About Us

Kodawari Hombu Dojo

About Us

The people who originally developed the Japanese martial arts were, in fact, Japanese and they thought and conveyed their ideas in the Japanese language. It’s important to understand Japanese terminology as accurately as possible in order to understand the theories, concepts and technical ideas used in the martial arts.

In the most simple of terms, the Kodawari Hombu Dojo (こだわり本部道場)¹ is about teaching and passing on the personal² life preserving arts and combative sciences that originated primarily on the island chain of Okinawa with a heavy influence from Chinese martial arts. In addition, secondary or ancillary arts and skills from a variety of other martial practices are also included in an attempt to create a combative paradigm that is broken into the following main components.

I prefer the discipline of knowledge to the anarchy of ignorance. We pursue knowledge the way a pig pursues truffles.Daniel Ogilvy

Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu

Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu (龍精派琉球拳法唐手術)³ is the main art represented and taught by Michael Davis at the Kodawari Hombu Dojo.

As up to now [1938] karate has only partly been introduced in Tōkyō, people who exercise karate in Tōkyō believe that it solely consists of atemi (punching) and kicking techniques. When talking about gyaku-waza and nage-waza they assume that these only exist in jūjutsu and jūdō. This way of thinking is exceedingly counterproductive with respect to karate itself and can only possibly be attributed to a lack of knowledge. In any case, with respect to the propagation of karate-dō it is exceedingly disappointing that only a small part of the entirety of karate had been introduced in Tōkyō. To those who have the future of karate-dō in mind I recommend to under no circumstances narrow-mindedly hold on to the “nutshell” of a style and a school, but rather to synthetically explore karate as a whole.Mabuni Kenwa, founder of Shito-ryu Karate-do

More information on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu can be found by clicking on this link (it will open in a new browser tab) or click below:

Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo

Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo (龍精派琉球古武道)⁴ is the weapons based arm of the primary combative arts taught at the Kodawari Hombu Dojo.

The sanchin I studied under the direction of Matayoshi sensei can be divided into three main systems. Shuri Sanchin, Naha Sanchin, and Tsuru Sanchin, each of them has its own characteristics, its own sequence and its own breathing…Each of the three sanchin has its own characteristics and bears the signature of Shurite, Nahate and Tsuruken. After having deepened each of the three sanchin, their principles can be transformed/adapted into real fighting principles through the knowledge of modified movements (Findi.) A song of Ryûkyû says ” Even if I show you karate, I don’t show the techniques. “The only things you can see are the talents of the performer, but his gestures do not reveal the principles. In other words, you should never show how to use your skills.Hayasaka Yoshifumi, Hanshi, Menkyo Kaiden of Kingai-ryu

Matayoshi Kobudo Weapons

More information on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo can be found by clicking on this link (it will open in a new browser tab) or click below:

Neither Michael Davis nor the Kodawari Hombu Dojo are a part of the traditional Matayoshi kobudo organization or hombu in Okinawa. The use of Matayoshi-like symbolism and terms are merely a reference back to this art as that is where the original kobudo or weapons training for the Kodawari Dojo originate.

Ancillary Martial Arts & Studies

Fire and Water Methods

What is the water method in Taoism? Broadly speaking, it is the collection of older traditions of Daoism, its origin pre-dating the huge impact of the spread of Buddhism in China. Neo-Daoism [the ‘fire’ methods] arose 200 ~ 500AD which is also when, as a result of Buddhist influence, one starts seeing Daoist organizations with monasteries, rules, etc. Remember that prior to the rise of Neo-Daoism, the classic Daoist was usually a hermit who lived alone in a cave, has zero to a very few students, and in many [political] ways could be considered an anarchist…In the water traditions you ‘observe and allow’. In the fire traditions you ‘make stuff happen.’

