Kobudo (古武道 ) means something like older or traditional martial way. It refers usually to the forms of martial arts that were practised before the so called Meiji restoration of 1868. This was historically a chain of events that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. Although there were Emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored practical abilities and consolidated the political system under the Emperor of Japan.
There are two categories of kobudo; Nihon No Kobudo (日本の古武道 ) which refers to mainland Japanese martial arts, such as kenjutsu, jujutsu, sojutsu, bojutsu, naginatajutsu, shurikenjutsu, etc. Essentially martial arts used by the Samurai warrior caste. Training methods for this category are almost always done in pairs when practical.
The other category is Ryukyu Kobudo (琉球古武道 ) or Okinawa no Kobudo (沖縄の古武道 ) which is refers to martial arts originating from Okinawa.
The origins and training methods in this category of kobudo are very different from it’s mainland Japanese counterpart, due to Chinese cultural influences.
Ryukyu/Okinawa no Kobudo includes bojutsu (different in format to Japanese bojutsu), nunchaku-jutsu, saijutsu, tonfa-jutsu, suruchinjutsu and kempo/te/karate. Training methods are done solo in kata form to record and preserve technique as a database and then paired in kumite form to teach oyo/bunkai.
Kobudo is excellent for learning defence against weapons and learning how to use everyday objects as a means of self defence.
Lewes Judo | Judo & Jitsu 
I never knew that Kobudo can teach you self-defense against weapons and that you can use everyday objects as a means of self-defense. It’s also great to know the origin of this kind of martial arts. My son is interested to learn martial arts and asked me to help him find the best type of martial art that he can learn which is why I’m trying to research about the different types of it. For me, Kobudo will do great for my son because it can teach you to maximize different objects that you use everyday as a means of self-defense. I’ll make sure to remember all your tips.
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It’s interesting how you said that the samurai used kobudo in their warrior caste. Teaching a military group how to fight is really important, for obvious reasons. I find it interesting that teaching a martial art to them is something that is common throughout the Asian cultures though. Maybe I’ll have to try one out someday!
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