Mijikai-Shaku-Bo

"Powerfully Commanding with Compassion and Grace"

A Practical Solution to Kobudo

Kobudo: A term referencing Ancient Martial Arts and the Weapon Arts of Okinawa. In short, the Nunchaku, Kama, Sai and Tonfa were tools of trade of the farming peasants of Okinawa that were turned into weapons against the controlling Samurai. Although these items are popular, they are not practical in today's society as banned by the restrictions prohibited by law! In order to preserve their techniques, katas, customs and traditions, they are still taught throughout many styles and systems today, but it must always be remembered that the origin of these weapons is … Okinawan!

Buki-Waza: A generic term for all weapons of war and armed combat techniques as opposed to Te-Waza or empty hand techniques. Of the many (Bu) Jutsu's of Japan, Buki-Waza too are impractical as banned by law as well as inconvenient and outdated, but are still taught and practiced for the traditions that were a great cultural part of Japan's history. The art of Iaijutsu or Iaido (drawing of the sword) is the most classical, traditional and beautiful of all the Japanese BuJutsu's … Bojutsu being probably the most practical of all past weapons in today's society!

Shobudo utilizes four weapons. The Rokushaku-Bo, the Jo, the Kama Tanbo and more importantly … the Mijikai Shaku-Bo which is unique only to Shobudo and founded by Soke Nakasato in its use and application. This Bo is approx 16" in length, oval in shape and cannot be purchased anywhere, as they are individually hand-made by Shobudo members. It must be remembered that the origin of the Mijikai Shaku-Bo as taught in application is from Nakasato Shoshu, Soke of Shobudo BuJitsu JuJitsu. Exotic hardwoods are used to craft each Bo which are made from Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Madagascar Rose Wood, Ziricote and (Lignum Vitae) … one of the hardest, heaviest and strongest of woods known.

The Mijikai Shaku-Bo is unique in its use other than just a tool for striking. All Waza's are utilized as listed in (Waza's taught) and its forte is specialized in controlled joint locks and takedowns or Kansetsu-Waza (dislocation & breaks) as a last resort. With its many blocks, parries, strikes and locks with chokes and throws from the standing, sitting or from the ground position… the combination of techniques is endless and too vast to mention here.

As an extension of the body, the power of locking, whether leverage or joint, (see essence of pain) is overwhelming. The control is quick, powerful, commanding and excruciatingly painful … but has compassion, grace and control. Once learned, it need not be carried on your person, as many common everyday items are available in your surroundings whether inside or out of your home. Anything somewhat solid from 8" to 20" will do. Face it, you will not find traditional martial art weapons just lying around when you most need them! Again a demonstration is a must to see, feel and understand its effectiveness and practicality. As sticks and stones have been around since the beginning of time, it is a great equalizer if properly used. One day, all that may be left … is only a stick! War is not about who is right … it's about who survives!

Respectfully
In Itai,

Robert Morton
Director & Kaicho
Shobudo BuJitsu Kai