Kobudo

The kobudo that we practice is Ryukyu Kobudo Shinkokai which was founded by Katsuhiko Minowa, a direct student of Shinken Taira. (right) Anyone interested in training in this well rounded and challenging classical system may contact us.

Katsuhiko Minowa

Katsuhiko Minowa began studying kobudo under Shinken Taira in 1960. In 1970 he had received his teaching license in Kobudo from Taira. He served on the executive of the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai while a student of Taira and later when Akamine Eisuke took over the position as 2nd president. He established his own dojo in Matsukawa-cho, Naha, which he ran from 1970 to 1977. He then turned over responsibility for the Matsukawa dojo to his most senior student Masakazu Kinjo and returned to Amami Oshima, his place of birth. He established his own association, the Ryukyu Kobudo Shinkokai, and began teaching Ryukyu Kobudo until he retired from full-time teaching. At this point, the Amami dojo was turned over to his most senior student there, Hiroshi Yoshimura.

Hiroshi Yoshimura

A native of the island of Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Yoshimura Hiroshi began his Ryukyu kobudo training under Minowa Katsuhiko upon the latters return to Amami in the mid 1980's. After Minowa sensei retired from active teaching, the Amami dojo was turned over to Yoshimura sensei. Yoshimura sensei is currently ranked 7th dan in Ryukyu Kobudo. We are fortunate to have him as our chief instructor.