Okinawan Kobudo
Distance Learning
Our distance-learning program for Okinawan Kobudo program provides the student with 52 classes containing the curriculum typically required for the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt) in Matayoshi Kobudo.
This includes:
- Warmups
- Bo foundational movements and combinations #1-15
- Sai foundational movements and combinations #1-10
- Tonfa foundational movements and combinations #1-10
- Partner practice
- Classical Kata for bo: Shushi Nu Kun
- Classical Kata for sai: Nicho Sai
- Application theory utilizing the Principle-Driven model
To join the course for Kobudo, carefully read the information on the Distance Learning Program page.
Note: Certification is only offered for students that test in person either at the Burinkan, or when inviting the instructor to your location.
We are currently running classes for year 2 of training, which has the Shodan course as a pre-requisite. Students who have completed the Shodan course are eligible to join the year 2 course.
Links:
Testimonials:
"This Matayoshi Kobudo program has been an excellent supplement to my martial arts repertoire. Russ Sensei's breakdown of techniques and body mechanics has been the best example of the potential of online learning in the martial arts community that I have witnessed.
Typically, people host free online seminars or charge outrageous fees for seminars that are mismanaged, and no one seems to ever have their mic muted. This is deterring for many people.
However, Russ had been able to effectively manage classes, coach in an exemplary manner, and convey the importance of the small details that most people think can only be learned in person.
Additionally, he always posts class recordings in a timely manner so that you can practice what was taught with the same corrections over and over. (I wish I could rewatch many in person seminars the way I can rewatch these classes)
As a karateka I have always wanted to learn more about Kobudo and I have been very pleased with how well the two go together. "
-Trevor P
"As a martial arts instructor myself, I was somewhat reticent at the idea of joining a Zoom class by choice - I thought I'd had enough of Zoom learning after the last few years! But the Burinkan Matayoshi Kobudo classes taught by Sensei Russ Smith have exceeded my expectations.
Russ emphasizes basics and takes the time to explain the finer technical points before having us practice the techniques at length until we begin to execute them naturally. He clearly communicates complicated concepts in a way that overcomes many of the limitations of Zoom, and he patiently observes us as we perform the techniques, providing insightful pointers to each of us along the way.
Russ has found a way to deliver a high-quality, rewarding learning experience through online learning. His positive teaching style and engagement with the students keeps me coming back for more. Living in a rural area in Canada with limited options for high-quality martial arts instruction, I consider it a great privilege to be able to access Russ's expert teaching on a weekly basis. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in classical Okinawan kobudo!"
-Daniel W
"I've studied Matayoshi Kobudo under various teachers since 2017.
I was introduced to Smith Sensei about a year later, and was immediately impressed by the depth of his understanding of the art, and his seemingly effortless ability to share that understanding with students of all experience levels.
As a student in Burinkan's 52 week virtual course, I've gained more insights into body mechanics and the principles underlying each technique we explore than I can even count. Classes are well organized, with each new concept "stacking" on the ones previously learned to create a seamless whole.
Bottom line - I can't recommend the experience enough. You won't regret joining."
-Kennon B
