|
|
Weapons (Kobudo) of the World Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Federation
The following weapons are the most common utilized by
students of Matsubayashi-Ryu Kobudo. Students will usually
practice with several weapons but select a single weapon
in which to specialize. Shinei Kyan was a leading figure
in the development of Matsubayashi-Ryu Kobudo.
Bo:
The bo is a long wooden staff about 6 feet in length.
Four of the bo kata often practiced in Matsubayashi-Ryu are
"Shiromatsu No Kon", "Shirataro No Kon," "Sakugawa No Kon"
and "Shusi No Kon."
.
Sai:
The iron weapon, sai, which in olden days was
used by officials to arrest criminals and to hold back crowds,
was actually created to defend against attacks from swords, bo,
nunchaku or tuifa. One of the sai kata practiced in
Matsubayashi-Ryu is called "Chomo Hanagusku No Sai." "Hanagusku"
is the Okinawan pronunciation of "Hanashiro." Chomo Hanashiro
taught sai kata to Shinei Kyan, one of the founding members of
the Nagamine dojo. The kata is also called "Kyan No Sai." Kyan
Sensei developed the basic Sai Dai Ichi Kata, which was often
performed by small groups in demonstrations.
Nunchaku:
The nunchaku is a pair of hard wooden sticks
with a cord attached at the end. The centrifugal force produced
by swinging the nunchaku makes it an effective weapon. It is
often said that nunchaku were originally used in the rice
thrashing process. However, it is more likely that they were
derived from horse bridles or pull carts.
Tonfa or Tuifa:
Tonfa or Tuifa refers to two pieces of
rectangular hard wood, each about 16 inches long, with a grip
attached. It is often said that tonfa were used in connection
with milling stones.
Kama:
Kama are hand sickles which were originally used for
agricultural purposes.
|
|
|
