Kobudo: The Way of Weapons

By far, the most important purpose of Kobudo practice in Kokondo is that use of weapons is an asset to all other phases of training--particularly performance of empty hand techniques. The weapons used in Kokondo require the same types of body dynamics as empty hand karate techniques, including blocks, strikes and punches, as well as formal karate stances. Thus, through kobudo practice, Kokondo-ka simultaneously enhance their empty-hand techniques. For this reason, only weapons which reinforce Kokondo style dynamics are included. No swinging or flailing type weapon such as nunchaku is taught in IKA dojo because it does not serve to enhance one’s empty hand techniques; and, it also takes time away from other important practice. In fact, those who over-emphasize nunchaku practice rarely achieve their maximum dynamic potential with empty-hand techniques. There is neither flash nor glitz in Kokondo’s weaponry, as is often emphasized elsewhere. All weapons techniques practiced in basics, kata or kumite have a direct empty-hand counterpart, which is one way of explaining the expression that “the weapon is merely an extension of the body.”

Tradition

Perhaps because the modern Japanese translation of karate as “Empty Hands” is now well known, few people realize that in the Japanese martial arts tradition, weapons practice is much older than empty-handed arts. In fact, Jujitsu was considered to be a last resort for a samurai who lost his sword, and the modern arts of Judo, Aikido and Karate are in their infancy when compared with such disciplines as kenjutsu, jojutsu and bojutsu. In Okinawa, “te” or “tote” (earlier names for karate) developed alongside weaponry such as the sai, tonfa and bo. There are even some empty handed kata which can be performed unchanged with a bo, and some weapons kata that share a name with well-known empty hands forms. Thus, by practicing traditional weaponry, Kokondo-ka connect with and preserve a rich cultural tradition that seemed on the verge of extinction less than forty years ago.

Weapons Kumite

During a Yudanshakai weapons seminar, Shihan Arel attacks Albany, NY black belt Steve Lisauskas demonstrating Kobudo Kumite using the sai and bo.

Another benefit of controlled weapons kumite is development of “Fudoshin”- an immovable mind. Psychologically, it is difficult but essential to avoid backing away too much from an attacker with a weapon. Eventually, the retreat will end when space runs out or when the attack is successful. Rather, it is preferable to stand one’s ground mentally and physically, and look for the opening to close the gap and disable the attacker from inside the danger zone. The most dangerous part of the weapon is near the tip because that is where the swinging force is greatest. Using jujitsu dynamics, the defender can get in close, strike and disarm the attacker with the least amount of risk. This scenario, however, is much more difficult in practice than in theory, because of an innate human aversion to being hit. Thus, weapons kumite can de-sensitize the karate-ka by perfecting his or her distance judgment and timing.

Empty Hands Bunkai

There is rich detail in all Kokondo weapons kata which directly aligns with all of the principles found in the arts of Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. Kuzushi, Jushin, and Shorin-ji dynamics all apply to weaponry, as does the concept of appropriate response training. Thus, there are empty-hand applications for almost all of the individual techniques found within bo, sai and tonfa kata. Another example is that the primary use of arnis de mano within Kokondo is a continuous circular flow which is ideal for handling multiple attackers, with or without weapons. As Kokondo-ka delve deeper into the bunkai of bo kata, they discover many throws and takedowns which enhance their understanding of Jukido dynamics as well.

Disarming of Weapons

There is an old argument that in order to defend against a weapon, it is essential first to know how to use that weapon. This lesson is an important reason why Kokondo-ka learn how to disarm and how to use a knife and stick. Use of firearms is not a part of Kokondo or Jukido training. However, IKA members undergo familiarization seminars with various types of guns so they are better prepared if and when they need to disarm a gun-wielding attacker. While it is unlikely in today’s society that we will need to disarm a sai during an average street encounter, it is possible that one may face an attacker swinging an ax, hammer, tire iron or other everyday implement. Thus, we can utilize our knowledge of traditional weapons to adapt to the dangers of modern society.

The only times a Kokondo-ka would use a weapon in self defense would be against multiple attackers or attackers with weapons. In those cases, our weapons training will definitely be an essential asset. However, more common items such as pens, belts, and even magazines and newspapers can be used in self defense under certain circumstances.