Author Archives: Andreas Quast

Ryukyu Kobudo — 10 Bo Kihon

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Andreas Quast

These are the 10 basic techniques of the bo (bo kihon) of Shimbukan and other schools coming from Akamine Eisuke. There are three more techniques, but these are very simple and not shown here. I do these rather casual here … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off on Ryukyu Kobudo — 10 Bo Kihon

Tomari-te — Early mentions and historical snapshot

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Andreas Quast

The category of Tomari-te is famous in karate circles. For example, there is Tomari Passai in the JKF/WKF syllabus of kata, there is Tomari no Chinto and others in Matsubayashi, there is Tomari no Shirotaru in Yamanni-ryu bojutsu and so … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off on Tomari-te — Early mentions and historical snapshot

A transformation of Jōdan-ura-uchi

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Most people are not aware that Akamine Eisuke created handwritten descriptions of every kata (1982/83, personal archive of this author). There was a collection that was given to dojo directors, which included all kata up to 5th dan, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off on A transformation of Jōdan-ura-uchi

Karate taught in Germany ~ 1931 – 1934

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Andreas Quast

According to data published by Nakamura Akira of the Karate Section of the Okinawa Tourism Bureau, a certain HIRAYAMA Kazuo from Tokyo Imperial University taught karate in Germany 1931 – 1933. HIRAYAMA Kazuo (1908–1990) is listed at the “Deutsche Institut … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off on Karate taught in Germany ~ 1931 – 1934

Jigen no Sai

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Andreas Quast

I would like to let you guys know about Jesse’s latest project, the Kobudo tutorial website at www.kobudomastery.com​ Since I am a passionate Kobudo practitioner myself, I was thrilled when I learned from a friend that Jesse has started this … Continue reading →

Posted in kobudo, New Developments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jigen no Sai

Tsuken Sunakake no Kon

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Andreas Quast

One of the famous kata with the paddle (uēku) is Tsuken Sunakake no Kon (oki.: Chikin Sunakachi nu Kun). As it is generally demonstrated using the uēku (paddle) it is also referred to as Chikin Sunakachi nu Uēku-dī (Tsuken’s skills … Continue reading →

Posted in Bojutsu Kata Series | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Tsuken Sunakake no Kon

Kyan Chōtoku book on public display at the Karate Kaikan for the first time

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Andreas Quast

A panel exhibition sponsored by Okinawa Prefecture that introduces the history of Okinawa karate during the early Shōwa period (started 1926) began on April 8 in the lobby of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan Exhibition Room in Tomigusuku City. The kumite … Continue reading →

Posted in Postwar Okinawa Karate, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Kyan Chōtoku book on public display at the Karate Kaikan for the first time

Itsuki – sitting duck

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Andreas Quast

In the latest series of “Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate,” Oshiro Toshihiro Sensei talks about his journey, experience and development in karate and bojutsu. In one episode Oshiro Sensei remembers when he went for Shodan test at the age of … Continue reading →

Posted in Terminology, Translations | Tagged , | Comments Off on Itsuki – sitting duck

The first posture of “Tsuken Sunakake no Ueku”

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Among the 1935 Okinawan photos presented by the Ashi Shinbun Digital website are a few that show the use of the Ueku (paddle) as a means of transport fish and utensils. The posture is almost the same as the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off on The first posture of “Tsuken Sunakake no Ueku”

Traditional Ryūkyū kumi-odori, karate … 165 prewar Okinawan photographs discovered (3)

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Traditional “Kumi-odori” of the kingdom era presented to the younger brother of Shōwa Emperor (Hirohito) Among the Okinawa-related photographs found this time in the Asahi Shimbun Osaka Headquarters, there was a photograph of the traditional Kabuki drama “Kumi-odori” of the … Continue reading →

Posted in New Developments, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Traditional Ryūkyū kumi-odori, karate … 165 prewar Okinawan photographs discovered (3)