Okinawan kobudō
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Focus | Weapons |
---|---|
Hardness | No contact |
Country of origin | Ryukyu Kingdom |
Olympic sport | No |
Okinawan Kobudō (沖縄古武道), literally "old martial way of Okinawa", is the weapon systems of Okinawan martial arts.
Etymology and definition
Okinawan Kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa". It is a generic term coined in the twentieth century.[1]
Okinawan kobudō refers to the weapon systems of
(boat oar of traditional Okinawan design).Okinawan kobudō is distinguished from the general term kobudō, which refers to all Japanese martial arts that predate the Meiji Restoration.[1][2]
History
It is a popular story and common belief that
Okinawan kobudō systems were shaped by indigenous Okinawan techniques that arose within the Aji, or noble class,[
Okinawan kobudō arts are thought by some to be the forerunner of the bare hand martial art of
Weapons and kata
Okinawan kobudō was at its peak some 100 years ago[
Bō
The bō is a six-foot long staff, sometimes tapered at either end. It was perhaps developed from a farming tool called a tenbin: a stick placed across the shoulders with baskets or sacks hanging from either end. The bo was also possibly used as the handle to a rake or a shovel. The bo, along with shorter variations such as the
- Shishi No Kun (or Shushi No Kon)
- Ufugusuku
Sai
The sai is a three-pronged hitting weapon designated as a truncheon, sometimes mistakenly believed to be a variation on a small, hand-held rake; a tool used to create furrows in the ground. This is highly unlikely as metal on Okinawa was in short supply at this time and a stick would have served this purpose more satisfactorily for a poor commoner, or Heimin. The sai appears similar to a short sword, which is sharp at the end but is not bladed. The weapon is metal and of the truncheon class with its length dependent upon the forearm of the user. The two shorter prongs on either side of the main prong are used for trapping (and sometimes breaking) other weapons such as a sword or bo. A form known as nunti sai, sometimes called manji sai (due to its appearance resembling the swastika kanji) has the two shorter prongs pointed in opposite directions.
Tonfa
The tonfa may have originated as the handle of a millstone used for grinding grain. It is traditionally made from red oak, and can be gripped by the short perpendicular handle or by the longer main shaft. As with all Okinawan weapons, many of the forms are reflective of "empty hand" techniques. The tonfa is more readily recognized by its modern development in the form of the side-handle police baton, but many traditional tonfa techniques differ from side-handle baton techniques. For example, tonfa are often used in pairs, while side-handle batons generally are not.
Kama
The kama is a traditional farming sickle, and considered one of the hardest to learn due to the inherent danger in practicing with such a weapon. The point at which the blade and handle join in the "weapon" model normally has a nook with which a bo can be trapped, although this joint proved to be a weak point in the design, and modern day examples tend to have a shorter handle with a blade that begins following the line of the handle and then bends, though to a lesser degree; this form of the kama is known as the natagama. The edge of a traditional rice sickle, such as one would purchase from a Japanese hardware store, continues to the handle without a notch, as this is not needed for its intended use.
Nunchaku
A nunchaku is two sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations) connected by a cord or chain. There is much controversy over its origins: some say it was originally a Chinese weapon, others say it evolved from a threshing flail, while one theory purports that it was developed from a horse's bit. Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas Okinawan ones are octagonal, and they were originally linked by horse hair. There are many variations on the nunchaku, ranging from the
Eku
The Okinawan style of oar is called an eku (this actually refers to the local wood most commonly used for oars), eiku, iyeku, or ieku. Noteworthy hallmarks are the slight point at the tip, curve to one side of the paddle and a roof-like ridge along the other. One of the basic moves for this weapon utilizes the fact that a fisherman fighting on the beach would be able to fling sand at an opponent. While not having the length, and therefore reach, of the bō, the rather sharp edges can inflict more penetrating damage when wielded properly.
- Tsuken Akachu No Eiku De (Also called as Chikin Akachu No Eiku De)
Tinbe-rochin
The tinbe-rochin consists of a shield and spear. It is one of the least known Okinawan weapons. The tinbe (shield) can be made of various materials but is commonly found in vine or cane, metal, or archetypically, from a turtle shell (historically, the
Sansetsukon
The sansetsukon is similar to a nunchaku, but has three sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations) connected by a cord or chain.
