Shinyei Kyan, an eminent master,  was primarily responsible for the teaching and transmission of Rokushaku Bo-jutsu and Sai-jutsu technique within the Nagamine honbu dojo. Kyan sensei  was well known throughout Okinawa for his powerful Sai technique and Bo kata.

It is these forms that are retained and attributed to Kyan sensei's teaching and are unique to the kobudo curriculum of Matsubayashi ryu;

The Bo (often called kun or kon) is a staff of hard wood usually oak about 1800mm long and 25mm - 28mm in diameter. It was originally used as a tool to carry loads and also served as a fighting tool when the occasion arose. In Okinawa there are many varieties of the art of bo-jutsu. Our dojo follow the Matsubayashi Ryu / Yamanni Ryu Bo technique as taught in Kodokan Taira dojo. Direct lines of development are via the Shinyei Kyan  and Chogi Kishaba  lineages.

The iron sai was used in older days by officals to arrest crimminals and to hold back crowds. It was actually invented to defend against attacks from swords, bo, nunchaku and tuifa.
A pair of iron sticks about 460cm long with U shaped handles, the sai are a heavy effective weapon.

In 1470, when traditional weapons were confiscated by the Japanese military, Okinawan commoners utilized the kama (sickle) as a fighting blade.
The kama was originally used for cutting grass. In close range fighting, it could be used to trap an opponent's weapon, or for striking.
The kama is most commonly used in kata  competition and demonstrations. The forms include circular movements which improve blocking and countering techniques.

Kodokan Matsubayashi ryu  incorporates the use of Okinawan weapons and has a rich history and lineage associated with many of the Island's most renowned kobudo masters.
Matsubayashi ryu kobudo uses the same stances and theory of movement as found within the empty hand kata.

 Shihan Plaisted  and Shihandai Herlihy have,  on many occasions when in Okinawa, had the unique opportunity to view  private karate and kobudo video's at the house of Shihandai Nobuhide Higa. This collection of video's features many of Matsubayashi Ryu's past and present masters performing empty hand and kobudo kata at various demonstration's and location's such as Nagamine Honbu dojo and Shima dojo etc.
It is hoped that the opportunity will be extended  to the New Zealanders to view, once again, these and many more of Shihandai Higa's fascinating Matsubayashi Ryu collection.