RYUKYU KOBUDO
Kobudo (pronounced kō-bū-dō) is an Okinawan word that can be translated as "old martial way." It refers to martial arts developed in Okinawa or the Ryukyu (rū-kū) Islands using classical weapons. These weapons were typically fashioned from different “old fashioned” tools used in Okinawan life hundreds of years ago. Presently the focus in Kobudo training at ZenQuest is on the (bō) or staff, the Jiffa (jē-fä) or hair-pins, the Sai (sigh) or fork-shaped daggers, the Nunchaku (nūn-chä-kū) or chorded sticks. In the future we’ll also be adding the Tekko (tā-kō) or steel-knuckles, Kama or sickle, and Eku (ā-kū) or Okinawan boat-oar.
Kobudo training is done on an informal basis, and preferable as an addition to Karate training. Students are encouraged to study together during 'Open Mat' times in Room #1. Training can include warm-up exercises, individual drills, Kata or forms, partner drills, and self-defense applications. Newer students typically focus on the Bo (staff), then begin Jiffa material, and then Sai, etc. Additional drills and applications for Escrima or short sticks are mixed in at times. As with any class or training at ZenQuest there is an emphasis on mutual respect and support among the participants.
Practicing Kobudo provides several fitness and health benefits including strength and conditioning. Although the weapons used are not tremendously heavy, performing drills and forms with them for extended periods provide resistance training for the whole body. These drills and forms typically employ low stance work, providing improved leg strength and balance over time. Because of the technical requirements of manipulating these weapons in intricate ways, this training is great for co-ordination and dexterity. Memorizing and performing weapons routines like Kata require mental focus and concentration, so this training is great for improving those essential qualities, too!
ZenQuest is affiliated with the Ryukyu Kobudo Kenro Ryukai, an organization based in Okinawa dedicated to the preservation of martial arts associated with these weapons. For more information on the history of Kobudo, visit the Students Page.
Kobudo training is done on an informal basis, and preferable as an addition to Karate training. Students are encouraged to study together during 'Open Mat' times in Room #1. Training can include warm-up exercises, individual drills, Kata or forms, partner drills, and self-defense applications. Newer students typically focus on the Bo (staff), then begin Jiffa material, and then Sai, etc. Additional drills and applications for Escrima or short sticks are mixed in at times. As with any class or training at ZenQuest there is an emphasis on mutual respect and support among the participants.
Practicing Kobudo provides several fitness and health benefits including strength and conditioning. Although the weapons used are not tremendously heavy, performing drills and forms with them for extended periods provide resistance training for the whole body. These drills and forms typically employ low stance work, providing improved leg strength and balance over time. Because of the technical requirements of manipulating these weapons in intricate ways, this training is great for co-ordination and dexterity. Memorizing and performing weapons routines like Kata require mental focus and concentration, so this training is great for improving those essential qualities, too!
ZenQuest is affiliated with the Ryukyu Kobudo Kenro Ryukai, an organization based in Okinawa dedicated to the preservation of martial arts associated with these weapons. For more information on the history of Kobudo, visit the Students Page.
RYUKYU KOBUDO CLASS SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 12:30PM - 1:30PM (Open Mat/Informal Practice)