Ko-do Ryu - Classical Karate Association

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Personal Tuition

Kobudo:

Kata (Forms)

Experienced Karate practitioners may find the following classification of certain kata, usually considered as unarmed kata and described here as Kobudo (weapons) kata to be unusual. This is understandable because in the past, these kata have erroneously been designated as weapon-less kata - as unarmed self defence.

Kobudo Kata in their Original Chinese Forms Ko-do Ryu practices the following three Kobudo kata in their original manner:
Open-handed Sanchin Seisan Sanseirui
The kata above can be found in Uechi Ryu, a major Okinawan Karate style in which they are considered to be 'empty hand' that is, weapon-less kata. These three kata were later modified for inclusion in the Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate style, and subsequently their original functions have been obscured. The bunkai (application) of the Kobudo kata practiced by Ko-do Ryu, are applied for civil arrest and employ the use of weapons, namely a pair of Sai, against an offender armed with a Staff. The Sai are used to disarm and subdue the offender and not to stab.


Sanchin performed by Uechi Kanei without Sai	Sanchin performed by Nathan Johnson with Sai

It should be noted that the footage of Uechi Kanei may have been recorded during a time when he was experimenting with the Sanchin kata. The Sanchin kata performed with Sai by Nathan Johnson is the same form that was taught by Uechi Kanbun, the founder of Uechi Ryu. The difference is in the first initial step, up to the completion of the first section.

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