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Kobudo

Sensei Punyer has studied kobudo for many years and continues to participate in the development of Matayoshi Kobudo Australia under the guidance of Sensei Arthur Moulas, President of Matayoshi Kobudo Australia. 

This group continues to grow and spread the art of kobudo with various styles of karate, such as Uechi-Ryu, Goju-Ryu Shoto-Kan and Shito-ryu uniting with a common goal of preserving Matayoshi and building friendships amoungst ourselves.

Should you wish to learn more about kobudo more information can be obtained by visiting Sensei Moulas web site http://www.uechi-ryu.com.au or sending us an email at seikokaikarate@yahoo.com.au.

The following is a brief history of Matayoshi Kobudo borrowed from Sensei Moulas website.

Master Matayoshi Shinpo was born in Kakinobana-Cho, Naha City, in 1886, third son of Matayoshi Shinchin. He spent his childhood in Senbaru. Charan Town. In his young days, he learned about Bo-jitsu, Eeku-jitsu, Kama-jitsu, Sai-jitsu, from Master Agena Chokuho (well known as Gushicha Teragua) of Gushikawa Village. 

He also learned Tonkua-jitsu, Nunchakau-jitsu from Master Irei of Nozato, Chatan Town.Master Matayoshi went on knight-errantry in Hokkaido, Saharin, Manchuria, where he spent many days with a nomadic tribe and learned Ba-jitsu (horse riding techniques), Shuriken-jitsu, Nagenawa-jitsu (rope throwing). In Shanghai, he learned about Tinbei-jitsu, Suruchin-jitsu, Nunti-jitsu, and also Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture from Kinkoroushi (Kingai). In Fucheng, he studied Shorin-Kenpo and returned to Okinawa in 1935.

In 1915, there was a Imperial Memorial Budo demonstration festival at the Mciji Shrine of Tokyo. Master Funakoshi Gichin demonstrated Karate and Master Matayoshi demonstrated Tonkua-jitsu, Kama-jitsu of Kobudo

In 1921, the Showa Emperor who was Prince at that time, visited Okinawa. At his welcoming party, Gojyuryu Master Miyagi Chojun demonstrated Karate whilst Master Matayoshi demonstrated Kobudo.

After Master Matayoshi's return to Okinawa, he moved to Naha where be studied with other Martial Arts experts. Master Matayoshi was often called "Kama nu Matehi" (Matayoshi the Kama) and "Senbaru nu Mateshi". He was very popular with the people. He passed away in 1947 at the age of 59.
Matayoshi Shinpo was one of Matayoshi Shinko's high ranked student and also his real son. After World War 11 he taught Kobudo in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. He returned to Okinawa in 1960 and taught, Kobudo mainly in Master Higa's Dojo and also in many other Dojos.

Master Matayoshi Shinpo felt that Karate was becoming more popular whilst on the other hand, Kobudo was still minor and needs instructors. He decided to establish his own Kobudo Dojo "Kodokan". He took one Kanji "Ko" (meaning light) from Grand Master Matayoshi Shin"ko".
After establishment of Kodokan Dojo, he had contact with Kobudo instructors and students of all over Japan.
They organized the "Ryukyu Kobudo Association in 1960. They were persuaded to keep the traditions of the spirit that has been carried from Kobudo Senseis of the early years. Its intentions include the training of youth to contribute to their society as well as to make Kobudo more popular.

In May 1972, this association became the All Okinawa Kobudo League. After the birth of All Okinawa Kobudo League, they began to have Kobudo demonstration Festival every year. They visited several regions and institutions. They also demonstrated at numerous national events.

In 1973, Master Matayoshi Shinpo visited Europe and United States in order to popularize Kobudo abroad. In 1983, All Okinawa Kobudo League sent a group of instructors to visit South America, Central America, and the United States.

The All Okinawa Kobudo League is making a great achievement not only in popularizing Kobudo world wide, but also an promoting in exchange of personnel.

Matayoshi Sensei died on September 7th 1997, but the style lives on through his senior students and his son Yasushi Matayoshi Soke. We are fortunate here in Australia that Gaja Sensei frequently visits and conducts kobudo clinics.