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Chatan1979
Chatan1979's picture
Maybe controversial: Kobudo Application

Hi guys,

This may not be the appropriate forum but I thought I'd give it a try. I'm looking at developing a series of videos exploring the practical application of various kobudo kata. Initially I'm looking at the bo as it's an easily relatable weapon. Practical kobudo application isn't something that I see a lot of development in and I'm hoping to make some progress in this area.

Any thoughts, questions or comments are welcome.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkUZGyUZOhBGiQPCIKc6OaVjUvkTLft40

Thank you.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

I have almost zero experience of Kobudo, so I’m not really able to add much … but I can say I like your approach and it makes more sense to me because of some fairly fundamental things.

Firstly, what you have shown does not rely on enemies patiently waiting their turn, nor does it rely on the enemy attacking in precisely prescribed sequence. Secondly, and this is huge for me, you are not simply passively “blocking” but seeking to take the initiative and dominate. Any combative approach that prefers reaction over action, and that allows the enemy to keep attacking will quickly fail.

On the first video, your way of doing things hurts the enemy on every motion and sees a better position achieved on every motion. The “block, block, block” approach causes no harm and would enable the enemy to freely attack a fourth time.

So while I may not know much about Kobudo, I’d like to think I’m reasonably au fait with general combative principles. The common application violates a number of fundamental principles. Your alternative approach is in accordance with these principles. It therefore strikes me as being infinitely better. It will be interesting to see what your fellow kobudoka think, but it strikes me as a very worthwhile project! Hopefully more and more people will start to look at the weapons kata afresh.

All the best,

Iain

Marc
Marc's picture

Great stuff, Chatan!

The "Shima Igiri Opening sequence" application looks very painful. Glad your uke is smiling because of the effectiveness of the technique. ;-)

I've never actually studied kobudo kata. But your explanations make it seem worthwhile. Even if we do not carry long sticks around with us everyday, the principles used are universal.

Please keep 'em coming.

Take care,

Marc  

Chatan1979
Chatan1979's picture

Thanks to you both for the kind words and feedback. This is something I've wanted to put together for a while. I appreciate the support!

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Chatan1979 wrote:
This is something I've wanted to put together for a while. I appreciate the support!

My pleasure! I’ve shared a link to this page via Facebook and twitter too because I’m sure there will be wider interest. With all the work that has been done on the unarmed kata, it’s about time that someone looked at the armed ones too. Keep up the important work!

All the best,

Iain