Kobudo, the art of traditional Okinawan weapons training, which forms part of karate skill set, is growing in popularity with many karateka branching into this sport.
Three senseis from the Goju Karate Academy in Parkrand have successfully passed their recent Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan grading under Kyoshi Hiroshi Akamine, based in Okinawa, Japan.
Specialising in bo staff, nunchaku, sai, tonfa, roshi as well as tinbe, kama and ekku, the trio spent countless hours in the dojo, perfecting every stance to achieve this accolade.
Sensei Marius Madgwick qualified for his third dan while sensei Tarryn Madgwick received her second.
Following on the heels of his mentors, sensei Gareth Hird passed his first dan.
“Our kobudo classes are filling up with our students of all ages stepping up to the challenge of mastering the various weapons,” said Madgwick.
“As we grow in our training so do they, which bodes well when we take to mats to compete both locally and internationally.”
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