Overview

Our organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ryukyu Kobujutsu, the ancient Ryukyuan weapon arts. It was established in 1955 by the late Shinken Taira (1897-1970) and was preceded by the “Ryukyu Kobujutsu Kenkyu Kai” founded by Shinken Taira’s teacher, the late Moden Yabiku (1878-1941.) Shinken Taira travelled to Tokyo in 1922 and became a karate student of Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1958) and a student of Ryukyu Kobujutsu under Moden Yabiku in 1929.

In 1933, he established a branch dojo of Gichin Funakoshi’s Shotokan in Gunma Prefecture, and while giving instruction in Karate and Kobujutsu, studied weapons under Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952). In 1942 he returned home to Okinawa until the end of the Pacific war. Around the time when the senior karate practitioners were finally beginning to establish dojos amidst the poverty, Shinken Taira, while grieving for the decline in Ryukyu Kobujutsu, roused himself to start our association to preserve and teach the ancient weapon arts.

Taira Sensei became the first president and worked earnestly for its development. In 1970, after the passing of Shinken Taira, the top disciple, Mr. Eisuke Akamine, took his present office as the second president. The late Moden Yabiku was Yamani style, and disciple immediately in line after Sanda Chinen (Yamani Nusume,1840-1922), however, before studying with Shinken Taira Sensei, Eisuke Akamine Dai Sensei studied under Chinen’s disciples Seichiro Higa (1890-1991), Raisuke Higa, Yohei Akamine (1904-1989), Jinsaburo Higa (1900-1981), and was initiated in Sakugawa no Kun, Shushi no Kun, Yonegawa no Kun, and Shirotaru no Kun Bo katas. The characteristic of way of carrying of the weapons has Shorinryu Karate as a basis. With the Bo (staff) and Sai techniques as the primary emphasis, over 20 kinds of Kobujutsu kata have been preserved and passed on.

On the passing of Eisuke Akamine Dai Sensei, Hiroshi Akamine Sensei, the son of Dai Sensei was elected as the third president.

Yukio Kuniyoshi Sensei, a senior student of Eisuke Akamine and instructor in Dai Sensei’s Dojo took over the presidency after Hiroshi Akamine Sensei decided to follow a different path.

The Headquarters Dojo was moved from Nesabu, Tomigusuku Village to Kochinda Village as the Shinbukan Dojo.

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The Meaning of our Badge.

  1. The two Sai expresses the human body as well as joining other schools and styles for our development.
  2. The round white background carries the meaning of a growing soundness of spirit.
  3. The red rings express soundness of body.
  4. The Principles of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai.Those who train in the Ryukyu Kobudo Shinko Kai grow sound in body and spirit. Together, in co-operation with other schools and styles who wish to promote, preserve and pass on the ancient martial arts of Ryukyu Kobudo. We serve society and desire friendly relations with other martial arts aficionados throughout the world. Our spirit of friendship, and our wish as peace loving people is to aid in its development throughout the world.
  5. The symbol expresses both a growing sense of soundness in spirit and body as well as the spirit of friendship and peace that members of Ryukyu Kobudo cherish.

Translation by Thomas Yerks