Kobudo South Africa

Ryukyu Kobudo Provincial Championship 2026, George

Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan – Morning Training Session

This morning’s class was well attended by Dirk Ackerman Sensei, Ian Arendse Sensei, Brian Eksteen Sensei, and Brendon Alexander Sempai.

During the session we covered Bo basics 1–7, focusing on correct grip, stance, striking lines, and coordination. We also practiced the Bo kata Akamine Bo Kihon Dai Ichi and Sushi No Kon Sho, working on rhythm, power generation, and technical precision.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a focused and productive training session. Consistent practice of these fundamentals strengthens our Kobudo foundation.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu.

We proudly welcome Brian Eksteen Sensei(5th Dan Shotokan) of Gichin Karate to the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan.

With mutual respect and dedication to the true spirit of 武道 (Budō), may this association strengthen the preservation of our traditions.

ようこそ、エクスティーン・ブライアン先生 🙏

伝統を守り、未来へ繋ぐ
(Preserving tradition, passing it on to the future)

Yesterday we conducted an introductory Ryukyu Kobudō class at Jion Martial Arts, hosted at Dirk Ackermann Sensei’s dojo in Plumstead.

The session covered foundational basics of Bō, Sai, and Nunchaku, giving students an insight into the principles, structure, and spirit of the Ryūkyū Kobudō Shimbukan system.

The class was ably assisted by Sean Bailey, Taqee Appleby, and Yusuf Appleby, all Shodan holders in Ryūkyū Kobudō, whose support and demonstrations greatly enhanced the learning experience.

Thank you to Dirk Ackermann Sensei and Jion Martial Arts for the opportunity and warm hospitality. We look forward to continued collaboration in preserving and promoting authentic Okinawan Kobudō.

First Kobudo class this morning for 2026.
Kihon and bunkai( Bo tai Bo)

Cape Town Kobudō Keiko

This morning’s Cape Town Kobudō instructors training was conducted under the guidance of Jannie Sensei. With the emphasis placed on the refinement and preservation of dan-level grading kata in accordance with traditional Kobudō principles.

Training concluded with a planning meeting focused on the continued development and direction of Kobudō for 2026, ensuring the preservation of lineage, standards, and budō spirit.

We welcome all Okinawan Kobudō lineage styles to share posts on the Kobudō South Africa page. Let’s support one another and grow the Kobudō community together.

Undergoing a promotion test is always a personal challenge. In Kobudo of course, each candidate must perform alone, making the experience both nerve wrecking and exhilirating, but also memorable. This is especially true for older persons. Well done to this group for passing their gradings.

The art of the oar is called Sunakake – sand throw – Sunakachi and Ekudee. This martial art was developed by bushi who traveled to islands as an application of Bo. Ekudee has a long history as the technique Transmitted by Chinen seinori Oyakata, born in 1624, is still performed today. This technique is characterized by the action of throwing sand to the eyes of the opponent to blind him following by an attack.
Today still, the oar techniques are preserved and passed on at various Traditional Ryukyu Kobudo Associations through the katas Chikin sunakake ekudee.

A traditional Ryukyu Kobudō kyu grading was held this November at the Junshibu Dojo in Cape Town, conducted by Jannie Le Grange Sensei together with the grading panel.

In Ryukyu Kobudō, each lineage and style follows its own unique grading syllabus, preserving the teachings and traditions passed down through generations. This grading honoured that heritage, with students demonstrating strong technique, spirit, and respect for the classical weapons of Okinawa.

Well done to the instructors and student’s that graded and thank you to everyone who continues to uphold the traditions of our art.