During the formulation of Bushido in Japan by Yamaga Soka in 1685 and due to the fact that feudalism continued until the middle of the last century, a variety of combative hand weapons appeared throughout Asia. During the invasion of Okinawa in 1609 by Satsuma warriors, led by the Shimazu clan, all weapons were confiscated by a ban proclaimed by Ichisa Shimazu that left the Okinawans with no means of defense. In order to defend themselves they cleverly transformed some of their agrarian farm implements into hand weapons. These formidable weapons are known as the staff Bo, Eiku, Jo, Nunte-bo, Sai, Nunchuku, Tonfa and the Kama.
The Kobudo weapons became the only defense against the powerful Japanese invaders and their deadly swords. However, the Okinawans were forced to go underground to avoid detection by the Satsuma warriors. Their only hope for survival was to incorporate their newly created weapons into their karate skill. When peace was finally restored, the Okinawans were faced with a serious problem of “a lack of enemies”. It was agreed that if their art was to be preserved, it was necessary to adjust it in the realm of aesthetic practice.
Today, the weapons and philosophies mentioned here are still a great part of the history and tradition of the Okinawan people. The above weapons became the Kobudo weapons true Karate-do that today are extensively practiced throughout the United States and Europe.