KOBUDO
KOBUDO IN SAKURA KYOKUSHIN
A Brief Reference to Kobudo In Japanese, KO means “small,” and BUDO means “Martial Arts.” Kobudo can be literally translated as “Small Martial Art.” However, in a broader and more accurate definition, Kobudo refers to the auxiliary disciplines of the Martial Arts.
This form of Martial Art originated on the island of Okinawa, part of the Japanese Ryukyu archipelago. Due to its location, the island was continuously invaded from the 15th century onward by both the Chinese and the Japanese from the north. It must be remembered that the unified Japanese nation did not yet exist; instead, the territory was engulfed in constant feudal battles among tribes and clans.
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Naturally, the first action taken by the invaders was to subdue the local population. To ensure control, any type of weapon was strictly forbidden to the Okinawan people. However, it is well known that necessity sharpens ingenuity. Oppressed and mistreated, the inhabitants of Okinawa sought ways to defend themselves against the abuses of their occupiers.
They developed and perfected a fighting system from China called Kempo, from which Karate-Do eventually emerged.
The Okinawans studied and improved this fighting system in secret, naming it Karate. At the same time, they discovered new uses for ordinary farming tools—such as a sickle, a flail for threshing corn, or a simple fishing spear. In their hands, these tools became Tonfa, Nunte, Bo, Nunchaku, and others. Training halls (dojos) were hidden, and instructions were passed down quietly in secret places. Using basic movements derived from Karate kata, astonishing levels of skill were achieved in handling these farming tools as weapons.
Although the codified techniques were initially few, they developed over time into highly sophisticated systems.
By transforming seemingly harmless implements such as Jitte Goho, Surichin, Tetsuko, Tonfa, Bo, Nunchaku, Sai, and others into dangerous weapons, the discipline we know as Kobudo was formed.
Among all these weapons, the Nunchaku is currently the most popular and widespread. It is a weapon capable of intimidating anyone. Some of its most important techniques include: Fudo-Gaeshi, Kote-Gaeshi, Suihei-Gaeshi, Suisha-Gaeshi, Juji-Gaeshi. A scissor-like grip performed using both sticks of the Nunchaku is called Kesa-Gaeshi, which can be applied to trap the opponent’s wrist, arm, or even neck.
The Nunchaku may be made of wood or metal and consists of two parts connected by a chain or a durable cord such as nylon.
En el Sakura Kyokushin, two Kobudo weapons are practiced: Bo and Nunchaku, through basic Kata and Ippon Kumite.
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The BO
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The Bo is a wooden staff measuring 180 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter. Because of its simple nature, it was the first weapon to be integrated into Kobudo. Japanese masters hold it in high esteem, often dedicating lengthy poetic descriptions to it—imagery that may be difficult for Western readers to grasp. At Sakura Kyokushin, we use Manila cane due to its durability and flexibility, and its length depends on the practitioner’s height. Like all traditional Japanese weapons, the Bo originated in Okinawa, where its use and techniques rapidly developed. While many Kobudo weapons began as farming tools, the Bo was different: it was primarily used by monks, pilgrims, and travelers. To this day, it is still used by visitors climbing Mount Fuji.
En el Sakura Kyokushin, the Bo is made of bamboo of Manila cane, measuring 180 cm × 2.5 cm. There is also a shorter version known as the Jo, measuring 120 cm, once used by the Japanese police before World War II and currently used by special anti-riot units in the United States. Although some masters specialize in Bo techniques such as Choju Hentona of Okinawa. It is also taught in some major Aikido dojos. Even Mas Oyama incorporated a modern form of staff training. Bo practice is considered highly beneficial today, offering elasticity, strength, and endurance. Its techniques use circular principles, while strikes and thrusts follow linear or angular paths.
Bo Techniques
(by Shihan J. Ramón Bustinduy)
Start:
• Junbi = Ready
• Yoi Dachi = Attention
• Kamae = Guard
Defensive Techniques:
• Gedan Barai
• Jodan Uke
• Gedan Uke
• Kake Uke
• Soto Uke
• Enkei Uke
Offensive Techniques:
• Tsuki
• Nuki
• Age Uchi
• Tettsui Uchi
• Uraken Uchi
• Naname Uchi
• Mawashi Tsuki
• Chudan Yoko Uchi
• Ura Naname Uchi
• Mawashi Ura Naname Uchi
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Katas:
1. Taikyoku Ichi No Bo
2. Taikyoku Ni No Bo
3. Taikyoku San No Bo
4. Keiro Ichi No Bo
5. Keiro Ni No Bo
6. Keiro San No Bo
7. Keiro Yon No Bo
8. Keiro Go No Bo
9. Gekisai Dai No Bo
10. Miruzu No Bo
11. Tsuki No Bo
12. Bassai Dai No Bo
The NUNCHAKU
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The Nunchaku is an ancient discipline of the Oriental Martial Arts. Originating from the Ryukyu Islands, it was originally a farming tool called a flail, used for threshing rice. During the rebellions against feudal lords, it became a key weapon for the villagers. Over time, through training and necessity, Nunchaku techniques were refined into a complete fighting system preserved through the kata of various schools—initially secret, later incorporated into Karate, Taekwondo, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, and others. The Nunchaku appears harmless: two wooden sticks of equal length connected by a cord (himo). In ancient times, chains or horsehair were used. The sticks are octagonal or hexagonal, with the connecting end (konto) thinner than the free end (kontey). In Sakura Kyokushin, we practice the kata Sabana Ichi, created in 1975 by Master Choju Hentona in honor of his daughter’s birth.
