Sensei Zenei Oshiro is the esteemed head instructor of the Okinawa Kobudo Australia Kazukan. He was born in Naha in 1953 and began his martial arts journey at the age of sixteen. Under the guidance of Master Eichi Miyazato, a direct student of Master Chojun Miyagi, he started training in Goju-ryu karate. He also took up kobudo, the practise of traditional Okinawan weapons, under the tutelage of Master Shinpo Matayoshi.
In 1973, Sensei Oshiro returned to the University and continued his karate training at the Shodokan school, led by Master Seikichi Higa. He dedicated himself to honing his skills in both karate and kobudo and became a respected practitioner in both disciplines. Sensei Oshiro is a direct student of Shinpo Matayoshi, the founder of Matayoshi Kobudo, and has trained extensively under his instruction.
Sensei Luke Schroor is the head instructor of the Okinawa Kobudo Australia Kazukan dojo in Canberra. He began his training in Matayoshi Kobudo in Australia in 2001 and achieved his 1st Dan grading in 2006 under the guidance of Sensei Takehiro Gaja. Encouraged by Sensei Gaja, Sensei Luke pursued further training in Germany under the supervision of Sensei Zenei Oshiro and Shihan Hans Buml, the head instructor of the Dsseldorf Kazukan Dojo.
Sensei Luke achieved his 2nd Dan grading in 2011 and his 3rd Dan grading in 2014. He was awarded his 4th Dan black belt by Sensei Zenei Oshiro in September 2023, further exemplifying his dedication and expertise in Okinawa Kobudo. Sensei Luke has also had the privilege of training in Okinawa at the dojos of Sensei Takehiro Gaja, Sensei Kenichi Yamashiro, and the Matayoshi Kodokan.
The Kazukan dojo in Wanniassa, Canberra, focuses on the practise of traditional weapons of self-defence from Okinawa. They are a complete weapons system and train according to the teachings of Matayoshi Kobudo in its original form. Through the study of fixed basic techniques, partner exercises, and forms, known as hojoundo, bunkai, and kata respectively, students learn body control, concentration, and the art of handling a variety of weapons.
Kobudo can be seamlessly integrated as an extension of any empty hand martial art or can be practised independently as a standalone discipline. Translating to “Old Martial Way”, Kobudo holds significant cultural and historical value throughout Asia. The Kazukan dojo strives to preserve and teach this unique cultural heritage, affiliating itself with esteemed organisations such as the Acadmie Internationale de Kobudo d'Okinawa, Okinawa Kobudo Kazukan Dsseldorf, Capital Martial Arts, and the Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate and Kobudo.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Okinawa Kobudo Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia and their deep connexions to the land, sea, and community. The dojo is committed to promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding within the martial arts community.
For more information on the Kazukan dojo and its training programmes, please visit their website or contact Sensei Luke Schroor.