Kobudo - the traditional Okinawan art of fighting with weapons that could be disguised as everyday tools! Covering many weapons, our style of Kobudo is integral to the empty hand art mentioned above and has a history going back 600 years. Kobudo means “the old martial way”. In Okinawa this term refers to the old weapons systems that developed around the time when karate was emerging, and during the times when conventional weapons were banned by ruling powers. Kobudo is the second pillar of the core curriculum at the Evergreen Karate and Kobudo Club. When conventional weapons were outlawed in Okinawa by the Japanese army, the Okinawan people resorted to basic farming and fishing tools to defend themselves. A clever and potent weapons system evolved around these everyday tools, leading to one of the only successful insurgencies in history!
Kobudo
Bo/Kon
Sai
A truncheon designed for grappling and descended from the Jitte, the large tines on either side allow for catching blades and staves as well as binding up their clothes, belt, and limbs for arrest.
Kama
A small sickle used for cutting grain, kama are used for slashing, stabbing, and hooking your opponent.
Tonfa
Tonfa techniques have been passed down and modified to be used with a millstone handle. Tonfa techniques can be adapted to modern day police batons or even tire irons.
Nunchaku
A flail harkening back to the art's Chinese origins, nunchaku are used for striking and grappling.
Tekko
Designed as a concealed weapon originating from stirrups or horseshoes, tekko resemble brass knuckles and are used for striking with the fist, palm, and 'catching' blades.
Eku
A simple boat oar of Musashi fame, the slashing motions used are derived from the naginata techniques taught during conscription of Okinawans against a potential Chinese invasion.
Nuntibo
A fishing spear with hooks pointing either direction, the nuntibo possesses strong thrusting ability as well as hooking ability from its rear tine.
Nitambo
Two short sticks used together for striking and grappling. Made out of solid wood, while Filipino escrima are made with lighter materials like rattan
Timbe and Rochin
A short spear (rochin) and buckler (timbe) used in tandem. The timbe is traditionally made out of sea turtle scutes, however modern ones either keep the buckler design using resin or other turtle shells, or adopt a parma design and are made out of metal