The Extraordinary History Of Okinawa Kobudo

To those who are new to the world of martial arts or karate, as well as the weapon systems that exist within the various disciplines to be found, things can get a little confusing at times. For example, while you might be inclined to think that Okinawa kobudo is the same as Okinawan kobudo, you couldn’t be further from the truth.The truth of the matter is that Okinawan kobudo refers to a broader concept of the various weapon systems that exist within Okinawan martial arts. Okinawa kobudo is along the same lines, but is in the end a bit more specific than Okinawan kobudo.Okinawa kobudo actually refers to a certain system that can be found in Okinawan martial arts. There is one person in particular you can look to for this fact. This will serve to provide you with a foundation that will make it easier to delve further into the world of Okinawa kobudo.Background And HistoryThe history of Okinawa kobudo can be traced back to the 12th century. However, the most interesting historical components to the story of Okinawa kobudo can be found a couple of centuries later. The 14th through 16 centuries were known as the Golden Age of Trade for the Okinawan region. This brought a great deal of economic achievement to the area, but it also forced Okinawan sailors to learn how to defend themselves from Japanese pirates and others. This lead to a variety of laws being passed in the area, which lead to circumstances that forced peasants living and working in the area to seek out ways in which they could defend themselves.Throughout this period, empty hand techniques were combined with the weaponry potential of items that largely consisted of farming tools. Sticking techniques were and remain particularly prevalent with this weapon system.As you can imagine, various styles and forms were established, developed, and nurtured throughout this period. The Okinawa kobudo style in particular came from a particularly significant tradition within the Okinawan martial arts framework. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until Shimpo Matayoshi began his extraordinary career as a student and instructor that the term Okinawa kubudo was used as a means of coining a very specific component of Okinawan kobudo.The Bottom LineThe history and basics of Okinawa kobudo makes for some complex reading. However, it is indeed a fascinating history. It is a history that has endured to the present, while offering new students fantastic potential.Standing United We Pack A Punch.