Two Styles Under One Roof

Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International – UK Branch

Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan

Matayoshi Kobudo is a traditional Okinawan martial art focusing on the study and practice of weapons. It is one of the oldest and most revered Kobudo styles still practiced today, with a lineage spanning over nine generations within the Matayoshi family. The art, as we know it, was shaped by two distinguished masters: Master Matayoshi Shinko (father, pictured below left) and Master Matayoshi Shinpo (son, pictured below right). Their lifelong dedication has left us a legacy that continues to influence Kobudo practitioners worldwide. The late Sensei Matayoshi Shinpo was regarded as the highest authority on Okinawan weapons and played a key role in preserving this martial tradition.

The 12 Weapons of Matayoshi Kobudo

  • Bo (Staff)
  • Sai (Trident Dagger)
  • Tunkua (Side Handle Baton)
  • Nunchaku (Flail)
  • Ueku (Fisherman’s Oar)
  • Kama (Sickle)
  • Nunti (Fisherman’s Gaff)
  • Surichin (Weighted Rope)
  • Sansetsu Kon (Three-Sectional Flail)
  • Tinbi and Nata (Shield & Hatchet)
  • Kuwa (Hoe)
  • Manji Sai (Trident Dagger)

The Essence of Kobudo Training

Kobudo training provides a balance between unarmed and armed martial arts. Rooted in the history of Okinawa, the practice has evolved over many centuries. While it’s commonly believed that Kobudo weapons were derived from farming tools used by Okinawan farmers (Heimin class), recent historical findings suggest that it was actually the Pechin class (Okinawan warrior class) who practiced these techniques.

Matayoshi Kobudo is not just about mastering weapons but also about understanding the rich history, etiquette, and philosophy behind the art. Each student learns the values of respect, discipline, and self-awareness that define the martial tradition.

If you’re 14 years or older and interested in learning Matayoshi Kobudo, we invite you to join us for lessons or come by to observe a class!

The Future of Matayoshi Kobudo in Darlington

Our Darlington dojo is proudly affiliated with the Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International, a global network led by Sensei Franco Sanguinetti, an 8th Dan and direct student of Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei. Sanguinetti Sensei holds a Menkyo, a certification awarded by Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei, and is recognized as one of the world’s most experienced Matayoshi instructors.

As part of the largest-growing Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan group, our Darlington dojo is connected to a worldwide community that continues to preserve and share this remarkable martial art. For more information, please visit the official website: www.matayoshikobudouk.com.

Class Times and Location:

  • Thursday from 8.00-9.30pm &
  • Saturday 11-12.30 pm

All Classes are held at the following location:

Clifton Centre,
Clifton Avenue,
Darlington,
DL1 5EE

Map to the hall can been seen on the Map to the training hall under Enquires on the main menu above.

Are you an Instructor who is interested in Teaching Matayoshi Kobudo?

  • Join Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International

    Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International is expanding globally, and becoming part of this esteemed martial arts community is simple. One of the greatest benefits of joining is the opportunity to train and learn the official Matayoshi Kobudo style, passed down through generations by Matayoshi Sensei himself.

    If you’re a martial arts instructor interested in teaching Matayoshi Kobudo, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to:

    1. Fred Bateman Sensei
      Tel: 0780 782 7978
      Email: sensei.fredbateman@gmail.com
    2. Franco Sanguinetti Sensei
      Email: fs@bushikan.com

    For more information about Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International’s UK Branch, please visit our official website: Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International – UK Branch.

Some Kobudo Training Pictures:

Click on the the pictures to enlarge.