Hanamizuki Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujyutsu Academy

In efforts to extend communication and fellowship with the RHKKA and any persons interested in Okinawa Karate I am starting some live stream sessions. The first is Saturday morning 0930 Eastern Time: Join me to discuss topics like our style, history, Okinawa, teaching, training and more!

Coffee with Sensei March 7 2026 Coffee and discussion of martial arts with Ed Hershman Sensei, Director of Hanamizuki dojo Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujyutsu, President of the RHKKA, direct Okinaw...

The in-person class at Hope Church is on winter break. Don't forget your homework!

Hanamizuki dojo students and associates, we made it through a short grieving period then got slammed with the Government shutdown. Finally the in person classes in Lee Hall are getting back. Now the holidays begin. All these interruptions are no reason to not train! 85% of the material you need is on the pages. Keep check on the class schedule and utilize the online program. I have availability in Newport News, Yorktown TRACEN, and Appomattox for in person training. My availability for travel has greatly improved too. Let's train! (Sensei)

In person classes at Hope Church at Lee Hall have been interrupted a great deal lately. Becki's mom passing, my (Ed) Dad passing, and now the government shutdown allowing me time to handle business out of town have disrupted things. Students should utilize the many training videos and learning opportunities. The kobudo page has been updated with seven videos. Class should resume Thursday Oct 9 at the Church.

It’s in the Name.
My teacher, Odo Seikichi, changed the name of his martial art entirely in 1997. The reasons were many. Ultimately, the name he chose expressed his desired direction for his new restructured organization. He called his style and school: Ryukyu hon Kenpo Kobujyutsu Federation. All these words were carefully considered by him, his family and professional associates before announcing to the world. Sensei picked Ryukyu to replace Okinawa. Ryukyu was an older term that included all the islands and cultures not just the single main island. He placed the word Hon next to mean original and authentic. Hon also means book. It’s the standard. Next is Kenpo, the old word used by Nakamura to describe his martial art. The meaning is of course fist way expressing Chinese roots. Then Odo sensei used Kobujyutsu. This was a departure from using Kobudo. It expressed the older warrior fighting systems. This placed a huge emphasis on proper, realistic, non-sport applications. It was being the old warrior in attitude and application. Notice the absence of the word karate or the suffix of do (way). Did Odo also intend to separate further from the mainland Japan concepts of karate-do? This I do not know for sure, but I expect this was some of his reasoning.
With the name change there was also a change in how he taught, what he taught and the expectations he had on his students. Odo Sensei even made some minor changes in some kata to identify the students that followed him into his new Federation. Lastly the word Federation was added to express that his school was a union of partially self-governing dojo, but he was still in charge.
Today the Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujyutsu Federation effectively does not exist. With permission of the Odo family several of his students formed the Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujyutsu Association in 2012 to help support each other. Worldwide, many still respectfully practice the martial arts as taught by Odo Seikichi.
If you would like information on the RHKKA send an email to: [email protected].

I recently read an article on Fox News, Warding off Alzheimer’s, (https://www.foxnews.com/health/warding-off-alzheimers-means-making-11-lifestyle-changes-expert).

Out of the eleven topics covered at least seven of them can be related to Okinawa karate practice.

Blood flow: The article suggests intermittent walking, three minutes fast and three minutes normal. Kind of sounds like kata practice to me! Get your blood flowing!

Retirement and aging: In the area the article says to learn something new every day. Exactly what Okinawa karate does. Never stop learning! This perhaps should be in the mental health category.

Head trauma: This should be every martial artist’s concern. Being aware of the dangers of being hit in the head and concussions is absolutely necessary. Do you know that karate has far fewer head injuries than most sports? It has way less than boxing! Protect your head, wear safety equipment and educate yourself on concussions.

Toxins: Short to the point, I don’t advocate that a martial artist indulges in toxins. Toxins means alcohol, drugs, ci******es, or anything that can hinder your development. You don’t spend hours in the dojo just to lose it due to life choices. The article also says those that use a sauna seemed to have less issues. Well, the dojo many times is a sauna! Sweat it out.

Mental Health: Practice and participation in the dojo is good for our emotions and mental health.

Obesity: The article specifically ties obesity and diabetes. Consistent karate practice can surely help with weight management.

Sleep: You will sleep better after practice!

Stay healthy. Odo sensei told me the ultimate reason to study karate was to live a long healthy life.

For the Lee Hall class: Starting on July 24th the Thursday class will change format. The sensei select class will be open to most students. Each term will concentrate on different topics. It may be a term of a one weapon, specific skill, or topic selected by sensei. The term starting on July 24 will cover udundi.

In person class at Hope Church update. First if you don't have a home Church in Newport News. Hope Church at Lee Hall is a wonderful Church. Becki and I are having to be out of town on family matters but the Church family there will welcome you.
The dojo class schedule is flexible. I am moving the start of the new term to Tuesday June 3rd. Last Tuesday is an gift class to those already enrolled. The upcoming term will have breaks. There will be no class on June 19, 24, and 26. The family karate camp is June 20-22. Ask me for details. The term will end July 22. This does include an extra class for some. The situation with my Dad and Becki mom will likely require more of our attention so expect the schedule to be interrupted again. During these time use the Facebook training and practice on your own. Oops, its time for service. See y'all Tuesday.

Warning, do not use closed captions on any of my You Tube videos, it does not like my Piedmont Virginia accent. Some of the translations are just rude. Ed Hershman Jr.

New pictures and new articles have been posted to the main dojo group.