Kuwa
The hoe is common in all agrarian societies; in Okinawa, the kuwa has been also used as a weapon for as long as there have been farmers. Compared to garden-variety hoes, the handle tends to be thicker and usually shorter, both due to Okinawan stature, and the fact that much of the agriculture takes place on hillsides where long handles would be a hindrance. A classic shape of blade is a simple rectangle of steel with a sharp leading edge, but may also be forked with tines.
- Kata Matayoshi No Kuwa Nu De
Tekko
The tekko or tecchu is a form of
Suruchin
The suruchin consists of a weighted chain or leather cord and can be found in two kinds: 'tan suruchin' (short) and 'naga suruchin' (long). The lengths are about 150–152 cm and 230–240 cm respectively. It is a weapon which can be easily hidden prior to use, and due to this fact can be devastatingly effective. In the modern era, found with a bladed instrument at one end and a weight at the other, the surujin techniques are very similar to those of the Meteor Hammer or Rope Dart. Leather cords are used for practice or kumite, whereas chains are favored for demonstration, but rope (most commonly of hemp) was the original material used.
- Nagai Kusari, Mijikai Kusari
- Matayoshi Kobudō: Suruchin no Toseki
Nunti Bo
The Nunti Bō (貫手棒, lit. "Piercing-Hands Bō") is similar to a spear, but typically composed of a bo with a manji-shaped sai mounted on the end. Similar to the trident and the trishula.
- Kata Nunti Sho, Kata Nunti Dai
Tambo
The tambo, sometimes spelled tanbo, is a short staff (compared to a bo, or a hambo) made of hardwood or bamboo. Its length is determined by measuring from the tip of the elbow to the wrist. Tambo can be used in pairs.
Hanbō
The hanbō is a middle length wood or bamboo stick, used for striking and joint locking techs. It measures about 90 cm, or can be made taking into account the length from the hip to the ankle.
Comparison of Okinawan kobudō styles
This table compares styles of Okinawan kobudō. The weapons practiced by each style are listed. The styles listed below may practice strictly weapons, or may practice another martial arts (usually karate) as well.
Generally, weapons systems are not automatically formalized as karate systems. Some karate systems include weapons standard in their curriculum, while others may offer weapons training optionally. Some individual schools may teach additional weapons not necessarily taught by others in their system.
Although many karate systems do not include weapons, individual schools may choose to teach Okinawan kobudō. These karate systems may or may not be listed here.
Primary martial art practiced |
Origin | Required | Weapons | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bo
|
Sai | Tonfa | Kama
|
Nunchaku | Eku | Tinbe-Rochin
|
Sansetsukon
|
Nunti | Kuwa | Tekko
|
Yari | Suruchin
|
Nunti Bo | Tichu | Tambo | Hanbō | ||||
Chitō-ryū | Karate | Japan and Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
Keichu-ryū | Karate | United States, ? |
? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||
Isshin-ryū | Karate | Okinawa ,period (1952-1956) |
yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||||
Matayoshi | Okinawan kobudo | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Ryūei-ryū | Karate | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||
Motobu-ryū | Karate | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||
Ryūkyū | Okinawan kobudo | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
Shōrin-ryū | Karate | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
Shuri-ryū | Karate | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
Tokushinryu | Okinawan kobudo | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Yamanni ryu | Okinawan kobudo | Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||
Yoshukai Karate | Karate | Japan and Taishō period (1912-1926)
|
yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||
Meibukan Goju-ryū Gojukai | Karate | Okinawa |
yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||
Ufuchiku Kobudo (Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Hozon Budo Kyokai) | Okinawan kobudō | Okinawa | yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Shorei Goju Ryu | Karate | Okinawa | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | ||||||||||
Seiyo Shorin-ryū | Karate | Okinawa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Matsubayashi-ryū | Karate | Okinawa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8348-0234-6., p. 135.
- ^ All Japan Kendo Federation Federation (2000): Japanese-English Dictionary of Kendo. Tokyo. Page 52.
- ISBN 978-0-87011-436-6.
External links
- Shinken Taira sensei-> Gansho Motokatsu Inoue Association: The Society for the Preservation and Promotion of the Classical Ryukyu Martial Arts
- World Oshukai Federation
- Information about Kobudo weapons from a website of the Okinawa Prefectural Government
(Wayback Machine copy)