A Rare Opportunity! Training with Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho in Australia
It’s not every day that an instructor as distinguished as Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho visits our shores. For martial artists passionate about Okinawan weaponry, this seminar in Wollongong (30 Jan–1 Feb 2026) offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Whether you’ve trained with weapons before or are curious to begin, this is your moment to learn from someone who embodies both tradition and mastery.
Who is Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho?
- Born in 1954 in Aza Kakakzu, Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Hiroshi Akamine was raised in a martial lineage, the son of Eisuke Akamine and grandchild of Higa Raisuke.
- He began training in karate under his father at age 6, and in kobudo weapons work early on, studying under masters like Shinken Taira (for tinbe/rochin) and also under Shijin Gushiken for Shorin-ryu karate.
- When his father, Eisuke Akamine, passed away in 1999, Hiroshi Akamine took over as head of the Shimbukan Dojo.
- In 2011, he formally established Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan to continue preserving and developing the martial arts tradition in a setting aligned with his father’s teaching and the broader lineage.
What is Ryukyu Kobudo & Shimbukan Lineage
- Ryukyu Kobudo is the traditional weapons arts of the Ryukyu Islands. It encompasses a variety of weapons (Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Tekko, Tinbe, Eku, Kama, etc.) and kata, as preserved and systematised by masters such as Taira Shinken.
- The Shimbukan Dojo originally opened in 1971 by Eisuke Akamine Sensei, who was himself a student of Shinken Taira and of Seiichiro Higa.
- After Eisuke’s death, Hiroshi became head. Under his guidance, Shimbukan continues the lineage of Ryukyu Kobudo with rigorous emphasis on basics (kihon), kata, weapons technique, and preserving the art exactly as passed down.
Muken Kai & Hiroshi Akamine
- Alongside his role in Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan, Hiroshi Akamine is also President of Okinawa Shorin-ryu Muken-kai. This gives students exposure not just to Kobudo (weapons) but also the empty-hand art of Shorin Ryu through this association.
- “Muken Kan” (often written Muken-kai) is the name of the organization for Shorin Ryu under Gushiken Shijin, which Hiroshi Akamine assumed leadership of.
Why This Seminar Matters
- This is a rare chance to learn directly from a Hanshi 9th Dan whose knowledge spans decades and whose lineage is unbroken back to the founders of modern Ryukyu Kobudo.
- You’ll get instruction in traditional Okinawan weapons, Bo, Sai, Eku, Kama, Tekko, Tinbe, etc. in their original form, with emphasis on both technique and spirit.
- Also included is a Mu Ken Kai session, which means participants will get not just weapons work but also Shorin Ryu empty-hand methods under the same master. That fusion adds depth to understanding movement, timing, distance, not just handling weapons.
What to Expect
- A weekend packed with 12 hours of kobudo training, plus opportunities for grading (Dan only) and the 3-hour Mu Ken Kai session.
- All levels welcome: whether you’re brand new to weapons or you already have experience, this is designed to push your understanding forward.
- Plus the chance to connect with the global Ryukyu Kobudo family, ,meet others who share the same respect for heritage and technical purity.
Be There
If you want to be among the few in Australia to train directly with Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho in Shimbukan, don’t delay:
Early Bird pricing ends 15 October 2025.
Dates: 30 Jan – 1 Feb 2026
Location: Wollongong, NSW
Book now: Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Seminar with Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho
Let your practice go deeper. Preserve the art. Train with the lineage.
