East-West Karate specializes in quality, practical Weapon Arts programs that allow the student to study what they are interested in. Students may focus on and perfect one or a few weapons for self-defense purposes (Zen Okinawan Kobudo), progress in an elite traditional kobudo style (Matayoshi Kobudo), or learn the basics of a large variety of weapons (particularly useful for those who may one day face them, such as police officers and security personnel).

Weapon Arts are the ability to use objects for defensive purposes. These objects may have been constructed specifically as a weapon or not. Almost any object can be useful for self-defense. East-West Karate offers one of, if not the, most extensive and elite Weapon Arts programs in Minnesota. The program focuses on Self-Defense Arts and not the flashy showmanship that is available at most martial arts schools.

Our Head Instructor, Sensei John Dombeck, PhD., has spent the better part of the past two decades studying the elite Okinawan style of Matayoshi Kobudo. In addition he has also spent that time studying the incredible weapons arts (Zen Okinawan Kobudo) of the head of our karate style, the renowned Master Tadashi Yamashita, as well as training in a variety of other traditional weapon arts. These three traditions form the basis of the East-West Karate Weapon Arts Program.

Empty-hand martial art experience is strongly suggested but not required, and practitioners of other empty-hand styles are more than welcome (although it is customary to obtain permission from one’s instructor before training at another dojo). The program also offers teaching certification in the various weapons for interested instructors. Teenagers (13+) and older children (10+) with sufficient martial discipline, generally green belt in our empty hand karate or black belt at most other schools, may also learn beginner-level weapons with parental permission. Some weapons may have more strict age requirements.

New students start with one of the Beginner weapons (Bo, Nunchaku, Sai, Tonfa, Nitan Bo or Bokken/Sword) and may continue perfecting the practical, extensive training in that weapon, or may choose to study other weapon(s) at a later time.

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Weapons in the program include:

East-West Karate, Inc.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota