Arizona Martial Artists Learn Traditional Samurai Weapons

Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai students have the opportunity to learn the traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate and kobudo arts, as well as many other martial arts. For instance, not too long ago, several members of the Arizona Hombu tested in Tonfa and some tested in Sai. At these exams, I often see some extraordinary achievements in our students abilities.

It is only after a student has trained in a specific martial art weapon for several months and in some cases a few years before they can test. When it gets to the point I feel they have reached a level where they have become proficient in the art, I let them take the exam. If they pass, they are granted menkyo in that martial weapon art.

During the exam, a student must demonstrate basics (kihon) of handling a weapon, as well as learn forms (kata) that might be associated with the weapon, they must also learn all of the applications (bunkai) in the kata and then also perform one step sparring (ippon kumite) and free sparring (jiyu kumite). In short, they must become experts before I provide them with an opportunity to test for certification. In most cases, the certification is equivalent to Menkyu Okuden in the Koryu schools (old combat schools).

Arizona students learn traditional hanbo and certify in the martial art in March, 2014.



Defending against a hay maker using hanbo. Ryan with hanbo
defends against punch from Patrick.

Arizona Hombu members certify in naginata in February 2014