About Kongo-ryu
Shinken Taira (1897-1970)
Ryukyu Kobudo Kongo-ryu is an Okinawan traditional weapon martial arts style (kobudo) founded by Ryusho Sakagami (1915 – 1993), who was a direct student of Master Shinken Taira (1897-1970). It is known as the oldest kobudo school in mainland Japan, incorporating logical techniques and influences from Japanese martial arts like Kendo and Iaido.
Ryusho Sakagami developed this style, holding the first Shihan (master) license from renowned kobudo master Shinken Taira.
Ryusho Sakagami (1915–1993)
While rooted in Okinawan tradition, the school developed extensively in mainland Japan, blending traditional Ryukyuan techniques with Japanese Budo principles.
Sakagami Sadaaki, who became Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor) of Kongo-ryu, is also highly skilled in Kendo, Jodo and Iaido, and he established a system of Kongo-ryu techniques by complementing Kongo-ryu with findings from his own research.
In April 2010, he established the Ryukyu Kobudo Kongo-kai to promote Kongo-ryu.
Sadaaki Sakagami
Sadaaki Sakagami, who became Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor) of Kongo-ryu, is also highly skilled in Kendo, Jodo and Iaido, and he established a system of Kongo-ryu techniques by complementing Kongo-ryu with findings from his own research. In April 2010, he established the Ryukyu Kobudo Kongo-kai to promote Kongo-ryu.
Sadaaki Sakagami has since started to develop safety equipment, so that practitioners can attack and defend in the same way as in other modern martial arts and so that the competitive side of kobudo can be promoted to make that art more broadly understood and enjoyed.