2012 marks the tenth anniversary of the formation of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-Kai (OKDR). This organization is dedicated to the advancement of Okinawan kobudo as developed by the Matayoshi family. Kodudo, literally “old martial way”, is the study of the ancient weapon fighting arts of Okinawa. The arts consist of a selection of weapons which includes, but is not limited to, the bo (six foot staff), nunchaku (flail), sai (three-pronged truncheon), and tonfa. This art is unique in that it utilizes weapons that are not commonly seen in Japanese and Chinese weapons arts.
The OKDR was founded in 2002 by Yoshiaki Gakiya, a senior student of Matayoshi Shinpo. Gakiya, founded the organization to “preserve the legacy and further this rare and ancient art”. This system of kobudo includes a vast number of weapons, kata and stresses two-man fighting drills for most weapons.
Locally, OKDR kobudo is taught at the Allegheny County Martial Arts Center, by Susan Sbuscio, a fourth dan in the style. Situated in the South Park area of Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Martial Arts Center is the Pennsylvania state headquarters for the OKDR.
With over 35 years of experience in both karate and kobudo, Sbuscio feels that every martial artist should train with weapons to better understand the empty hand styles. “Training with weapons under a qualified instructor gives the practitioner a new way to examine concepts such as, development of power, distance, range and physical connection. Studying a multiple weapon style, such as kobudo, enhances these skills even further because each weapon provides a challenge and new way of looking the various concepts.”
“The interest in “real” Okinawan kobudo is growing. Martial artists are looking to enhance the depth of their knowledge of weapons beyond what their empty hand style may provide and our system provides that knowledge,” says Sbuscio. “Another reason our organization is growing is that we are a “stand alone” system. Students can study other martial arts or no other art at all. I currently have students who train in other styles of karate, American kenpo and jiu-jitsu. I encourage anyone from any style to stop in and try kobudo.”
The system of Matayoshi-ryu kobudo taught as part of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai continues to grow throughout the world. The organization is currently headed by Neil Stolsmark who was appointed president on June 30th 2011 by Gakiya Sensei upon his retirement. For more information, visit the Allegheny County Martial Arts Center website or the website for the international headquarters of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai.
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