Weekend Kobudo: The Weapons Connection

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 by C. Michial Jones

On October 26th, Jason and I continued our commitment to technical research by traveling once again to Northfield, Michigan. Our destination was the Weapons Connection Dojo, the home of Peter Carbone Sensei.

In the Okinawan tradition, Karate and Kobudo are often likened to the two wheels of a cart; without both, the path is difficult to navigate. Carbone Sensei’s dojo is a place where those “wheels” are perfectly aligned, particularly through the lens of the Nakamoto Kiichi lineage.

The Core of the Bo and Tonfa

Our day was focused on the foundational mechanics (Kihon Buri) that dictate the effectiveness of the Okinawan arsenal. We drilled:

• Bo Kihon Buri & Kihon Gata: The staff is the king of Okinawan weapons. We focused on the essential strikes, blocks, and transitions that build the necessary “frame” to handle the six-foot staff with agility rather than just brute strength.
• Tonfa Kihon Buri: Often misunderstood as a simple “spinning” weapon, the Tonfa requires precise body alignment and wrist stability. We worked on the essential movements that turn these wooden handles into devastating defensive and offensive tools.

The Reality of the Tanbo

The session concluded with work on the Tanbo (short stick). While the Bo provides range, the Tanbo provides the reality of close-quarters combat. For a modern practitioner—and particularly for those of us in law enforcement—the Tanbo represents a bridge between ancient tradition and modern application. It is a weapon of leverage, joint manipulation, and rapid-fire strikes.

The Brotherhood of the Mat

Training in Budo is as much about the relationships as it is about the repetitions. Following the sweat of the session, we shared a meal with Carbone Sensei, his wife, and his student, Latheef.

These dinners are where the “Oral Tradition” lives. Over a meal, you learn the stories of the masters, the subtle nuances of history, and the global reach of our art—evidenced by the fact that the students on the mat hailed from Indiana, Michigan, and even India. We left Northfield with tired muscles and a clearer understanding of the tools we carry.