What is Kobudo

The Tanto knife can be easily concealed below the clothing and is a deadly weapon when used in close combat or as a secondary weapon. - Many women used to carry a Tanto for protection in ancient Japan.

In training you would use a wooden or rubber Tanto to practice techniques at both attacking with the Tanto and also defensive manoeuvres and methods of disarming.

The martial arts and Kobudo weapon belongs very much in the traditional history of Japanesse Samurai Warriors. A Katana would be the Samurai's prized possession and looked after like a family member.

Training with the Katana is very much done in the tradiational Kata style, following age old precision movements and cutting actions..

The Bo Staff is probably the most common martial arts weapon used in training today. Basically, it's just a long stick about 1" in diameter -  normally found in three sizes measuring 55", 60" and 72" respectively and used to perform many techniques throughout many martial arts disciplines.

The Bo Staff is, in fact, a very versatile weapon for both attack and defence. Giving distance between two fighters it can out manoeuvre many other traditional weapons.

The Tonfa is an of the most multi functional Kobudo weapons to be found today. Originating from a simple mill handle it is made from red oak and always comes in matched pairs.

Becoming proficient in Tonfa takes many years of practice, but once mastered the Tonfa is able to handle all combat situations.

These can be  made from wood, metal, plastic or just about any other material, although traditionally made from oakwood and believed to have developed from a farming swail used to cut down crops.

Probably the most famous and well known of all the Kobudo weapons. Made famous by the late Bruce Lee in many of his movie sceens.

This Kobudo weapon is very traditional and part of ancient Japanese martial arts history.

The art of Kendo incorporates many strict movements and adheres strongly to tradition when practiced.

When practicing Kendo, body armour is worn to protect the most venerable body parts - a strike from a Kendo Shinai is extreamly painfull at he least and will break bones if no body armour is worn.!