Ryukyu Kobudo · Perth, Scotland
Learn the Art of
Okinawan
Kobudo
Ancient Okinawan weapons training — rooted in tradition, taught for today. Classes begin Saturday 27th June at Robert Douglas Memorial Institute, Scone.
New Classes
Ryukyu Kobudo Kongo-ryu Scotland — Monthly training sessions, last Saturday of every month in Perth from late June. First class is absolutely free.
What is Kobudo
Ryukyu Kobudo
Ryukyu — the old name for the Okinawan islands — Kobudo translates as Ancient Martial Way. Once practiced as an integral part of Okinawan karate, this tradition largely ceased after World War II as karate spread globally as a sport and form of physical education.
Today, Kongo-ryu preserves that unbroken lineage, teaching practitioners to wield traditional Okinawan weapons influenced by advanced Japanese Kobudo systems including Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo.
"Beginners welcome. No experience necessary. Age is no barrier."
Weapons Trained
Learn to Use Traditional Weapons
You will learn a variety of traditional martial arts weapons that originated in the Ryukyu Islands and were later refined through contact with advanced Japanese Kobudo systems.
Today, Kongo-ryu preserves that unbroken lineage, teaching practitioners to wield traditional Okinawan weapons influenced by advanced Japanese Kobudo systems, including Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo.
Bō (Long Staff)
Nunchaku
Kama
Sai
Tonfa
Ēkū (Oar)
Weapons Trained
Learn to Use Traditional Weapons
Improved Posture
Weapons training demands correct body alignment, naturally improving your everyday posture over time.
Mental Focus
Precision and timing sharpen concentration and cultivate a calm, focused mind.
Enhanced Coordination
Bilateral weapons work builds outstanding hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Stress Reduction
Structured, purposeful movement combined with focused breathing reduces everyday stress effectively.
Strength & Flexibility
Weapons training demands correct body alignment, naturally improving your everyday posture over time.
Self-Defence
Practical techniques rooted in centuries of refinement offer genuine self-defence capability.
Low-Impact Mobility
Gentle on joints yet highly effective — ideal for those seeking movement without high-impact strain.
Increased Confidence
Mastering new skills in a supportive environment builds quiet, lasting self-confidence.
Your First Class Is Free
Come along and give Ryukyu Kobudo a try. No obligation. No equipment needed.
The Lineage
Kongo-ryu The Oldest Kobudo System in Japan
Kongo-ryu Kobudo is the oldest Kobudo system in mainland Japan. Created by Ryusho Sakagami (1915–1993), a direct student of Taira Shinken (1897–1970) — known as the ‘Father of Modern Kobudo’ — the tradition has passed in an unbroken line through three generations to the present day.
The connection between Okinawan and Japanese Kobudo systems is preserved uniquely within this lineage, making Kongo-ryu training historically significant as well as practically valuable.
Weapons Trained
Learn to Use Traditional Weapons
1. Taira Shinken (1897–1970)
Father of Modern Kobudo
2. Ryusho Sakagami (1915–1993)
Founder of Kongo-ryu · Direct student of Taira Shinken
3. Sakagami Lineage — Present
Continued through 3 generations to today
Charles Hunter Sensei
Chief Instructor, Kongo-ryu Scotland · Student of 3 generations of the Sakagami lineage
Your Instructor
Charles Hunter Sensei
Chief Instructor · Kongo-ryu (Scotland)
All instruction is provided by Charles Hunter Sensei, Chief Instructor of Kongo-ryu (Scotland). A student of three generations of the Sakagami lineage, Sensei Hunter brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and direct transmission of the authentic Kongo-ryu tradition to Scotland.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, instruction is tailored to your level in a supportive and disciplined environment.
The connection between Okinawan and Japanese Kobudo systems is preserved uniquely within this lineage, making Kongo-ryu training historically significant as well as practically valuable.
When & Where
Class Times & Location
First Class
Saturday 27th June
Doors open — see class times page for full schedule
★ First class absolutely free
Venue
Robert Douglas Memorial Institute
Scone, Perth, Scotland
Monthly sessions — last Saturday of every month