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Bo, Eku, Kama, Katana, Naginata, Nunchaku, Sai,
Sansetsukon, Shuriken, Tanbo, Tekko, Tonfa, Karate

Welcome to Kempo Kobudo Scotland: Specialists in Traditional Kobudō

We are one of the few martial arts schools outside of Japan to offer a comprehensive, full-time curriculum dedicated entirely to Kobudō - a traditional weapons-based martial art. In most schools, if Kobudō is taught at all, it is usually restricted to one or two weapons and only introduced after students earn a black belt in an unarmed art such as Karate.

We’re different. Students begin training with traditional Okinawan weapons from day one, with no prior martial arts experience required. Our path to 1st dan black-belt alone includes nearly 100 kihon-waza (basic single techniques), more than 60 kihon renraku-waza (basic applied combinations), and around a dozen kata (formal forms) across the full range of weapons. We also provide dedicated competition kata classes, teaching over 40 kata to world-championship level. We can offer both a deep traditional knowledge and modern performance skills.

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Our Kobudō curriculum includes all weapons commonly taught in martial arts schools - such as the Katana, Nunchaku, Bō, Sai, Tonfa, and Kama. We also cover several other traditional weapons that you will rarely find genuinely practised outside of Japan - including Shuriken, Naginata, Eku, Kuwa, Tanbō, and Tekko (in both horseshoe and stirrup styles).

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In addition to Kobudō, we also offer separate training in Katsuki Ryu Kempo, meaning "Victorious Dragon Fist-law", an innovative and powerful martial art rooted in kempo karate, characterised by efficient, precise, and dynamic techniques. However, Kobudō is the main focus at our dojo.

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What to Expect in Training

Our classes focus on three core elements:

• Kihon (basics)

• Kata (choreographed formal forms)

• Kumite (safe sparring)

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All training takes place in a fun, and safe, environment using approved equipment.

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We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed, friendly, and fully inclusive atmosphere where questions are always welcome. Our passionate instructors and students create a supportive community, committed to sharing and evolving these traditional martial arts while honouring their rich history, values, and philosophies.

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Why Train With Us?

Any martial arts school will lean somewhere between sport and tradition, with most schools today focusing on a more sport-oriented approach. Sport martial arts tend to emphasise athleticism, competition, and performance-based techniques that excel in achieving competition success within the rule controlled environment of a tournament. In contrast, traditional martial arts schools strive to preserve the art as it was originally taught, focusing on skills in their original form - borne from survival rather than competition. Both are perfectly valid approaches to martial arts, just with slightly different aims, and there's a huge overlap in both.

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Our school generally leans towards the traditional path in most classes, focusing on practical skills and a deeper connection to Okinawan and Samurai traditions. Our dedicated Competition Kata classes follow the sporting path and have helped students win medals at local, national, and world championship levels.

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Whether you're:

• A complete beginner looking to build confidence and learn self-defence.

• Fascinated by the martial history of Okinawa, Japan, and the Samurai.

• An experienced practitioner aiming to deepen your skills and knowledge in Kobudō.

• Or just fancy yourself as a bit of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or a Samurai.

We offer classes tailored to all ages, abilities, and fitness levels - even those with mobility challenges. Everyone is welcome here!

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Join Us Today
Take the first step on your martial arts journey. Contact us to find out more or sign up for a class. We look forward to helping you become the best martial artist you can be!