Author Archives: Andreas Quast

The first private dojo in Okinawa?

Some time ago, I wrote about the development of the Okinawan dojo, which is at the core of modern Okinawa karate. Without dojo, there would be no Okinawa karate. Of course, this blog post is pretty limited, but it is … Continue reading

Posted in Dojo | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The first private dojo in Okinawa?

Setting the Bar

Wooden poles have undoubtedly been used across all times, cultures, and geographical areas to overcome natural obstacles such as waterways, marshy places, or mountainous areas, and sometimes even man-made obstacles. It is easy to imagine how children used it during … Continue reading

Posted in Misc, Translations | Comments Off on Setting the Bar

Performance of the bo accompanied by Kajadifū

Martial arts bōjutsu and traditional bō performing arts have a long history of co-existence and cross fertilization. Traditional bō performing arts entered martial arts dōjō, and martial arts kata enter traditional bō performing arts. The most visible differences are in … Continue reading

Posted in Publications, Terminology | Comments Off on Performance of the bo accompanied by Kajadifū

Information on the Harcover Edition of “Bo”

Dear friends, followers, and supporters. I have published my new book “Bo.” The hardcover edition went live with a page count of 266 pages. However, I wanted to change the type area and as a result, the current edition has … Continue reading

Posted in Publications | Comments Off on Information on the Harcover Edition of “Bo”

NEW RELEASE: Bo – Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions. Volume 1: Bo-odori.

Softcover edition: US | UK | DE | FR | ES | IT | NL | JP | AU | BR | CA | MX | SE | IN | PL Bo Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan … Continue reading

Posted in Book Reviews, kobudo, kumibo, Performing Arts, Postwar Okinawa Karate, Prewar Okinawa Karate, Publications, Terminology, The Technique of Okinawa Karate and Kobudo, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Tsuken | Comments Off on NEW RELEASE: Bo – Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions. Volume 1: Bo-odori.

Okinawan Rugby uses a Bo!

The video shows Bō-taoshi held at the Naha City Mawashi Junior High School Sports Day, 1970s. Bō-taoshi is a combat sport performed at athletic meets. The object is to topple the opposing team’s pole (bō). In bō-taoshi, there is a … Continue reading

Posted in Misc, MMA | Comments Off on Okinawan Rugby uses a Bo!

Kongō no Kata (formerly known as Shūshi no Kon)

I wrote about Kongō no Kon recently, which was created by Taira Shinken based on elements taken from Sueyoshi no Kon, Sesoko no Kon, and Soeishi no Kon. Then Mr. Y, one of the inquirers, asked about another kata called Kongō he had … Continue reading

Posted in Bojutsu Kata Series, kobudo | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Kongō no Kata (formerly known as Shūshi no Kon)

A Revival of Kongo no Kon

It was just one or two weeks ago that Mr. X asked if I knew something about a certain bō-kata, or made a movie about it etc. I immediately knew what was going on and had a guess which dōjō … Continue reading

Posted in Bojutsu Kata Series, Terminology | Comments Off on A Revival of Kongo no Kon

Soeishi no Kon – Fusion-Edition.

The following excerpt from by Tawada Shinjun (1973) was translated by Motobu Naoki Sensei. Soeishi no Kon […] was handed down by the Soeishi family who held the post of the martial arts instructor of the king of Ryūkyū. It … Continue reading

Posted in Bojutsu Kata Series | Tagged | Comments Off on Soeishi no Kon – Fusion-Edition.

Traditional Okinawan Performing Arts: Lion Dance

Kabira, Ishigaki City. The lion “wakes up” at the start of the practice for the festival for requests and expressions of thanks to the gods (Keigan Festival) held in the 8th month of the lunisolar calendar. This lion dance is … Continue reading

Posted in Performing Arts | Comments Off on Traditional Okinawan Performing Arts: Lion Dance