Yamanni Chinen-Ryū Kobujutsu

History & Lineage

According to oral tradition, Sakugawa "Tōdi" Kanga (1733–1815) introduced the bō from China to Okinawa in 1762. The art then passed through three generations of the Chinen family and, in the modern era, to Kishaba Chōgi (1934–2017) and Oshiro Toshihiro Shihan. Today, Yamanni Chinen-Ryū remains a lesser-known branch of Okinawan kobujutsu and has only recently been openly taught outside Okinawa, mainly through the efforts of the Ryūkyū Bujustsu Kenkyū Dōyūkai (RBKD).

Training Methodology & Framework

• Body Dynamics: Yamanni-ryū emphasizes continuous, centerline-aware motion. The bō is made to feel light, flow smoothly, rebound effortlessly, and land heavily without hard stops. The result is a fluidity that contrasts with the segmented, stop–start rhythm common in much modern kobudō and karate.

• Centerline: The strategy of Yamanni-ryū is predicated upon centerline theory. Practitioners learn to move from center, aligning seichū-sen (body centerline) with embusen (line of performance) — a highly refined way of moving. This emphasis is distinctive of Yamanni-ryū and not found in most contemporary Okinawan Kobudō or Karate.

• Kata & Application: Kata present fluid transitions, wave-like acceleration, and rebounds that link techniques without visible "gears." In application, the attacker's weapon is intercepted and ridden while angled footwork takes the inside/outside gates; power comes from relaxed acceleration and structure rather than muscular tension, producing tactics that are fast, efficient, and effective.

Training is built around the classical kata of Yamanni-Ryū and includes the use of the following classical weapons:

• Bō / Kun: A round, often unfinished wooden staff approximately 6′ long and 1″ in diameter. It is one of the core elements of classical martial training. Techniques include swinging, slashing, and thrusting.

• Sai: A three-pronged metal truncheon, typically wielded in pairs, with one in each hand, primarily used for slashing, striking, and stabbing; historically associated with the ufuchiku (Okinawan police).

• Tunfā: A hardwood baton-like weapon approximately 15–20″ long with a perpendicular handle about a third down its length; usually wielded in pairs. The modern side-handled baton used by US law enforcement agencies (PR-24) is a derivative.

• Nunchaku: A flail of two wooden sticks linked by a short rope/cord. Its origins can be traced back over 800 years to the Chinese Northern Song Dynasty.

• Kama: A traditional Asian sickle, often wielded in pairs. They are believed to have inspired the use of the Japanese kusarigama and kyoketsu shoge.

• Jō: A shorter staff approximately 4' long, still used by some Japanese police forces.

• Eku: A wooden oar-shaped weapon handled similarly to the bō, with unique edge/flat applications.

Why It Matters

Yamanni-ryū develops fluid power, proper alignment, and expert timing that transfer directly to Authentic Karate. Its practice offers insight into the original mechanics, strategy, and tactics of Okinawan martial arts, making it valuable for anyone seeking to study these arts in depth.