Karate

Koburyu Karate-Do (孝武流空手道) is based on Uechi-Ryu Karate (上地流空手道) system and has been modified by Kaicho Kinjo sensei.

Uechi-Ryu Karate

The Uechi-Ryu Karate has been created by Kanbun Uechi (上地完文) who went to China to learn Chinese boxing with a Taoist monk called Shushiwa(周子和).
Kanbun Uechi brought from China the techniques and 3 katas (Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiryu)
The Uechi-Ryu systems is based on realistic self defense with open hands techniques.
and the Crane Boxing.


Later, the style was modernized by Kanei Uechi – Kanbun’s son with 5 additional Katas and additional training elements such as ‘ junbi undō’ (準備運動) – Warm Up & stretching exercises & hojo undō (補助運動) – standardized exercises that will enable kata learning.

Kanbun Uechi ‘s statue (sakura-no-mori park in Motobu-cho)

The modernized Uechi-Ryu systems is based on eight katas :

  • Sanchin (三戦)
  • Kanshiwa (完子和)
  • Kanshu (完周)
  • Seichin (十戦)
  • Seisan (十三)
  • Seiryū (十六)
  • Kanchin (完戦)
  • Sanseiryū (三十六)
Kinjo sensei (Naha - Okinawa)

Koburyu Karate System & Philosophy

The Koburyu Karate is based on more than 60 years of Kinjo sensei karate study.
As just said it is based on Uechi-Ryu that have been modernized by Kinjo sensei.
For each kata, you will find different levels of practice (based on student experience & skills).

  1. Shokyu (昇級) for beginners
  2. Chukyu (中級) intermediate intermediate
  3. Jokyu (上級) for advanced practitioners
in-Yo Kata Training
Kinjo sensei & Masami demonstrating Jokyu Kata (Paris 2019)

Koburyu system is using the Uechi-Ryu Katas with some modifications and one additional kata created by Kinjo sensei called Kobuken (孝武拳).

Koburyu Karate 9 Katas :

  • Sanchin (三戦)
  • Kanshiwa (完子和)
  • Kanshu (完周)
  • Kobuken (孝武拳).
  • Seichin (十戦)
  • Seisan (十三)
  • Seiryū (十六)
  • Kanchin (完戦)
  • Sanseiryū (三十六)

Koburyu Karate Principles :

  • Use both arms & hands to generate powerful technique (Yin and Yang movement)
  • Move naturally
  • Lower your body and use the speed of your legs
  • Each move needs to be performed using your whole body
  • Foster a strong heart to endure hardship without fear of enemies
  • Work the katas to acquire techniques of attack and defense
Kinjo sensei and Masami sensei (Koburyu Karate)
2-hands blocking technique
(Courtesy Chris Wilson travel67.com)