people of Okinawa, they found it necessary to utilize every day tools and devices as a means of self-defense against the ruthless Japanese warriors. The development of Kobudo parallels if it does not pre-date the development of Karate. Nevertheless, most, if not all of the old Okinawans that passed on Karate, also practiced and passed on Kobudo into the modern age.
Unlike many styles of Karate who have not maintained their heritage with Kobudo, Shito Ryu has never forsaken its Okinawan roots when it comes to Kobudo. While Mabuni Kenwa trained under such weapons experts as the prolific Arakaki, many of today’s Shito Ryu teachers learned most of their Kobudo from Shinken Taira, who is responsible for popularizing Kobudo during a time when interest in this peculiarly Okinawan art was at its lowest. It seems that Shito Ryu schools were the most receptive to Taira’s art. Both the younger and elder Sakagami, Demura, Hayashi, Kuniba and Mabuni Kenei all trained with Taira at one time or another.
The art of Kobudo comes to the Traditional Karate Dojo by way of McGuinness Sensei training in the Kenshin Ryu Kobudo of Hayashi Sensei and various village styles of Kobudo under the tutelage of John Sells Sensei. McGuinness Sensei is a member of the United States (U.S.) Kobudo Association (Kai) founded and headed by Sensei John Sells. In the discussion that follows, you will find information on the U.S. Kobudo Kai and John Sells Sensei as well as the Kata syllabus and promotional requirements for Kyu ranking at the Traditional Karate Dojo. All Dan rankings must be authorized by Sensei Sells directly. Kobudo training at the Traditional Karate Dojo is reserved for the more serious practitioner usually beginning with a Karate rank of 4th Kyu.
