Author Archives: Andreas Quast

The Issue of Varying Combinations in Taira-lineage Saijutsu

Posted on March 14, 2021 by Andreas Quast

In the Saijutsu kata of Taira-lineage are often found longer combinations which are almost the same, but which almost always slightly vary. This is a real issue for practitioners, particularly during the first years. I have been asked how to … Continue reading →

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Kyan Chōtoku and Chan-no-Bōjutsu

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Andreas Quast

(By Kyuna Chōkō 喜友名朝孝, in “Okinawa Karate Kobudo Jiten,” 2008, translation Andreas Quast) When I was a child, I used to go to the house of Kyan Chōtoku (Chan nu Tanmē, meaning senior-citizen Kyan from the samure class) together with … Continue reading →

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On Sēpai (1986)

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Not too long ago communication between Okinawa and the world as well as between sensei and students was slow. Things would sometimes take months if not years to reach anybody, if ever. My colleague Filip Konjokrad just provided his translation … Continue reading →

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Inutabu Riot (Inutabu Sōdō 犬田布騒動)

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Andreas Quast

The Inutabu Riot occurred on April 23, 1864 (old lunar calendar: March 18, Bunkyū 4) in Inutabu Village, Tokunoshima. From the peasant’s point of view it is also called Inutabu Crusade (Inutabu gisen 犬田布義戦), emphasizing the righfulness of the action. … Continue reading →

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Yaka no Sai

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Andreas Quast

As Nagamine Shōshin has pointed out, it is important to study the history of Ryūkyū to understand Okinawan martial arts. During Ryukyu kingdom times existed private tutors called “Yaka.” It was not an official government position and therefore there are … Continue reading →

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The Twilight of Lord Kogusuku

Posted on January 23, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Traditional Okinawa kobudō uses a shield with one hand in combination with a weapon in the other. There are basically two variants. One is the shield known best from Matayoshi lineage kobudō, which uses loop and handle, and which is … Continue reading →

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The Ueku was the Sword of the Fisherman

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Earlier today I wrote a piece about a current design of an ueku (oar), which you can read here. I would like to add a short note about the various designs of the ueku and what the design means for … Continue reading →

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Chiishi and Ishi-sashi — Traditional athletic culture (undo bunka) of Okinawa

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Andreas Quast

At the beginning of the 20th century, while young men’s associations in all places worked to promote sports, the Young Men’s Associations of Shimajiri County carried out a survey about recreational pastimes: “Right now, this county’s citizens compete in only … Continue reading →

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Guide to Shimbukan-approved Ueku by Dreametal Kobudo

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Andreas Quast

Starting kobudō is easy; grab a broomstick and get going. Swing, twirl, strike, and poke. Then, after some time you want and deserve good quality equipment, but most weaponry cannot be easily produced. Therefore, you look for a supplier to … Continue reading →

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Soeishi no Kon

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Andreas Quast

A number of recent articles about Soeishi-ryū bōjutsu raised a lot of interest in bōjutsu circles. One of the schools which have a kata by the name of Soeishi is the Matayoshi Kobudō. The following is a written description of … Continue reading →

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