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Link’s Martial Arts, Okinawan Kobudo Program, includes training in Bo, Sai, Tonfa and Nunchaku. The program is strong, offering the forms and techniques of world renowned, Tadashi Yamashita. But, where did this style originate? What is its history?
The
Martial Arts as a whole will always hold mystery for its
modern day practitioners. It is extremely difficult to trace a
martial arts discipline and find no discrepancies in its
story. Over time practitioners, have found it beneficial to
modify techniques or to “blend the arts” to better meet
their needs. It is easy to see why the true origins and
history of the martial arts have been altered as they pass
through the countless generations of martial arts
practitioners.
As Martial Artists, we for the most part still follow
tradition and look to the past for guidance in our journey
through our modern day martial arts training.
There are countless terms, commands, forms and
variations in techniques. This all serves to cause controversy
among martial artists of varying disciplines and even those
who study the same discipline. Yet, we continue on with our
training and one day we too will become a part of the history
that is so difficult to unravel.
Today’s
martial artists have a great opportunity. They train in safe
and clean facilities. They have equipment, mats and safety
gear and if they have chosen their school wisely, they have an
excellent instructor that teaches them to become a better
person and helps them to excel and meet their goals.
We
have found that the well rounded proficient martial artists
are the ones who have kept an open mind. They strive to meet
the challenges of today by learning and applying techniques
that meet their needs. The saying “ take what you need and
leave the rest behind” has left its mark on the disciplines
of the world. 
While having an open mind is important, it is also
important to have a strong foundation that is based in history
and tradition so the same questions arise again. Where did my
style originate? What is its history? Factual documents are
difficult to come by and historical tales passed down through
the generation often change
with each telling of the tale so it is the common thread that
runs through all the sources of information that we look to
and call history.
Okinawan Kobudo is an ancient weapon art. It’s common
thread begins in the 1600’s when the Satsuma Samurai Clan
attacked and took control of Okinawa and the surrounding
islands. During this time weapons were taken away and
forbidden to be used by the islanders. This left the farmers
and fishermen unable to defend their homes and their families.
The people of Okinawa and the surrounding islands needed to
protect themselves and out of this need the ancient art of
Kobudo evolved. These people began to rely on their farming
and fishing tools to protect themselves. They became
proficient in the use of these implements as weapons. Bo
– Creates distance between opponents. Length of weapon
increases power of strike. Sai
–It’s 3 prong design allows for the trapping of an
attacking weapon with one hand, while countering with
their other hand. A third Sai can be easily hidden in the
clothing.
Tonfa
–
Used as an extension of the arm.
It’s design allows for striking and blocking with
either end of the weapon. The handle allows for trapping and
locking techniques to be applied. Nunchaku
– A small easily concealed weapon used for it’s fast
dynamic movements and devastating blows.
Over long
years, many great masters have touched the art of Kobudo. Many
incorporated their own thoughts and styles to develop the
ancient art of weaponry to the many varied styles we have
today. Tae
= foot
Kwon = hand
Do = way Tae Kwon Do is one of the most recognized martial arts around today. Tae Kwon Do is known as “the art of kicking and punching”. There are many varied styles of Tae Kwon Do, with many different “poomse” or forms that can be studied. Most hand and foot techniques are similar throughout the Tae Kwon Do styles. The most basic being the front kick, roundhouse kick and side kick. However Tae Kwon Do is most recognized for its high jumping, high flying and spinning kicks. The style of Tae Kwon Do taught at Link’s Martial Arts most closely resembles that of “Mu Do Kwon” from Korea. Our student’s study the PalGwe forms. Adult students learn 9 forms as they advance through the ranks white to black. PalGwe Il Chang PalGwe Ee Chang PalGwe Sam Chang PalGwe Sa Chang PalGwe O Chang PalGwe Yook Chang PalGwe Chil Chang PalGwe Pal Chang Chung Mu Youth students learn PalGwe Il Chang, PalGwe O Chang, PalGwe Chil Chang before achieving the rank of Junior Black Belt. Youth and adult students learn new Tae Kwon Do hand and foot techniques at each new level as they advance in rank. These skills are tested individually as well as in sets. Our
curriculum has been carefully laid out for each age group:
In the Adult
Student Success Journal, Curriculum covers instruction in
forms and one steps, hand and foot techniques individually and
in sets, self defense, siniwalis, KDM, point sparring skills, knowledge and
most importantly personal self-improvement. Each rank has corresponding test sheets and the students know ahead of time
what material they will be tested on. The
Junior Black Belt “Youth” Student Success Journal,
Curriculum covers instruction in forms, hand and foot
techniques individually and in sets, self defense, siniwalis, point sparring
skills, knowledge and most importantly personal
self-improvement. At each level a student must complete an “Are
you Ready?” worksheet. This worksheet insures that no
student is prematurely advanced in rank. Youth students must
meet the testing requirements in 3 areas. Attendance,
Journal Work, and Curriculum. Children age 4-8 are introduced to Tae Kwon Do through our “Animal of the Month” curriculum. This program is designed to teach desired qualities like- The focus and patience of an eagle. The family safety and cooperation of a wolf pack The self-control and quick speed of the cobra. Our animal curriculums challenge students to give their best effort at all times. It covers instruction in personal safety, martial arts knowledge, fitness, proficiency in martial arts skills and the “Black Belt Qualities” that students need for success. This program lays the strong foundation for our young students to advance to the Junior Black Belt “youth” program.
THE
ESKRIMA ARTS Link’s Martial Arts Students train in the various styles of the
Eskrima Arts. This
art originated in the Philippines. Its styles involve empty
hand techniques as well as the use of weapons. The Eskrima
Arts are both practical and effective. A practitioner who has
mastered the styles earns the title of Eskrimador. The
word, Eskrima means “to skirmish”.
Two styles are incorporated into Link’s Martial Arts
beginning curriculum. Kadena De Mano
“chain of hands” is
taught to adult students only. The training begins with the
empty hand blocking and striking techniques. Students work to
counter an attack through a continuous flow of techniques. As
proficiency is gained, the empty hand drills are then adapted
to weapon defense.
Siniwalis
“Pattern or weaving”
is part of the youth and adult curriculum. Eskrima sticks are
used to teach striking angles through set patterns and
rhythms. Variations and options are adapted further complexing
the drills. The skills are then adapted to defense against
weapons.
Other
Eskrima styles are introduced at advanced rank. The
traditional principles of Eskrima build a strong foundation
for self defense. These principles are valid and effective for
personal protection in today’s society.
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