At the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo, beginning on May 2, 2026, we will offer a weekly Matayoshi-style kobudo class led by David Troup sensei, through the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai (OKDR), under the direction of President Neil Stolsmark, Hanshi, 9th dan. Troup sensei is a Shodan in the OKDR, and is currently studying with Michael Norvell sensei, Rokudan in the OKDR.
The class will take place at the Penobscot Bay YMCA’s Lily Pond facility, which is the white building to your right as you come down the driveway to the YMCA. Registration is required through the YMCA’s website or by visiting the YMCA’s front desk.
Students will explore classical Okinawan martial arts weapons training, including bo, sai, tonfa, and nunchaku, with an emphasis on basics, kata, and practical application. Suitable for beginners and experienced martial artists alike, the class offers a disciplined, respectful environment to deepen both skill and understanding of this traditional art.
The weapons we primarily train in at our dojo are:
• Bo:
The bo is a long wooden staff about 6 feet in length.
• Sai:
The Sai was an iron weapon used long ago by officials to arrest criminals and hold back crowds. The Sai was created to defend against attacks from swords, bo, nunchaku, or tuifa. These days they are often made out of stainless steel.
• Nunchaku:
The nunchaku is a pair of hard wooden sticks attached by a chord (or three chords). Popularized by Bruce Lee movies in the 70s, the centrifugal force produced by swinging the nunchaku makes it an effective weapon.
• Tonfa or Tuifa:
Tonfa or Tuifa refers to two pieces of hardwood, each about 16 inches long, with a grip attached. These weapons resemble the police sticks used today.