Background of Kobudo
Genbu Ryu and Kobukai KOBDUO
Birthplace of Kobudo
Okianwa, Japan
Genbu Ryu So-Hombu Dojo
Sydney, Australia
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō Takashi
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō Takashi is the grandmaster & founder of Kōburyū we follow his teachings in our Organsiation.
He is reknowned for his strong and realistic style of Karate and Kobudō , highyly respect and sits at highest rank of 10th Dan.
Kancho Peter Mylonas
Kancho Peter Mylonas began his Kobudō traning unofcially in the 1990s with various teahers in Sydney, however he never formalised it unti he began training under Kancho Johanes Wong, Hanshi.
At this time Kancho Wong was the representative of Sōke Kaichō Kinjō Takashi in Australia.
He was graded to 7th Dan under Kancho Wong in 2022.
In late 2022 he created the Okianwa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organsiation and sought instruction from Sōke Kaichō Kinjō Takashi direclty to expand his Kobukai Kobudo plus enhance additional Okaiwna Kobudo practices into the organisation.
Today he mainatain his a private tuition from Sōke Kaichō Kinjō Takashi.
Kobudō: The Traditional Martial Path
kobudō translates to "ancient martial way." It originally encompassed all Okinawan combat systems, including both weapon-based and unarmed techniques such as striking, kicking, and grappling. Today, the term specifically refers to the practice of Okinawa's traditional weaponry. Unlike the swords and spears associated with Japan’s samurai, kobudō tools were adapted from everyday farming and fishing equipment. There's a well-known tale that farmers and fishermen turned their tools into weapons to fight off Japanese invaders—but this narrative doesn’t hold up entirely.
The Roots of Kobudō
Labeling Okinawan fighting methods as “martial arts” can be misleading. The implements used in kobudō were never meant for warfare. Instead, they served as tools for self-improvement and protection. Although Japan did occupy Okinawa in 1609, this was long after Okinawans had begun adapting tools for defensive purposes. Lacking formal military training, Okinawan fighters did resist the Japanese forces but were ultimately overpowered.
Why Study Kobudō Today?
A common argument is that karate is more applicable in daily life than kobudō, since one doesn’t usually carry traditional weapons. While that may be valid, a martial artist learns to turn ordinary objects into tools of defense—a cane, a stone, an umbrella, a walking stick, or even a pen can become a weapon in an emergency. A true practitioner is always thinking about how to defend using nearby objects—or how to counter them when used by an opponent.
Karate and kobudō are like two sides of the same coin—they enhance and complete each other. It is often said that when two fighters possess equal ability, the one trained in weaponry holds the upper hand. Since kobudō was always intended for self-defense, its techniques remain as applicable today as they were centuries ago.
The Outlook for Kobudō
Once nearly lost to time, kobudō has seen a resurgence in recent years. Its visual appeal and enjoyable practice have drawn many new students. However, as its popularity grows, there's a risk that the deeper, more practical elements of kobudō could be overshadowed or forgotten.