Kiseikan Kobudo

毅誠館

Kiseikan Dojo

Kiseikan 毅誠館 is a martial arts dojo dedicated to the practice and preservation of Matayoshi Kobudo, an Okinawan weapons-based martial art. With a focus on traditional techniques, historical accuracy, and disciplined instruction, the dojo serves as a centre for both practical training and cultural preservation.

The Origins of Kiseikan

Kiseikan was founded with the purpose of maintaining the authentic lineage and teachings of Matayoshi Kobudo. The art itself traces back to Okinawa, where weapon-based combat methods were refined over centuries. Located in the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, Kiseikan was established in response to a direct request from Sōke Matayoshi Yasushi Sensei 宗家又吉眞靖先生, ensuring that his family’s art remains accessible to practitioners in the United Kingdom.

Training and Methodology

Each weapon in the Matayoshi Kobudo syllabus is a martial art in its own right. The dojo provides structured instruction in classical Okinawan weaponry including but not limited to:

Bo (staff)
Sai (small hand tridents)
Tonfa (baton)
Nunchaku (wooden flail)
Eku (Oar)
Kama (hand scythes)

Training is divided into key components:

Kata – Pre-arranged forms demonstrating technique and movement.
Hojo Undo – Exercises designed to build muscle memory and refine techniques as well precision and control.
Kumi Waza – Partnered drills where one practitioner attacks while the other defends and counters in a controlled sequence.
Bunkai – Practical application of techniques.
Historical and Cultural Context – Understanding the origins of techniques within Okinawan martial traditions, including their historical development and philosophical values.

The Role of Kiseikan Dojo

Beyond physical training, Kiseikan Dojo serves as a centre dedicated to martial arts research, preservation, and education. The dojo ensures that students gain not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of the philosophical principles that underpin traditional martial arts.

The dojo’s commitment to historical accuracy and ethical practice extends beyond technique and application, ensuring that students not only master the movements but also understand the history, cultural values and responsibilities that come with them.

Sensei Ross Lavery

Ross Lavery has dedicated over a decade to the study and practice of Matayoshi Kobudo. His martial arts journey began with rigorous training under his Sensei, where he worked hard to develop a reputation for discipline and technical proficiency. Over time, he earned the position of Senpai, serving as the senior student of the dojo. Ross would later go on to hold Kobudo seminars on behalf of his Sensei’s dojo and provide one-to-one tuition for local Sensei, looking to develop their own Kobudo skills and add it to their own classes.

Through this role, Ross was introduced to Sōke Matayoshi Yasushi, marking a significant milestone in his martial arts journey. In the following years, he continued to refine his skills, balancing the lessons passed down to him with independent practice, until he was permitted the opportunity to visit and train at the Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan 又吉古武道光道館 in Okinawa. There, he trained directly under Sōke Matayoshi Yasushi and was formally registered as a direct member of the Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan, further solidifying his connection to the authentic lineage of the discipline.

Upon concluding his training in Okinawa, Sōke Matayoshi Yasushi personally entrusted Ross with the responsibility of sharing his knowledge in the United Kingdom. In response to this request, Ross established Kiseikan, ensuring that traditional Matayoshi Kobudo techniques and philosophies remain accessible to students seeking authentic martial arts instruction. His teaching is rooted in historical accuracy, disciplined practice, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the art.