This page is meant to be a resource for Kobudo Students at Rising Sun Martial Arts.
New students are accepted into the Kobudo Program twice each year, during the month following the semi-annual Black Belt tests (usually April and October). To participate, students must be at least 10 years old and hold the following minimum rank in karate: Sankyu (Juniors), Yonkyu (Teens), Gokyu (Adults). Students must also maintain consistent karate training.
Our Kobudo curriculum follows the Seikichi Odo lineage of traditional Okinawan Kobudo, as passed down by Odo Sensei’s students, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman and Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman. The Heilmans direct the International Karate Kobudo Federation, of which our dojo is a member school.
Kobudo Program Rules
All dojo rules apply to the Kobudo Program. Additional regulations specific to Kobudo include…
- Kobudo training is intended to supplement Karate training. Thus, all Kobudo students must maintain consistent attendance in their Karate classes. Students who do not maintain their Karate training may be required to put Kobudo on hold until such time as their attendance improves.
- Kobudo students must attend a minimum of three IKKF training events prior to Black Belt Testing. One of these three events must be an IKKF Annual Training.
- Dress Code – The standard Karate uniform is used for Kobudo classes, with the following exceptions…
- Kobudo belts will be issued; students may not wear Karate belts to Kobudo classes.
- The IKKF patch will be work on the left sleeve of the gi jacket.
- Male students should wear foul cups whenever training with weapons.
- Official IKKF uniform guidelines can be found here.
- All Kobudo equipment must be purchased through the dojo. (Exceptions may be made with prior approval from Kyoshi.)
- Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their individual weapons. Students who regularly borrow dojo equipment for Kobudo class are expected to help maintain these items.