Matayoshi Kobudo is a style of Okinawan Kobudo

Okinawan kobudo

Okinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...

 that was developed by Matayoshi Shinpo

Matayoshi Shinpo

Matayoshi Shinpo 又吉眞豊 was a martial artist who lived in Naha, Okinawa during the 20th Century.He was the only son of the legendary Okinawan Martial Arts master Matayoshi Shinko 又吉眞光 ....

 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

Chojun Miyagi

was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Goju-ryu school of karate.-Early life and training:Miyagi was born in Higashimachi, Naha, Okinawa on April 25, 1888, the adopted son of a wealthy businessman. He began his study in Karate-do at the age of nine . He first learned martial arts from Ryuko...

 and Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi

was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...

. 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
  Bo
  -People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
  
  (6ft Staff) - Shushi no kun, Choun no kun, Sakugawa no kun, Tsuken (Chikin) no kun, Shishi no kun,
• Sai
  Sai (weapon)
  The sai is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle...
  
  (Small Trident) - Matayoshi No Sai Dai Ichi (Nicho Sai), Matayoshi No Sai Dai Ni (Sancho Sai), Shinbaru / Chinbaru no sai
• Tonfa
  Tonfa
  The tonfa , also known as tong fa or tuifa, is an Okinawan weapon. It is a stick with a handle, and is about 15-20 inches long. It was traditionally made from red oak and wielded in pairs...
  
  (Wooden Side handled Batton) - Matayoshi No Tunkua Dai Ichi, Matayoshi No Tunkua Dai Ni
• Nunchaku
  Nunchaku
  is a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.-Etymology:The Japanese word nunchaku is the Kun'yomi reading of the Kanji term for a traditional Chinese two section staff....
  
  - Matayoshi No Nunchaku
• Sansetsukon
  Three-section staff
  The Three-Sectional Staff, Triple Staff, Three-part Staff, Sansetsukon in Japanese, or originally Sanjiegun , is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. The weapon is also known as a "coiling dragon staff," or in Chinese as a "pan long...
  
  (Three Sectional Staff) - Hakuho, Sansetsukun No Kata
• Eku
  Eku
  Eku is an ancient weapon of Okinawan kobudō that originated from an oar, approximately 160 cm in length...
  
  (Boat Oar) - Chikin Hakachu No Eku Di
• Nunti-Bo (Spear) - Nunti No Kata
• Tinbe-rochin
  Tinbe-Rochin
  The Tinbe-Rochin is a weapons combination of a short spear and a shield , it is one of the least well-known Okinawan weapon systems. The tinbe can be made of various materials but is commonly found in vine, cane, metal, or turtle shell. The shield size is generally about 45 cm long and 38 cm wide...
  
  (Shield) - Timbei No Kata
• Kama
  Kama (weapon)
  The is a traditional Filipino and Japanese farming implement similar to a small scythe used for reaping crops and also employed as a weapon...
  
  (Short sickles) - Kama No Te
• Surujin
  Surujin
  The surujin or suruchin is one of the traditional weapons of Okinawan Kobudo. It comprises a 2–3 metre long rope with a weight tied to each end. Historically this weapon is very prevalent and can be found attached to a weapon or used separately...
  
  (Weighted rope / Chain) - Suruchin no Kata
• Kuwa
  Kuwa
  The Kuwa is one of the many Okinawan weapons, in this case based on a hoe.-External links:*http://www.okinawanweapons.com/kuwa.html*http://www.ikigaiway.com/2009/kuwa-okinawan-hoe-and-tool-of-self-defense/...
  
  (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)

----
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