STUDY AUTHENTIC OKINAWAN WEAPONRY AT FRANZ KARATE

At Franz Karate, students have the unique opportunity to train in authentic Okinawan Kobudo—a rare offering in many martial arts schools today. Our Kokusai Rengokai Kobudo program is one of the most highly respected systems in the world, developed by Shugoro Nakazato Hanshi, a globally renowned expert in Kobudo.

Kobudo (meaning "Old Martial Arts Way") primarily refers to traditional Okinawan weapons, not just general ancient combat arts. This system is suitable for all ages, promoting coordination, focus, discipline, and above all, respect for the weapon and its proper use.

KARATE & KOBUDO: TRAINING SIDE BY SIDE

Karate and Kobudo evolved together in Okinawa, making them inseparable parts of the same martial tradition. At Franz Karate, our Kobudo training is integrated into our Shorinkan Karate system. However, Kobudo follows a separate ranking structure, allowing students to earn internationally recognized certifications alongside their Karate ranks.

LEARN A WIDE RANGE OF TRADITIONAL WEAPONS

Students at Franz Karate train in a variety of traditional Okinawan weapons, including:
✅ Nunchaku
✅ Tonfa
✅ Sai
✅ Kama
✅ Bo
✅ Eku
...and more!

Our training goes beyond just weapon manipulation—students also learn the historical significance, real-world applications, and prestigious kata (forms) that have been passed down for generations.

To maintain respect, responsibility, and safety, students must achieve a minimum rank of 7th Kyu Blue Belt before beginning Kobudo training. This ensures a strong foundation in discipline and proper martial etiquette before handling weapons.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN IN TRUE OKINAWAN KOBUDO

Many martial arts schools do not offer authentic Kobudo training, leaving students with only basic weapon drills or "tricks." At Franz Karate, we provide in-depth, traditional instruction. That’s why students from other styles and schools travel to train with Franz Shihan—seeking more than just “swinging weapons around,” but rather, mastery of an authentic Okinawan system.

A PRESTIGIOUS LEGACY OF KOBUDO TRAINING

Our Kobudo lineage traces back to some of Okinawa’s greatest martial artists:

     Shugoro Nakazato Hanshi began training in 1935 under Tonaki Seiro, a student of the legendary Chinen Sanda.
     After WWII, he trained under Chinen Masami, a Bojutsu Master, further refining his expertise in Tonfa, Kama, Bo,
     and  Nunchaku.
     Many of the weapons kata we teach today have been preserved and passed down through generations, tracing
     lineage back to Kanga "Tode" Sakugawa and other esteemed founders of Okinawan Martial Arts.

At Franz Karate, we are honored to continue this tradition by providing authentic, high-quality Kobudo training to those who seek true expertise.

Want to experience real Okinawan Kobudo? Join us today!