Kobudo origins mysterious

The beginning of traditional martial art is unclear

Although kobudo was first practised around the 13th century, there are no evidences of its exact origin of place,

Okinawan kobudo, practised with a series of weapons, is distinct from other “open hand”

The weapons used in kobudo reflect the austere nature of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. For instance, the shield used in kobudo is often shaped like the shell of a tortoise, the wooden batons look like simple handles. Students of kobudo tend to own the weapons they practise with, admiring each other’s during the short breaks of the class.

Chung, head of Karate Kobuto, believes that while nothing was documented during the kobudo’s invention, kobudo gained popularity in the early 20th century as a fitness routine to teach

Okinawan children, that could also be practised as a martial art for adults.

Chung said kobudo has not been continuously practised throughout its history, and at one time it was becoming a dying form of martial arts.

“The Okinawans preferred the more easily exportable karate and they didn’t find kobudo as interesting. But the foreigners enjoy kobudo more than the locals,” Chung said.

As karate gained popularity around the world, karate students also began exposed to kobudo and fell in love with it.

“Unfortunately, the expensive nature of teaching kobudo means that there’s not a lot of knowledgeable instructors out there,” Chung said.

Stories and photos by Christopher MacMillan