Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan
Matayoshi Kobudo is the study of Okinawan Weapons and is one of the oldest Kobudo Styles practiced today. This unique martial art dates back over 9 generations within the Matayoshi Family. This art form as we know it came from two remarkable instructors, Master Matayoshi Shinko (father – picture below left) and Master Matayoshi Shinpo (son – picture below left), who dedicated their lives to leave us the Legacy of their style. The late Sensei Matayoshi Shinpo who was considered the highest authority on Okinawan weapons in the world.
This style of martial arts incorporates the use of 12 weapons, such as:
- Bo (Staff),
- Sai (Trident Dagger)
- Tunkua, (Side Handle Baton),
- Nunchaku, (Flail),
- Ueku (Fisherman’s Oar)
- Kama (Sickle)
- Nunti (Fisherman's Gaff),
- Surichin (Weighted Rope)
- Sansetsu Kon (3 Sectional Flail)
- Tinbi and Rochin (Shield & Hatchet)
- Kuwa (Hoe)
- Manji Sai (Trident Dagger)
Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei second son, Matayoshi Yasushi (pictured below), inherited the leadership of the Kodokan Dojo to continue the work of his father. His title of Stoke of the Dojo reflects the wish of his father. His function as head of the Kodokan is very important since he provides guidance and spiritual support for the Dojo to enable it to operate under the same guidelines that Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei established. His work is directly related to support Itokazu Sensei (pictured below) since he is the technical director of the Kodokan.
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| Matayoshi Yasushi Soke | Itokazu Seisho Sensei |
Training in Kobudo
The use of the weapons allows you to attain the balance between unarmed and armed martial arts. This martial art has evolved from Okinawa over many centuries; peasants and farmers used this art to defend their families and territories from aggressive attackers. The style’s history has been integrated into the teaching of the 
Kobudo classes: where you can discover more about the evolution and development of the ancient and traditional art of Kobudo.
Each student learns the traditional etiquette, history, philosophy of the art, and not just the physical nature of weapons training. If you are 14 years old or above and interested in Matayoshi Kobudo, then please enquire about the lessons, or come along to see one!
The Future of Matayoshi Kobujutsu Here In Darlington
Sensei Bateman has now affiliated his dojo with the Kodokan Dojo in Okinawa, Japan through Sanguinetti Sensei, 6th Dan (pictured below), who is the holder of a Menkyo given to him by Matayoshi Shinpo Sense. The Darlington dojo is now part of the growing Matayoshi Kobudo UK group (www.matayoshikobudouk.com).
Matayoshi Kobudo Darlington now has its own Web Site, the link to the site is: www.kodokan-kobudo.org.uk
Class Times & Venue (for Map see Maps to Dojo on Nav Bar above):
- Saturday at 11.00 am to 12.00 noon at:
Clifton Centre, Clifton Avenue, Darlington, DL1 5EE - Monday at 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm at:
St Anne's Church Hall, Welbeck Ave, Darlington, DL1 2DR
There are Student places available on both Saturday & Monday Sessions
phone 0780 782 7978
[toggles title="More Information About MKKI" active=1 speed=500] [toggle title="Are you an Instructor who is interested in Teaching Matayoshi Kobudo?"]Matayoshi Kobudo is slowly growing in the UK, and to become part of the group is very easy. There are lots of benefits, the major one is to train and learn in the Official Matayoshi Kobudo Style that is recognised by the Matayoshi Kodokan in Okinawa, Japan. So If you are a Martial Arts Instructor and interested in teaching Matayoshi Kobudo then please contact either -
1. Fred Bateman Sensei on Tel: 0780 782 7978 or email: fred.bateman@matayoshikobudouk.com
2. Franco Sanguinetti Sensei via email: fs@bushikan.com
More information concerning Matayoshi Kobudo UK and affiliated Dojo's go to the official UK wed site:Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International UK[/toggle] [toggle title="Some photo's of Fred Bateman Sensei's Time in Okinawa"]
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