Introduction to Kobudō

Tuesday 6-7pm, Tahuna Intermediate, 31 Auld St, St Kilda

Learn the basics of Traditional Okinawan weapons (Ryukyu Kobudo)
Cost: $80 per term for 10 sessions.
Spaces are limited, so to book your spot, please email [email protected]

What we will cover:

Each of the four basic weapons will be covered throughout the year. One weapon per term.

Starting with Nunchaku, then Bo (6-foot staff) in term 2, Sai in term 3, and Tonfa in term 4.

Each weapon has its own basic swings and beginners Kata (form) which will provide the structure for the curriculum for the term. At the end of the term, students have the option to sit a grading if they meet the criteria, and are keen.

Weapons training is dangerous, so all beginners training is distanced and stand alone. Partner work is done at a later stage, and not until students can show competency in controlling their own bodies and weapons.

Who is this for:

Anyone over 13 years old can try weapons training. This is a stand-alone Martial Art. Open to all Martial Artists and ex martial artists who are looking for something to supplement their training, or to get them back to training with a Martial art that is suitable to all, especially as we age and are not interested in punishing our bodies with contact sparring. 

Especially good for cross-training for athletes who want a fun and different way to move their bodies. Great biomechanical base to generating force from the ground up and building control and progression through the kinetic chain. Synchronising upper body and lower body, with left and right and cross-body movements. 

Those interested in progressing from these beginners classes students can continue with our intermediate and advanced classes.

Classes will be run by Shihan Thanasi Balaphas, who has a 5th-degree black belt in Kobudo and a Shihan (master teacher) certificate from Kiichi Nakamoto Hanshi (10th-degree blackbelt) grandmaster of our style in Okinawa, Japan. Shihan Thanasi is the senior technical advisor for our New Zealand organisation and travels around the country to hold seminars. We are lucky to have someone of his experience and knowledge here in Dunedin. 

We can organise for students to buy their own weapons for the classes some weapons will be available for students to use during the class.  The better option by far is for students to bring thier own weapons.

Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 6 pm to 7 pm at Tahuna Normal Intermediate. 

Cost: $80 per term for 10 sessions.

Spaces are limited, so to book your spot, please email [email protected]