FAQ
What is traditional Karate ?
Traditional karate was born in Okinawa Japan, its a full featured comprehensive martial art focusing on self-defence, character development, and holistic combat (striking, grappling, and locking) rather than just competition. At its core are fundamental techniques, rigorous "kata" (pre-arranged forms) study, and practical "bunkai" (application), aiming to neutralize threats efficiently rather than scoring points.
What is traditional Kobudo?
Kobudo follows much the same ethos as traditional Karate; Kobudo focusses on the use of traditional weapons,(originating from everyday items farming, fishing, and household tools). It is often described as the "old martial way" of the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa) and is traditionally considered the "brother-sister" art to karate, representing two sides of the same self-defence coin.
What do all the names mean?
Karate 空手 is Japanese for "Empty hand" and relates to the use of the human body for self defence without adding weapons or concealments of any kind.
Goju-ryu 剛柔流 is Japanese for "Hard-Soft Style" this related the use of both Hard and soft attaching and defeasance techniques and matching philosophy.
Meibukan translates to "Hall of the total warrior" this is the style of karate we teach created my Meitoku yagi and pass down by our teacher Kaicho Masaaki Ikemiyagi.
Kobudo when translated means weapons of ancient Okinawa and utilises items that were at hand as part of self defence.
Koburyu (Kōburyū) is a modern style of traditional Okinawan kobudō emphasizing efficient and powerful use of the human body. This style was created by Sōke Kaichō Kinjō.
Do I need prior experience?
no only a willingness to learn
When can I start Training?
You can start training at any time, at any of our dojos no experience necessary just a willingness to learn. You can learn karate from 7years old and up and learn Kobudo from 14years old and up. There is no age limit, only physical ability and of course if there are medical circumstances that inhibit types of physical exercise let us know. If un sure drop us a line.
What do I need for a lesson
We recommend brining a Towel, bottle of water and your self. Initially wear comfortable gym/exercise clothing then later we can organise a uniform.
Is training expensive?
We strives to run as a non for profit where monies earned recover running costs, grow equipment and build additional training events, enabling karate to be accessible to all. Further detail can be found here. Other minor costs that come over time include gradings(promotional testing) fees, uniforms and personal protective equipment.
Why learn Kobudo if I can't carry weapons?
Learning Kobudo builds a utility mind set allowing you to remove some of the fear and in a pinch use what objects around in self defence.
What types of weapons do you teach?
Bo (Roku Shakku Bo) 180mm staff, Sai (metal three prong blunt truncheon), Nunchaku (pair of linked sticks), Tonfa (Handled batten), Kama(farming hand sickle), Ieku(Fisherman's Oar) Nunti (Bo with Hook and spike).
Can I learn both karate and Kobudo?
The martial artists of Okinawa regard karate and Kobudo as brother and sister different, but inseparable. Should we think of Kobudo as an extension of karate, or perhaps karate as an extension of Kobudo? Neither, these are complimentary but non-the-less can be learned and practised independently. At Penshurst Martial Arts you may train in either or both, as karate and Kobudo classes are conducted separately
What do all the belts mean?
Progress in Karate& Kobudo is measured through time and experience gained, using a belt based ranking system starting with White belt then progressing through to black and further to Dan ratings.
How often do you grade?
There is no set time for these belt grading's but are decided by the instructor when they feel you are ready. The rank/belt held is only as good as the practitioner and their commitment to training, without this a belt is only something that holds up your pants
Is there physical contact between students during training?
We run traditional training class so there will be controlled contact between students to build real world confidence.
What's in a class
Both Karate and Kobudo have a lot to teach and are limited by the length of a session. To solve for this the classes vary from session to session so students gain broad knowledge and the depth of understanding. They can vary from General classes, Kihon(basics), Kata only, Fight tech & Kumite, Hojo undo(supplementary equipment training), Strength etc