Training

Training methods used by the RKHS include kihon waza (basic techniques), kata (traditional forms), and kumite (sparring). Minimum proficiency in these areas is required for advancement to the next grade. Akamine Eisuke Sensei, our teacher's teacher, placed great emphasis on honing individual techniques over learning a large number of forms, and we continue this tradition. Anyone can memorize the movements of a kata, but if the techniques contained therein are poorly executed, the kata will be poorly executed. A kata cannot be any better than the sum of the waza it contains. Development of gamanku (hip technique) is also of paramount importance.   

"If I teach you kata, you will forget it tomorrow, but if I teach you waza, you will have it for a lifetime."

                                                                                                                        - Akamine Eisuke 

Kihon Waza

All bo kihon waza are an official part of the curriculum. Other weapons have kihon that are practiced on a regular basis, and the ones listed are typical.

Kata

There are over 30 kata (forms) in our system. This is a listing of the kata by weapon, along with its origin, and the rank at which it must be mastered. If no rank is listed, the kata is not required for rank examinations up to Godan. We use the Okinawan names for kata in most cases; if there is also a Japanese version of the name in common use, it is in parentheses.

Kumite

There are many yakusoku kumite (prearranged sparring drills) required at different levels. Han jyu kumite (semi-free sparring) is also practiced. Bo Tai Sai (Bo vs. Sai) Kumite and Bo Tai Bo (Bo vs. Bo) Kumite are a standardized part of the curriculum.

Here are the first five Bo Tai Sai Kumite for use as a reference. The stance is shiko dachi (square/horseriding stance) unless otherwise noted.  

Bo Tai Sai Kumite: 

1. Bo: hidari chudan ura uchi (left middle rear side strike), Sai: migi chudan uke (right middle block); Bo: migi shomen uchi (right forward strike), Sai: hidari jyodan uke (left high block), migi chudan gyaku zuki / shizen dachi (right middle reverse punch in natural stance) 

2. Bo: hidari gedan ura uchi (left low rear side strike), Sai: gedan barai / ippon dachi (low sweep block in one-leg stance); Bo: migi shomen uchi (right forward strike), Sai: hidari jyodan uke (left high block), migi chudan gyaku zuki / shizen dachi (right middle reverse punch in natural stance)

3. Bo: migi chudan zuki / kosa dachi (right middle punch in crossed stance), Sai: migi chudan uke (right middle block) ; Bo: migi chudan zuki (right middle punch), Sai: hidari chudan uchi uke (left middle outside-to-inside block, stepping back w/ right foot) , migi jyodan tate uchi / shizen dachi (right high vertical strike, spin clockwise into natural stance), Bo: jyodan uke (high block), migi shomen uchi (right forward strike), Sai: hidari jyodan uke (left high block), migi chudan gyaku zuki / shizen dachi (right middle reverse punch)

4. Bo: migi yoko uchi (right side strike), Sai: hidari gedan uke / kokutsu dachi (left low block, arm against body, in back stance); Bo: migi gedan gyaku yoko uchi / hiza dachi (right low reverse side strike dropping to left knee), Sai: tobi, migi jyodan shomen uchi / shizen dachi (jump over bo strike, land in natural stance, right high forward strike)

5. Bo: migi gedan yoko uchi (right low side strike), Sai: tobi (jump over bo strike); Bo: migi jyodan gyaku yoko uchi (right high reverse side strike), Sai: otoshi / hiza dachi (duck bo strike, dropping to right knee); Bo: migi kaeshi uchi (right returning strike), Sai: migi jyodan uke (right high block), hidari chudan gyaku zuki / shizen dachi (left middle reverse punch in natural stance)