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Ryukyu Kobudo
Hozon Shinko Kai
琉球古武道保存振興会
Society for the Preservation and Promotion
of Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands |
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Equipment
used in Kobudo practice |
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| The Bó or Kun (Long Staff, Carry
Stick) 棍
The Bó is the main weapon or implement used by this Ryuha and is one of the most difficult to master properly. Bó techniques
(Bó-jutsu) are different to that used with swords but it can also be used like a sword. Depending on the technique, it can change into many different kinds of weapons. A sword must contact the opponent with the edge of the blade or it will not cut. This is a limitation. The Bó do not have a blade or handle. It can be used to beat, strike or cut. Its length hides many possibilities and has the capabilities in common with the sword, halberd and spear.
Both Northern and Southern China influenced Ryukyu Bójutsu as it is combined with techniques developed locally by the Ryukyu become modern Ryukyu Kobudo. The Bó Kata is the basis in all grading.
The parts of the Bó
Moto – Centre or balance point of Bó
Saki – The tip of the Bó
Normally, the Bó is measured at one hand longer then the users height.
Additional Information.
Our system use a Rokushaku
Bó. 6 feet or 182.88 cm
The shaku (尺) is a Japanese unit of
length, approximately equal to the foot. It was originally derived as the
average length between nodes on bamboo. Or approximately 30.3 cm / 11.93
inches
1 shaku (尺) = 10 sun (寸).
Bó size for Kobudo Kata Competition, as used by The Okinawa Karate
Do and Kobudo World Tournament Executive
Committee. The Bó must be made of oak, be six feet (180 cm) long and over
900 grams.
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The Ekku (Oar)
エーク
The Ekku as a weapon was developed by
fishermen to use on land and at sea. The side of the Ekku can be used in
cutting techniques. It is practical and has great destructive power. Used in
advanced Kata
The parts of the Ekku.
Ushiro tsukagashira – Oar butt
Saki – Blade tip
Moto – Oar centre
Yoko – Oar blade side
Monouchi – Blade |
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The Sai (Steel Truncheon)
釵
passed through India and China to enter the Ryukyu where it was further developed. During the Ryukyu Kingdom Era, it was originally devised as a policing tool for the protection of the King and high ministers. Used in combat situations and in the arresting of ruffians, criminals. The Busa (martial artists) formulated Kata so people could train by themselves in offensive and defensive techniques. The primary emphasis being
self-defence and policing. Also called Jutte or Nunte
The parts of the Sai.
Tsukagashira – Handle butt
Tsuka – Handle
Yoko – Side guards
Tsume – Side guard tip
Moto – Centre point between the side guards
Monouchi – Blade
Saki – Tip of blade
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Tonfa, Tunfá,
Tuifa (Grinder handle)
トゥンファー is basically a wooden grind stone handle and used in pairs.
Tunfá is quite difficult and requires a high degree of skill. To use this weapon with ease requires considerable
practice and time.
The parts of the Tunfá.
Monouchi – the
main part of the Tunfá
Gedan tsukagashira – the forward end of the Tunfá above the grip
Ushiro tsukagashira – the butt end of the Tunfá
Yoko – the sides of the Tunfá
Tasui – the underside of the Tunfá
Yoko nage – the upper side of the Tunfá
Tsuka – the handle grip
Tsukagashira – the round top of the grip
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Nunchaku or
Horse bit ヌンチャク
Popular myth says that the Nunchaku was used as
a flail, however this story is not true. The Okinawan flail, like European, had long handles. The Nunchaku was originally used as a horse
bit, as in the picture on the left. It was not very popular as it has a low effectiveness when used against the sword or staff. In situations against
Tunfá or
Kama, it had more chance of defeating the opponent. Nunchaku exists in many martial arts forms all over the world and became very popular due to Bruce Lee and other high profile moviemakers. This weapon is never the less effective in self-defence, if the time is taken to become proficient with it. Beware, this weapon has the tendency to cause bruises, especially when learning.
Note we do not have Kata for the sanbon (three section) Nunchaku.
The parts of the Nunchaku.
Gedan tsukagashira – Handle end nearest to the rope
Ushiro tsukagashira – Handle end furthest from the rope
Moto – Handle centre
Himo – Connecting rope |
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Kama (Sickle)
鎌 In Okinawa, where there was a strict prohibition against weapons, the Kama was a readily available tool that could easily be substituted as a weapon. Kata were devised but just a few practitioners trained with
Kama, thus the number of Kata passed down was limited. Techniques (Waza) include blocking, stabbing, striking and cutting. Normally only senior practitioners perform Kama Kata. Kanegawa no Nicho Gama Kata is one of the most famous Kata developed for this weapon.
Some times called Kusarikama.
The parts of the Kama.
Ushiro tsukagashira – the butt end of the handle
Gedan tsukagashira – Top end of the handle
Moto – Handle centre
Monouchi – Blade
Saki – Blade tip |
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Tekkó (Brass
Knuckles, Horse Shoe)
鉄甲
Originally developed from a common horseshoe. Tekkó are conveniently concealed and can quickly be extracted for
self-defence. |
![[Product Image]](../images/buki_images/tinbe_rochin_small.jpg) |
Tinbé (Shield) and Rochin (Short Halberd)ティンベー
When fighting an opponent, the shield is held in the left hand for
defence and with the short blade halberd in the right. Only one Kata, the
Kanegawa no Tinbé Kata has survived and has been passed down. |
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Suruchin
(Weighted rope or Chain)
スルチン was a six foot piece of hemp rope with rocks or weights secured to the ends, used for long range
defence, trapping and striking. The modern version has replaced the rope and rocks with chain and weights.
The association does not have any Kata associated with this weapon although it
was practiced by our founders and is a weapon that some of the senior continue
to train with. |
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![[Product Image]](../images/buki_images/tinbe_rochin.jpg)
