Our weapon training is the second part of our curriculum, and is based on the teachings of the traditional Ryukyu Kobujutsu (weapons sciences of Okinawa). The preservation of modern Okinawan kobujutsu is generally traced to Moden Yabiku who founded the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Research Association around 1911. Yabiku taught kobujutsu on the Japanese mainland. Yabiku had learned karate from Anko Itosu, studied Yamani type bojutsu from Sanda Chinen, sai from Sanda Kanagusuku, and other weapons from Tawata Pechin.


Moden Yabiku

After Yabiku’s death and the end of the second world war, one of his senior students, Shinken Taira continued his teacher’s work by forming the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai. Taira left Okinawa in 1922 and began training karate with Ginchin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan karate), who introduced Taira to Moden Yabiku in 1929 and Kenwa Mabuni in 1934. Mabuni influenced Taira’s karate and kobudo, teaching him katas as well as techniques of bo and sai.

Taira is credited with composing Maezato no Tekko as well as inventing the Manji sai. Taira Sensei is most famous for preserving Okinawa's weapons traditions and creating a comprehensive system of Kobujutsu.


Shinken Taira

Three of Master Taira's most notable students were Eiisuke Akamine, Motokatsu Inoue and Ryusho Sakagami, all of whom have sadly passed away but their organizations under the guidance of their sons still continue to research, refine and promote Taira's work.


From left to right: Eisuke Akamine, Motokatsu Inoue, and Ryusho Sakagami

Our Ryukyu kobujutsu uses flowing movements with dynamic kumi for each of the weapons taught. At the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho students are offered the opportunity to study the kihon, kata and kumi of the following weapons: Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Tekko, Kama and Tinbe/Rochin.