Matayoshi Kobudo — 金硬流唐手沖縄古武術
The Matayoshi family lineage combines karate (Kingai-ryū karate) with an exceptionally wide-ranging weapon curriculum. The style carries strong Chinese-influenced characteristics, reflecting the historical connections between the Ryukyu Kingdom and mainland China.
Nihon Kobudō Kyōkai Listing
Registered under the name 金硬流唐手沖縄古武術 (Kingai-ryū Karate & Okinawan Kobujutsu). Current representative: 又吉 靖 (Matayoshi Yasushi), listed as 宗家十七代目 (17th-generation sōke).
- Nihon Kobudō Kyōkai profile: https://www.nihonkobudokyoukai.org/martialarts/066/
- International hub: https://www.matayoshikobudo.org
Weapon Range
The Matayoshi curriculum includes an unusually wide selection of weapons:
| Category | Weapons |
|---|---|
| Staff weapons | Bō, Jō |
| Bladed | Kama (sickle), Nuntei (trident spear) |
| Flexible | Nunchaku, Surujin, Sansetsukon (3-section staff) |
| Polearms | Eku (boat oar), Kuwa (hoe/mattock), Yonsetsukun (4-section staff) |
| Thrust/Guard | Sai, Tekko |
| Shield | Tinbē (shield) |
| Iron | Tetsubō (iron truncheon) |
This breadth reflects the Matayoshi family's emphasis on preserving farming, fishing and everyday-object origins of Okinawan weapons.
Shared Kata Names with the Taira Line
Despite being organizationally distinct, Matayoshi kobudo and the Taira line share many kata names — Shushi no Kon, Sakugawa no Kon, Chatan Yara no Kon, Tsuken no Kon, Chōun no Kon — because both lineages draw from the same historical pool of Ryukyuan weapon kata. The choreographic versions differ; the family relationships are shared.
Lineage
Matayoshi Shinchin (又吉真仁)
└── Matayoshi Shinpo (又吉真豊, 1921–1997) ← primary 20th-century figure
└── Multiple international students
└── Matayoshi Yasushi (又吉靖) ← current sōke
Matayoshi Shinpo was based at the Kodokan dojo in Naha. His transmission has spawned several international organizations; the IMKA (International Matayoshi Kobudo Association) is one major hub.