The indigenous Okinawan art of weaponry. Okinawan's have a unique tradition of spohisticated fighting techniques associated with common household and agricultural objects. Though people have been hitting each other with something since time began, cultured kobudo really beings around 1507 with the weapons ban by King Sho Shin. Thereafter, in 1609 when the Japanese invasion of Okinawa enslaved the nation, making "makeshift" weapons a priority. The Okinawan kobudo practiced at the Yankton Karate Club is Matayoshi Kobudo created by Master Matayoshi Shinko in the early 20th century and continued by his family in Naha, Okinawa. Since the 1920's, the Matayoshi system has had a strong relationship with the Goju-Ryu stystem, as both systems compliment each other. This system has a strong Chinese influence, which came about from Master Matayoshi's travels, formal weapons training and through his participation in actual combat. Overall, the momements in the Matayoshi system are more relaxed and flowing, with both linear and circular strikes forming a smooth, fluid application with stances designed for very quick and light movements. The system incorporated 13 different weapons with great emphasis placed on the bo (6' staff). The founding Masters' principles are based upon a thorough knowledge of the purpose and origin of each weapon, with a specific ordering of the learning of each weapon to facilitate growth and application. Kobudo fits very well with the empty-hand arts and can round out a student's martial training. One of the traditional Okinawan principles is that kobudo should be viewed not only as an art of self defense, but also serve as a means of obtaining and maintaining inner peace.