I shot a few more videos over the weekend practicing kobudo kihon out in the fresh air with MJ. Here’s the first of the videos, practicing the set of 14 Basic Bo Blocks which is a set of kobudo kihon or basics. Kobudo is the use of traditional Okinawan Weapons including the rokushaku bo (6′ staff). These 14 basic bo blocks are composed of different sets of pairs of blocks. Most of the pairs focus on high and low or strong and weak sides. Most blocks are practiced eight times alternating right and left sides.
[Note: The photos below are freeze frames from the live action practice video so they are not as perfect as if they were specifically posed photos for each move.]14 Bo Kihon Uke (Bo Basic Blocks)
The bo blocks are done in sets of eight, alternating sides and grips. For the first four in a set use a regular hand switch for each grip, and for the last four in a set use a slide switch. The first two sets only have four repetitions because there are no hand switches. All sets begin stepping back left into a right zenkutsu-dachi, unless otherwise indicated.
Natural Grip Horizontal Up/Down Blocks with Side Steps
Natural grip uses both palms down. These first two sets are only done for four repetitions each because there are no hand switches.
1) Up Block
Step out right to Shiko-dachi. Up block. Alternate sides, same natural grip, only 4 times. Block above the head using the middle of the bo with hands spaced wide apart.
2) Down Block
Step out right to Shiko-dachi. Down block. Alternate sides, same natural grip, only 4 times. Be sure to block low enough to protect the groin from an up strike. Block below the groin using the middle of the bo with hands spaced wide apart.
Normal Grip Horizontal Up/Down Blocks
All the remaining sets are done with a normal grip starting with the right hand palm up and the left hand palm down. Do eight repetitions for each set with the first four using a normal hand switch and the last four using a slide hand switch.
3) Up Block
Up block. Bo horizontal, blocking with center above head. Block above the head using the middle of the bo with hands spaced wide apart.
4) Down Block
Down block. Bo horizontal, blocking with center. Be sure to block low enough to protect the groin from an up strike. Block below the groin using the middle of the bo with hands spaced wide apart.
Bo Front High/Low Blocks
5) Bo Front High Block
Bo front high block. Front leg/palm up. Aim toward temple area.
6) Bo Front Low Block
Bo front low block. Front leg/palm up. Aim toward knee area.
Bo Back High/Low Blocks
7) Bo Back High Block
Step back right into L Zenkutsu-dachi. Bo back high block. Palm down end. Aim toward temple area.
8) Bo Back Low Block
Step back right into L Zenkutsu-dachi. Bo back low block. Palm down end. Aim toward knee area. For the slide switches, keep bo vertical. Slide bottom hand up. Slide top hand over other and down.
Fuso Blocks
All the Fuso blocks have the thumbs down.
9) Fuso Block
Fuso block high. Angled over head. Hands similar to Pinan Shodan positions.
10) Fuso Strong Side Block
Fuso strong side block. Thumbs down. Bo vertical about 45° off the front leg/knee.
11) Fuso Weak Side Block
Fuso weak side block. Thumbs down. Bo vertical toward the back leg side about 45° off the center of your body. Be sure to keep your high elbow from extending past the bo.
Anti-Fuso Blocks
All the Anti-fuso blocks have the thumbs up.
12) Anti-fuso Strong Side Block
Anti-fuso strong side block. Thumbs up. Bo vertical about 45° off the front leg/knee. Be sure to keep your high elbow from extending past the bo.
13) Anti-fuso Weak Side Block
Anti-fuso weak side block. Thumbs up. Bo vertical toward the back leg side about 45° off the center of your body.
Soto Uke
Step back left into right neko-ashi-dachi and soto uke. Front of Bo makes half circle from bottom up as you curl the front wrist up/inward.
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Thanks for the info about Kobudo. I want to live a healthier lifestyle. I’ll consider giving Kobudo a try.
Thanks Larry! I’m glad you enjoyed the kobudo videos. I have many more to follow, so be sure to subscribe and stay tuned!