Dojo Information
The Shinbukan Dojo was founded in 1971 by Akamine Eisuke Sensei. It is the Headquarters Dojo for the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan and Okinawa Shorinryu Mukenkai Associations.
Akamine Eisuke Sensei was a direct student of the founders of traditional Ryukyu Kobudo.
At the age of 24, he studied bo-jutsu under Seichiro Higa, Kisuke Higa, Yohei Akamine, and Jinsaburo Higa, all of whom were direct students of the bo-jutsu master Chinen Saburo.
In 1970, following the passing of Taira Shinken Sensei, the first president of the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai, Akamine Sensei became the association’s second president. The following year, he established the Shinbukan Dojo.
After Akamine Eisuke Sensei passed away in April, 1999, his son, Akamine Hiroshi Sensei, succeeded him as the second head of the dojo and the third head of the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai. He continues to lead the dojo to this day, and serves as the founder of the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Association, which he founded after his third term as the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai in 2011.
Announcements
Akamine Sensei’s Approach to Training
For Beginners (those with no Karate Experience)
It is best to start with the basics of SHORIN-RYU KARATE. This is because the way that speed and power is generated in Kobudo is based on Shorin-ryu fundamentals.
Once the fundamentals are established, basic BO training can begin in parallel to continued karate training. While the Bo may seem simple when compared with other weapons, its use is quite challenging, and by making progress with the Bo a student will greatly improve their understanding of body mechanics.
After gaining some understanding of the initial BO Basic Movements (Kihon), training expands to other weapons, such as SAI and NUNCHAKU.
For Experienced Practitioners
Begin with basic BO training.
Then continue training in other weapons such as SAI and NUNCHAKU alongside practice with the Bo.
Note
The most difficult weapon in kobudo is the BO.
It has the largest number of kata, with techniques increasing in difficulty at each level.
It is often said that kobudo begins and ends with the BO.
