Club Activities

Kobudo Training

Ko-bu-do is a Japanese term that means, “old martial arts way.” Today, the term refers to self-defense arts that can trace their roots back before 1868 (the beginning of modernization in Japan). The older arts were solely concerned with defense in actual combat situations. Only the most effective techniques were practiced and handed down to the next generation.

Because these arts developed before the Modern Period (which saw a proliferation of sport or competitive martial arts), their teaching methods do NOT include competitions or tournaments. Kobudo is taught in the traditional manner: techniques are drilled repetitively so responses to certain actions will become automatic, a matter of reflex.

At the heart of Kobudo Club is a commitment to training: we believe that serious kobudo training produces not only practical self-defense skills, but mental and spiritual benefits as well. Kobudo Club members experience a well-rounded training regimen: stretching and joint-strengthening exercises; structured meditation; training drills, usually with a partner, to practice the traditional self-defense patterns. Classes are always conducted by a certified instructor, and class size is kept small enough to permit constant personal attention. During training, we emphasize personal safety as well as respect for and patience with one another. Every member is considered a fellow traveler on the path to physical, mental, and spiritual perfection.

Training Programs

Kobudo Club members participate in a variety of training programs, based on their experience and personal goals. Typically, members with no self-defense training learn Goshinjutsu ("preserve body art"). Goshinjutsu is a general term that refers to non-military systems for self-preservation or protection. Our nine-week program is specially designed for the needs of college students, and emphasizes (1) how to avoid assault through a prevention strategy and (2) how to escape assault using simple yet effective defense techniques.

Members with some martial arts experience may study classical Jujutsu. Jujutsu ("gentle art") refers to the unarmed arts of feudal Japan's professional warrior class or samurai. This traditional martial art is characterized by the way it uses an opponent's movement and force to neutralize an attack. Jujutsu includes blocks, strikes, and chokes, but is probably best known for its joint locks and throws.

Experienced members may begin advanced training in Ninpo. Ninpo refers to the self-defense arts of feudal Japan’s shinobi warriors, who often operated outside of conventional society. The Ninpo system—which includes 36 different unarmed and weapon arts—is the most comprehensive martial art system available today. In Kobudo Club, Ninpo training is divided into two separate components: Taijutsu and Buki. Taijutsu is composed of several older styles—Jutaijutsu, Dakentaijutsu, Koppojutsu, Kosshijutsu, Taihenjutsu—each with a particular specialty, all emphasizing escape and evasion. Buki simply refers to the various weapons used throughout Japan's ancient and medieval periods, such as the sword or staff.

Special Seminars

Because of our affiliation with the Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation and Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei, Kobudo Club members are exposed to a wide variety of self-defense systems, especially through the Shibu Kai (regional seminars) and Tai Kai (international seminars), which are held several times a year in Milwaukee.