Weapons training has traditionally been taught alongside empty hand techniques and offers much the same type of training with basic exercises and drills, leading on to kata and self defence techniques.  As with karate the student will gain knowledge of distance and timing and improve coordination.  There is also the challenge of mastering the weapon itself.  Training with weapons helps us to understand how they can be used and how better to defend ourselves against attack by similar weapons (surprisingly such attacks are more common than knife/gun attacks in the UK according to Home Office stats).

We find students of all ages enjoy the variety and challenge of kobudo training, the diversity of the weapons and improving their dexterity with them.  As with karate, kobudo is not merely a form of self defence but is a lifelong pursuit.  

Our kobudo class is on Sundays 11-12 noon at Eversley Leisure Centre, Crest Avenue, Pitsea and follows on from our regular karate class.  Students of all levels and styles are welcome although we only teach kobudo to children once they have attained their junior blackbelt in karate.   

Bo pairwork and kata  bunkai	Sai work includes kata, basic technique and combinations and bunkai incorporating throwing the Sai.	Nunchaku combinations

Installation entitled "Broken Bo".  Several have been added since this picture was taken

Here are some of our younger students learning basic movements.

Preparing to grade

Training at Kanna Sensei's dojo in Ichikawa 2008

At Hokama Sensei's dojo 2008

Sensei Albie O'Connor promotes and instructs traditional Okinawan Kobudo from the Pitsea dojo having trained in both Japan, Okinawa and the USA.  Newcomers from all styles are welcome to attend.

With Shihan Nishiuchi and Sensei Bolz.

Kinjo Sensei instructing in his dojo

Sai training with Kinjo Sensei

Bo training

With Kinjo Sensei

Sensei Albie O'Connor training with kuwa (traditional hoe).

Whether training with nunchaku, bo or any weapons we aim to use them effectively and with full power.  It is important to work on maintaining a strong grip and use partnerwork to ensure that our attacks and defences are strong. 

For information on obtaining hand made kobudo weapons visit the kobudogu site on our links page.