About Sensei Michael Davis

NOTE: You should understand that my teaching style is often VERY direct. At times, I even use explicit language…which may offend some people. This teaching style often goes against what many people “expect” from a teacher or instructor. And, sometimes this offends what many people in the West call “the Ego”. If this teaching style is NOT for you then I strongly encourage you to find another teacher that better matches your current needs and expectations.

For me, true bujutsu is not a set of techniques. It is a state of mind/body integration. Once the combative principles are fully integrated in the mind, the physical techniques surge spontaneously because the body is capable of adapting instantaneously.

Michael “Many Kicks” Davis

Godan ~ Renshi ~ Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu

Kinryu – Gold Dragon

If you have not read about “The 9 Dragons of the Kodawari Dojo“, you can do so by clicking here. In doing so, understanding the “Kinryu” or Gold Dragon will make more sense to you.⁵

Qualifications

What follows is probably more background and information that you could possibly want on my qualifications, ranks and styles studied over an almost 50 year span of history. However, it is thought that this might be important to some and it will certainly help to understand where I am coming from in regards to much of my commentary here.

Beginning his martial training almost 50 years ago, Michael Davis has spent almost his entire adult life attempting to internalize, add to and propagate the body of knowledge that makes up the principles and techniques of the life preserving combative arts and sciences. Michael has taught or assisted with the teaching of seminars and events in 17 US states and four countries. In addition to training every day martial artists, he has taught members of the US military as well as law enforcement at every level…from local LEOs to Federal Marshalls and US Secret Service agents (protective detail). He has co-authored a martial arts book, written numerous magazine articles that were published internationally as well as appearing in and assisting with the production of martial arts videos and other training materials.

Qualifications - Ranks, Styles and Systems

Almost 50 years of total martial arts experience, covering Okinawan, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino combative and energetic arts.
Godan (五段 – 5th degree black belt) and a renshi (練士) teaching license – Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu (龍精派琉球拳法唐手術).⁶
Godan (五段 – 5th degree black belt), Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo (龍精派琉球古武道 – Matayoshi Kobudo – 又吉古武道 – based).⁷
Yondan (四段 – 4th degree black belt) and a renshi (練士) teaching license – Matsukaze Aikibudo (松風合気武道)
Yondan (四段 – 4th degree black belt), Shotokan Karate-do (松涛館空手道).
Sandan (三段 – 3rd degree black belt), Goju-ryu Karate-do (剛柔流空手道).
Experienced in Yangshi (揚式), Chenshi (陈氏) and Wushi (吳氏) Taijiquan (太极拳).
Extensive training in other Chinese martial arts (中国武術 – Chugoku bujutsu) such as Baguazhang (八卦掌 – eight trigram palms) and Xingyiquan (形意拳 – form intent fist), including many of their energetic components and trainings.
Extensive training in other Chinese energetic arts (気功 – qigong and 內功 – neigong or, if preferred, kiko and naiko).
Highly trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (中药 – Zhongyao) with an emphasis on the combative use of vital points (急所 – kyusho or 点穴/點穴 – dianxue).
Highly trained in Traditional Chinese Herbology (传统中草药学 Chuan Tong Zhong Cao Yao Xue), with an emphasis on the creation and formulation of iron palm(tie zhang – 鐵掌 or Omoi Te – 龍精派重い手) related dit da jow (跌打酒 – hit fall wine) and other assorted herbal based products.⁸

