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| Okinawan Kobudo | Kendo: The Japanese Art of Swordsmanship |
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Shorin Ryu Karate also incorporates the use of ancient weapons known as Kobudo. This is a parallel system of martial arts which developed in both the warrior class and the peasant class of the Ryukyu kingdom. Karate (empty hand or china hand) was developed primarily to counter unarmed acts of aggression by one or more attackers. Kobudo (ancient martial way), Okinawa’s “other martial art”, came into existence to combat armed attacks. These arts are no longer practiced so much for the sole purpose of self-defense, but to preserve them as part of the Okinawan martial art’s cultural heritage and as an art form. Kobudo is also an excellent weight training program, incorporating the weight of weapon to do high repetition workouts. Kobudo develops excellent total body cordination. The Bo, a 6-foot wood staff, was the mainstay of Okinawa’s ancient arsenal (1429). As there was a lack of iron ore in the Ryukyu Islands, of which Okinawa is the largest, metal weapons were very hard to come by. Those available were imported from China and later, Japan and commanded a very high price. Therefore, only the upper classes could afford such luxuries. As a result, commoners put their trust in the bo. As a work tool, it was laid over shoulders and carried heavy loads like water or grain. The Sai, a three pronged metal truncheon. As a tool, it could be used as a multi-purpose making holes in bamboo, digging, hammering, as pin to pull a cart, and even spearing fish when strapped to a bo. The Tonfa, originally used as a handle in grinding mills, a wood “baton” approximately 18-24 inches in length. So effective it is used by law enforcement (PR-24) across the world. The Nunchaku, small wood flail or two pieces of wood, each 12-18 inches long, connected by a piece of string. The Eku, boat oar approximately 5 feet long. The Kama, long-handled sickle used to cut sugercane or for woodworking. The Tinbei, sheild made of metal, tortoise shell or bamboo. The Rochin, long-handled knife or machete. The Niton Bo, hardwood sticks approximately 2 feet long. The Suruchin, rope or chain, approximately 7 feet long, with metal objects attached at both ends. The Tekko, brass knuckles made of metal or wood. The Nunti, detachable sai-like three-pronged weapon with one point facing downwards affixed to a long wood staff.
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Kendo is the art of Japanese swordsmanship. Its roots lie deep in Japanese culture and the spirit of the samurai warrior, known as bushi. Modern kendo is a unique blend of sport and spiritual discipline based on classical kenjutsu. Kendo originated a thousand years ago from kenjutsu and earlier ancestral form of swordsmanship. In the late 1700’s, the shinai or bamboo sword was developed along with the protective equipment used in modern Kendo called bogu. This made full force blows or cuts possible without fear of injury. The bokken used for kata practice, is a solid wooden sword made out of hardwood to resemble the shape, balance and weight of a real sword. As such, it is a dangerous weapon even though it does not have a sharp edge. Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan’s greatest swordsman, killed many of his opponent’s with a bokken. The innovation of the shinai and dogu made the practice of kendo even more popular. In 1957 the Japanese Ministry of Education officially included a totally sport oriented form of kendo in its physical education programs. Since then kendo has spread worldwide. There are eight striking points in Kendo used for scoring. Seven of these simulate cuts and one a thrust. Kendo emphasizes slashing as opposed to European style fencing which emphasizes thrusting. Kendo training traditionally requires self discipline and intense exhaustive physical and mental effort. Needless to say, this builds tremendous stamina. It is reported that a certain Ryu required a swordsman to fight "six hundred" matches in order to achieve only a middle level rank in Kendo. It is necessary to train to the point of complete exhaustion in order to improve one’s technique. This develops Ki or internal energy which is very important and stressed in Kendo. The development of Ki allows a superior swordsman to use "inner strength" rather than rely on sheer muscular or somatic force. A Kendoka who relies on muscular force alone soon becomes exhausted and can no longer adequately defend himself. You have to experience this in order to become a believer. The fighting strategy of modern Kendo lies in speed and the ability to attack the opponent. Mastery is achieved through repetition training an the basic strikes of Kendo. Also, emphasis is placed on footwork. Footwork training called Suburi demands that the Shinai and body be moved in a coordinated manner in order to achieve speed and accuracy. Good sight is also necessary in Kendo. This is necessary in order to detect a flaw in the opponent’s defense. This in itself develops a certain spiritual or intuitive awareness.
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