names are written in the Japanese style surname followed by given name
Kobudō as practiced by the Matayoshi family dates back to the 1500s. It was systemized and modernized by Matayoshi Shinkō early in the 20th century. After his death in 1947, his son Matayoshi Shimpō assumed responsibility as head of the style and further systemized the style.
When Matayoshi Shimpō died in 1997 his only son, Matayoshi Yasushi, the dōjō. He is considered “spiritual head” of Matayoshi kobudō because he never actually practiced kobudō.
Matayoshi Kobudō Logo
In 1915, Matayoshi Shinkō demonstrated kobudō before the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo, alongside karate greats Chojun Miyagi and Funakoshi Gichin. In 1921, Matayoshi performed a kobudō exhibition, this time in Okinawa, to the then-prince Hirohito. Because of this connection the imperial family of Japan, Matayoshi is is the only Okinawan martial artist honored by the Emperor of Japan to use the chrysanthemum, the imperial flower, as a symbol of his organization.
kiku
菊
chrysanthemum
mitsu domoe
三つ巴
three comma shapes arranged to form a circle
The inside of the logo contains the symbol, mitsu domoe, resembling three commas arranged in a circle. This symbol with the comma rotating in the clockwise direction represents the Shō dynasty of the Ryūkyū Kingdom (once the ruling kingdom of ancient Okinawa). Therefore, the the Matayoshi kobudō logo represents a blend of Japanese and Okinawan cultures.
