15th Nihon Kobudo Taikai at Riverside Sports Center

April 19, 1997

This demonstration is held each year in April in conjuction with a performance of yabusame in nearby Asakusa Riverside Park. In the morning there are several study sessions, usually lecture demonstrations by selected schools. This year Inoue Sensei, head of the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinkokai, gave a presentation of some of the Okinawan weapons systems, while Otake Risuke, chief instructor of the Katori Shinto-ryu, explained the importance of using the blade edge of the sword for blocking an attacking sword (the back edge is made of soft metal that can more easily break). Shibata Tetsuo, headmaster of the Kurama-ryu presented a lecture titled "Kobudo Nyumon" (Introduction to Kobudo).

In the afternoon forty-three schools demonstrated their arts, including a special presentation, for the very first time in Tokyo, of Higo Ko-ryu naginatajutsu.

Select a link below to view the photograph.