Matayoshi Kobudo

Matayoshi Kobudo

Focus	Weaponry
Country of origin	Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Creator	Matayoshi Family

Matayoshi Kobudo is a style of Okinawan Kobudo that was developed by Matayoshi Shinpo during the Twentieth Century. Martial arts have been practiced by the Matayoshi family for over 9 generations. The honbu dojo for Matayoshi Kobudo is the Kodokan and can be found in Naha, Okinawa. The current Kancho (Chief Instructor) is Itokazu Seisho Sensei.

In the early 20th century Matayoshi Shinko was asked to demonstrate Kobudo to the Japanese Emperor. He did this twice alongside the likes of Chojun Miyagi and Gichin Funakoshi. The Emperor was so impressed that he awarded the Matayoshi Family the Royal emblem (Kiku Flower) to wear on their Kobudo logo.

Thanks to the extensive teaching of Matayoshi Shinpo and his students, Matayoshi Kobudo has great influence and respect around the world and dojos can now be found worldwide.

Weapons and kata

• Bō (6ft Staff) - Shushi no kun, Choun no kun, Sakugawa no kun, Tsuken (Chikin) no kun, Shishi no kun,
• Sai (Small Trident) - Matayoshi No Sai Dai Ichi (Nicho Sai), Matayoshi No Sai Dai Ni (Sancho Sai), Shinbaru / Chinbaru no sai
• Tonfa (Wooden Side handled Batton) - Matayoshi No Tunkua Dai Ichi, Matayoshi No Tunkua Dai Ni
• Nunchaku - Matayoshi No Nunchaku
• Sansetsukon (Three Sectional Staff) - Hakuho, Sansetsukun No Kata
• Eku (Boat Oar) - Chikin Hakachu No Eku Di
• Nunti-Bo (Spear) - Nunti No Kata
• Tinbe-rochin (Shield) - Timbei No Kata
• Kama (Short sickles) - Kama No Te
• Surujin (Weighted rope / Chain) - Suruchin no Kata
• Kuwa (Hoe) - Kuwa No Te

Leadership

The Honbu Dojo and the Matayoshi Family Home is the Kodokan in Naha Okinawa and the senior instructor is Itokazu Seisho. Matayoshi Yasushi is the spiritual head of Matayoshi Kobudo as appointed by his father.

Sokeship lineage:

19th century

• Shingin Matayoshi,
• Shintoku Matayoshi
• Shinchin Matayoshi
• Shinko Matayoshi (1888-1947)

20th century

• Shinko Matayoshi (1888-1947)
• Shinpo Matayoshi (1921-1997)
• Yasushi Matayoshi (present day)

21st century

• Yasushi Matayoshi (present day)

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Some former students of Master Matayoshi have now set up their own organizations:

• Yoshiaki Gakiya "Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai"
• Kenyu Chinen "World Oshu-Kai Dento Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate Do Kobudo Federation"
• Kinjo Takashi "Okinawa Budo Kokusai Renmei" and the "Okinawa Kobukai"
• Seisuke Adaniya "Nippon Budo Club"
• Tadashi Yamashita "Zen Okinawan Kobudo Association"
• Zenei Oshiro "Academie Internationale de kobudo d'Okinawa"

External links

• Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan Home Page

• Community of Kobudo Resources at matayoshi.info

• Matayoshi Kobudo in Spain