Karateka take on kata challenge

Karateka from Butokukan Newcastle took part in the 100 Kobudo Kata Challenge last Saturday.

The 100 Kobudo Kata Challenge is a worldwide martial arts event led from Okinawa, the home of kobudo and karate.

It was held for the first time in 2015, and inspired by its popularity, the event was held again in the hopes of becoming a tradition.

Beginner and advanced students alike attended the event on Saturday, and was formulated into a class format, which allowed beginners to learn a kobudo kata and complete 100 repetitions thereof.

The weapon of choice on the day was the Bo (six foot staff) and students practised the kata, ‘Shushi no kon’.

Although the six foot staff may seem a very simple weapon, it is regarded as one of the most superior weapons of ancient times, as many of its techniques can be used for practical self-defence, and the weapon itself can be substituted with household items such as a broomstick or umbrella.

In Okinawa most karate masters also practise kobudo as an important component of their budo skills.

Since ancient times, skill with weapons was regarded as an essential part of budo training.

“We hope that this event will help to encourage more karateka and other martial arts practitioners to take up kobudo practice too. It’s an excellent complement to any other martial arts study and great fun to do,” said Sensei Frik Willemse from Butokukan.

Anyone interested in learning authentic traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo can contact Frik Willemse on 060 725 9815.

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