Wednesday, December 9, 2020 by C. Michial Jones
Ufuchiku Kobudo (大筑古武術), occasionally referred to as Ufuchiku Kobujutsu or Ufuchiku-Den, is a specialized system of Okinawan weaponry. While the style utilizes a broad array of tools—including the Bo, Eiku, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Tekko, Techu, Tenbi, Rochin, and Kama—its technical heart and primary weapon remains the Sai.
I. The Founder: Kanagusuku Sanda (1841–1926)
The system was founded by Kanagusuku Sanda (known in Japanese as Kinjo Sanda). A student of the legendary Bushi Matsumura Sokon and Higa Peechin, Kanagusuku’s martial evolution was uniquely practical. By trade, he served as an Ufuchiku (Police Commissioner), as well as a bodyguard to Sho Tai, the last King of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Much of his weapons expertise was forged through necessity on the streets of Okinawa while apprehending criminals. Because of its specialized nature and the limited number of students Kanagusuku accepted, the system remains rare today. His most prominent disciples included Moden Yabiku, Saburo Tokashiki, and Shosei Kina.
II. The Second Generation: Shosei Kina (1882–1981)
The art transitioned to Shosei Kina, who became the second-generation headmaster. Initiated in 1906, Kina reportedly mastered thirty-five distinct Kobujutsu kata under Kanagusuku’s tutelage. A titan of the Okinawan martial arts community, Kina was a 10th Dan member of the Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengokai and founded the Ufuchiku-Den Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozonkai.
Kina’s influence was vast, and he taught several masters who would go on to shape modern karate, including Shinyei Kyan, Izumikawa Kantoku, and Kiichi Nakamoto.
III. The Modern Lineage: A Divided Path
Following the era of Shosei Kina, the lineage diverged. Today, the system is primarily represented by two distinct branches, which may be categorized as Nakamoto-ha and Isa-ha.
The Nakamoto Lineage: Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Budo Hozon Kyokai
Founded by Shinyei Kyan in 1994, this association passed to Kiichi Nakamoto in 1997. Nakamoto, a student of Kina since 1956, holds a Menkyo Kaiden and 10th Dan. He operates out of the Okinawakan in Okinawa City. His senior international students include Hideyuki Nakamoto, Masanori Zaha, Roy J. Hobbs, and C. Michial Jones.
The Isa Lineage: Ufuchiku-Den Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozonkai
This branch is headed by Kaishu Isa, who succeeded Shosei Kina as the 2nd President and 3rd Soke. A Buddhist priest by profession, Isa teaches out of the Shorin-ryu Karate Kobudo Shudokan in Futema. His instruction is highly exclusive, with only a small group of students worldwide.
IV. Technical Characteristics and Academic Debate
There is some historical debate regarding the breadth of the original curriculum. While some researchers suggested Kina only studied the Sai, evidence from scholars like Andreas Quast indicates a comprehensive study of 35 kata across various weapons.
Furthermore, while some practitioners claim Ufuchiku Kobudo shares no similarities with other ryu-ha, historical footage of Shosei Kina demonstrates his proficiency in classical forms such as Chatan Yara no Sai and Tsuken Shitahaku no Sai. It is likely that the modern differences between the Isa and Nakamoto branches are the result of natural stylistic evolution following their separation.
Regardless of the branch, both lineages represent a legitimate and rare link to the law enforcement traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
No responses yet