KOBUDO (BO)

The Bo was probably the first weapon known to man. Its evolution as it is known today is not clear, we can, however, trace it back to around 517 AD to the Zen Buddhist priest Daruma, who was the head of the Shorinji temple. It was used by his pupils to carry food and water over the shoulders. When attacked, the tembin or stave was used as a weapon of self protection.

Because of the turbulent times which existed back then, it necessitated that all pupils become adept in the unarmed fighting techniques as well as, of course, the Bo and everyday farm implements. These techniques had a profound influence on the development of the Bo in Okinawa.

The two major streams of Bo techniques are the lighter, quicker Chinese techniques and the heavier and harder techniques of the Okinawans. Both techniques are highly effective.

· The bamboo Bo used mainly by the Chinese were highly effective against the kind of attacks made on them and consisted of flexible circular, slashing whipping-like techniques.

· In contrast are the heavier Okinawan techniques which consisted of heavy blocking, jabbing and striking. The Okinawan Bo was usually made of oak and tough enough to withstand all but a direct sword-cut. Against strong Samurai sword attacks a hard strike to the flat part could break the sword. The shapes vary from circular, tapered, hexagonal, octagonal and square.

It is sad that Kobudo is not included in the majority of schools. KUSHIDO has, however, made the training of these an integral part of its curriculum.

With a Bo it is possible to fight from a stand-off position but because of its size and weight not always practical to carry around. Executed by a master in its pure form is beautiful and powerful to watch. All techniques are executed in a smooth, circular and fluid manner. Once mastered the techniques can be executed with other implements like a broomstick or rake.

Below are some video clips showing Kata and Kumibo. Click on the images to view movies.

Bo Dai-Ni Kata

Kumibo