KOBUDO
The Ancient Weapons of Okinawa
Okinawa has a diverse culture similar to but different from Japans. This includes weaponry. While the Japanese had the funds to develop, train and arm large armies, the Okinawans did not have the monies to do so. A good sword cost as much as a home on the little island chain. The main weapons include the Bo (staff), Tonfa, Nunchaku, Sai, Kama and Eku or Kai (boat oar). Other more exotic weapons found in koudo include the Tekko (like brass knuckles), The Timbei (shield & dagger) and the Suruchin(chain w/weighted ends). Some styles like Matayoshi Kobudo also utilize the Hoe and three section staff. When talking of kobudo it is important to realize that the weapons of Japan proper are not included. Swords, Naginata and Bow/Arrow are Japanese NOT Okinawan. While many legitimate styles do teach Japanese weapons as part of their weapons syllabus it is important to know the technical differences.
Following is a list of the requirements for rank in Shindo Ryu Kobudo.
8th Kyu White Belt
Minimum time in grade 3 months
1)Proper Bo Etiquette
2)Bo Hojoundo Ich, Ni & San
3)Shihono Bo & History
7th Kyu White Belt W/Stripe
Minimum time is grade - 3 months
1)Bo Bunkai (5-2 man sets)
2)TenRyuNoKon & History
6th Kyu Yellow Belt
Minimum time in grade 3 months
1)Bo Oru & History
2)Tonfa Hojoundo Ich & Ni
3)Tonfa Sho
5th Kyu Yellow Belt W/ Stripe
Minimum time in grade 3 months
1)Matayoshi Tonfa
2)Sai Hojoundo
3)Shino Sai
4th Kyu Green Belt
Minimum time in grade 3 months
1)Matayoshi Sai
2)Nunchaku Hojoundo
3)Kihon Nunchaku
4)Shinokon
3rd Kyu Green Belt W/Stripe
minimum time in grade 6 months
1)Shihonunchaku
2)Kama Hojoundo
3)Koga No Kama
4)Shihonukenokon
2nd Kyu Brown Belt
Minimum time in grade 6 months
1)Shushinokon
2)Sueyoshinokon
3)Matsu Higa Tonfa
4)Chounnokon
1st Kyu Brown Belt W/Stripe
Minimum time in grade 6 months
1)Ryubi Bo
2)Tokuminenokon
3)Higashionna Sai
4)Datsu Kaze
Yudansha Kata
Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt
Minimum time in grade 2 years
1)Ureshi Bo
2)Eku Hojoundo
3)Tsukenakachunoekude
4)Toyama nichokama
Nidan 2nd Degree Black Belt
Minimum time in grade 3 years
1)Sakugawanokon
2)Hama Higa Tonfa
3)Hama Higa Kama
4)Chatan Yara Sai
Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt
Minimum time in grade 4 years
1)Matsu Higanokon
2)Kiyan Sai
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