OBI Curriculum

[The photo shows Sensei Shugoro Nakazato teaching at Okinawan Budo Institute 1973]

          The OBI curriculum contains of 14 classic Karate Kata (plus, for Yudansha [Dan ranks], the new kata Gorin, created by Sensei Shugoro Nakazato for the 1996 Olympic Games) and of 13 Kobudo Kata [for Bo/staff, Tonfa/handle, Nunchaku/flail, Kama/sickle, Sai/fork, and Eku/oar]. 

           Kata are designed to train specific muscle groups and to build up fighting capabilities, progressively including advanced techniques and concepts with increasing difficulty. Kata provide an encyclopedia of moves and concepts for all possible fighting challenges.

           In empty hand karate, there are a couple of additional basic technique drill-kata (three Kihon Kata, three Fukyu No Kata, and Chi No Kata), which are taught during the first months of a new student’s training and regularly performed thereafter. Formal and informal kumite drills, sparring and free fighting for advanced students, complete the curriculum.

           Performance standards are used for rank assignments, and minimum requirements exist for each rank. Empty hand karate requirements include the capability to sufficiently perform specific kata per belt; punch, kick, and strike sequences; block/counter and grappling sequences, as well as sequences that involve to break free from a hold, throws and take-downs. Kobudo requirements are parallel to empty hand karate requirements. Knowledge about etiquette, terminology, and history complete rank requirements.  

           There is no predetermined time frame for students to advance, students rather must prove their ability to execute moves and kata sufficiently before receiving their promotion. 

           Performing all kata sufficiently is the prerequisite to be considered for black-belt testing in empty hand karate; and mastering two Bo kata and one kata per all other weapons is the according prerequisite in kobudo. This differs considerably from the the practice at most other dojo, where performing about 9 or 10 out of 14 kata qualifies a student for black belt testing (which equals green-belt-level at OBI). In other words, a green belt at Okinawan Budo Institute would represent black belt level performance standard at many other dojo.

           Per a student’s or per a Sensei’s application, ranks issued by Okinawan Budo Institute may be re-evaluated by Shorin Ryu Shorinkan leader Nakazato Minoru, Hanshi, 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Shorinkan, at the Okinawan honbu dojo for international recognition. 

Click here to see an overview of Okinawa Budo Institute rank requirements in "Downloads"