Kōburyū is a modern style of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudō. How can a karate style be both modern and traditional at the same time? Kōburyū is karate as the old masters intended it: powerful, practical and effective. Most karate masters of today have become content to simply pass on exactly what was taught to …
Kobudō is the study of the weapons of ancient Okinawa. These are not the sword and spear of the samurai of Japan. Most of the weapons of ancient Okinawa were farming and fishing implements. You often hear the claim that karate is more practical than kobudō because you can’t carry your weapons around with you. …
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō believes that every movement of a kata must have a practical application. Movements without a clear application have been modified or removed from the kata. Students of Kōburyū are encouraged to analyze the movements of the kata and develop practical applications for the movements. This process of analysis is called bunkai. Bunkai is practiced with a partner. The bunkai of experienced partners begins to have the appearance of a real fight.
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō believes that the movements of a kata should finish the opponent in such a way that he cannot fight again. Even though a kata is an imaginary battle, the student should practice as though his life depends on the outcome of the battle.