1
Kodawari (こだわり) is a Japanese concept that refers to a relentless pursuit of perfection in a given field or area of study with a level of attention to detail that borders on the fanatical or obsessive.
2
The martial arts and combative sciences of Okinawa are NOT militaristic or battlefield oriented. They are specifically designed as personal or individual skills
3
Ryusei is translated as “dragon spirit” and ha refers to a school, system or faction. Ryukyu refers to the island chain of Okinawa. Kempo is the Japanese way to say quanfa from Chinese and refers to “fist law” and would generally be translated as boxing or fighting technique. Karate uses the old way of referring to Okinawan fighting methods by using the kanji 唐 that means “China” as opposed to the character pronounced they same way that translates as “empty”. Jutsu means skills, techniques or science and separates the art from the do or way based arts that are more interested in self-perfection as opposed to self-protection.
4
Kobudo is made up of three (3) separate kanji. The kanji 古 or “ko” is translated as old, the kanji 武 or “bu” is translated as warrior and the kanji 道 or “do” is translated as way or path. Therefore, the combined word is translated as “old warrior ways or methods. In the world of Okinawan martial arts, kobudo is generally used when one is referring specifically to weapons arts or skills. It is not uncommon for older schools of martial arts (koryu – 古流 or old school) from the mainland of Japan to use it to mean something quite different.
5
Generally speaking, there are a total of nine (9) planned individuals who have the rank of Shuseki Shihan (首席師範) or “Chief Instructor” within the Kodawari Dojo. These individuals will serve as long term advisors to Sensei Davis and the dojo. Biographies will be added as individuals are offered and accept the position. Please note that this is a title or Kyoiku Shogo (教育称号) that applies ONLY to the Kodawari Dojo and is NOT intended as any sort of rank increase generally.
6
More informatation on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu can also be found here: Welcome To Our Dojo! – Who we are, what we do and what to expect and here: Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu
7
More information on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo can be found here: Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo and here: Welcome To Our Dojo! – Who we are, what we do and what to expect
8
More information on the Ryusei-ha Omoi Te taught by the Kodawari Hombu Dojo can be found here: Ryusei-ha Omoi Te or Heavy Hand

Densho

All articles written by Michael Davis should be considered densho

1
Kodawari (こだわり) is a Japanese concept that refers to a relentless pursuit of perfection in a given field or area of study with a level of attention to detail that borders on the fanatical or obsessive.
2
The martial arts and combative sciences of Okinawa are NOT militaristic or battlefield oriented. They are specifically designed as personal or individual skills
3
Ryusei is translated as “dragon spirit” and ha refers to a school, system or faction. Ryukyu refers to the island chain of Okinawa. Kempo is the Japanese way to say quanfa from Chinese and refers to “fist law” and would generally be translated as boxing or fighting technique. Karate uses the old way of referring to Okinawan fighting methods by using the kanji 唐 that means “China” as opposed to the character pronounced they same way that translates as “empty”. Jutsu means skills, techniques or science and separates the art from the do or way based arts that are more interested in self-perfection as opposed to self-protection.
4
Kobudo is made up of three (3) separate kanji. The kanji 古 or “ko” is translated as old, the kanji 武 or “bu” is translated as warrior and the kanji 道 or “do” is translated as way or path. Therefore, the combined word is translated as “old warrior ways or methods. In the world of Okinawan martial arts, kobudo is generally used when one is referring specifically to weapons arts or skills. It is not uncommon for older schools of martial arts (koryu – 古流 or old school) from the mainland of Japan to use it to mean something quite different.
5
Generally speaking, there are a total of nine (9) planned individuals who have the rank of Shuseki Shihan (首席師範) or “Chief Instructor” within the Kodawari Dojo. These individuals will serve as long term advisors to Sensei Davis and the dojo. Biographies will be added as individuals are offered and accept the position. Please note that this is a title or Kyoiku Shogo (教育称号) that applies ONLY to the Kodawari Dojo and is NOT intended as any sort of rank increase generally.
6
More informatation on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu can also be found here: Welcome To Our Dojo! – Who we are, what we do and what to expect and here: Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kempo Karate-jutsu
7
More information on Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo can be found here: Ryusei-ha Ryukyu Kobudo and here: Welcome To Our Dojo! – Who we are, what we do and what to expect
8
More information on the Ryusei-ha Omoi Te taught by the Kodawari Hombu Dojo can be found here: Ryusei-ha Omoi Te or Heavy Hand