Welcome

Welcome to the Official Home Page of the Society for the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands.
Founded in 1955
Also see Association Overview

Ryukyu Kobudo or Kobujutsu is a weapons art that developed over many years and which has undergone changes and adjustments to suit the circumstances of the time in which it was practiced. There are many arguments for and against the originality of where this or that Kata form or technique comes from, whether the weapons used, are derived from farm equipment or not. These arguments have in the past created many good discussions about history in the local Yakama (Okinawan Pub), articles in periodicals, videos, recently web blogs, and will still be discussed for many generations.

The truth of the matter is the value of the art becomes clear not in the study of the theory but the actual practice of the art. It is soon discovered that the easy-to-handle looking toy is a menace to the novice and expert. It feels sometimes that the weapon has a mind of its own. Take the humble Nunchaku, I have yet to meet a practitioner that has not been bruised by it. These weapons, in the hands of a good practitioner are awesome and can be used very effectively for self-defence. As for the argument about whether the weapons are common farm implements or not, look around in a Kobudo Dojo and discover items like Kama (sickle), Tunfá (rice mill handle), Tekkó, (horse shoe) and such. Whether Kobudo was then created by farmers or gentlemen of high birth, my guess would be a combination between the two, leaning more towards the noble men that may have had more time on hand.

As a parting thought, do not get on the wrong side of an Okinawan aunty that has a sickle in her belt. It may be more than your ego that gets cut short.

Contact Information
Please contact any of the official association instructors in your area or use the mail address below to submit inquiries.
Telephone
Due to international time zone differences and language difficulties it was decided not to include the Honbu telephone number on the page.

Membership Information
It is regrettable but prospective members can only join on a personal basis.
You have the choice to join by going to an affiliated Dojo and practicing or by attending seminars. The addresses of these Dojo can be found in our Dojo pages. If there is no Dojo in your area, it may be best to make arrangements to travel either to a Dojo or to Okinawa. Internet and/or writen applications are not considered.

Postal address
676-3 Nesabu, Tomigusuku Shi, Okinawa, Japan, 901-0205

Association Overview

The Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko-Kai

This organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ryukyu Kobujutsu, the ancient Ryukyuan weapon arts. It was established in 1955 by the late Shinken Taira (1897-1970) and was preceded by the "Ryukyu Kobujutsu Kenkyu Kai" founded by Shinken Taira's teacher, the late Moden Yabiku (1878-1941.) Shinken Taira travelled to Tokyo in 1922 and became a karate student of Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1958) and a student of Ryukyu Kobujutsu under Moden Yabiku in 1929.

In 1933, he established a branch Dojo of Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan in Gunma Prefecture, and while giving instruction in Karate and Kobujutsu, studied weapons under Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952). In 1942, he returned home to Okinawa, until the end of the Pacific war. Around the time when the senior karate practitioners were finally beginning to establish Dojo amidst the poverty, Shinken Taira, while grieving for the decline in Ryukyu Kobujutsu, roused himself to start our association to preserve and teach the ancient weapon arts. He became the first president and worked earnestly for its development. In 1970, after the passing of Shinken Taira, the top disciple, Eisuke Akamine, took Office as the second president.

The late Moden Yabiku was Yamani style and disciple immediately in line after Sanda Chinen (Yamani Nusume, 1840 -1922). However, before studying with Shinken Taira, Eisuke Akamine studied under Chinen's disciples Seichiro Higa (1890-1991), Raisuke Higa, Yohei Akamine (1904-1989), Jinsaburo Higa (1900-1981), and was initiated in Sakugawa no Kun, Shushi no Kun, Yonegawa no Kun, and Shirotaru no Kun Bo Kata.

The characteristic of way of carrying of the weapons has Shorin Ryu Karate as a basis. With the Bo (staff) and Sai techniques as the primary emphasis, over 20 kinds of Kobujutsu Kata have been preserved and passed on.
Hiroshi Akamine, son of Eisuke Akamine, was elected the third and current president to continue his father’s good work. The association expanded under Hiroshi Akamine’s leadership, by adding more international Dojo.

The Headquarters Dojo is the Shinbukan Dojo in Nesabu, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Island.
For More information please visit our history page

The Principles of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai.

Those who train in the Ryukyu Kobudo Shinko Kai grow sound in body and spirit. Together, in co-operation with other schools and styles who wish to promote, preserve and pass on the ancient martial arts of Ryukyu Kobudo. We serve society and desire friendly relations with other martial arts aficionados throughout the world. Our spirit of friendship, and our wish as peace loving people is to aid in its development through out the world.
The symbol expresses both a growing sense of soundness in spirit and body as well as the spirit of friendship and peace that members of Ryukyu Kobudo cherish.

Symbolic Meaning of the Badge

The two Sai expresses the human body as well as joining other schools and styles for our development.

The round white background carries the meaning of a growing soundness of spirit.

The red rings expresses soundness of body.

The Principles of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai.

Those who train in the Ryukyu Kobudo Shinko Kai grow sound in body and spirit. Together, in co-operation with other schools and styles who wish to promote, preserve and pass on the ancient martial arts of Ryukyu Kobudo. We serve society and desire friendly relations with other martial arts aficionados throughout the world. Our spirit of friendship, and our wish as peace loving people is to aid in its development through out the world.

The symbol expresses both a growing sense of soundness in spirit and body as well as the spirit of friendship and peace that members of Ryukyu Kobudo cherish.

Note: Over the last few years, various Dojo added names to the bottom of the badge as identification but as from 2009, the Association revert to the original badge with an empty space. The only exceptions to this rule are the Honbu Dojo and the Beikoku So Honbu.

Linage Chart (To See the linage chart of the association)

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