Michael Leonard is a visual artist in the Rochester NY area. After seeing his own kids having "far too much fun" without him in the dojo, Michael joined the world of Isshin-ryū karate and in 2022 was granted the rank of Shodan. Why Custom Weapons? In martial arts practice the weapon is not a tool, but a functional extnesion of the body. Well crafted weapons become easier to use with practice and time. Poorly crafted weapons can cause frustration and in some cases injury.

Handcrafted Quality weaponey

"In the persuit of my own study of Isshin-ryū karate I was regularly dissapointed in the quality of many weapons available for my practice. They were either of poor craft or very expensive for their quality. Often both. I began to make my own weapons. Soon after others asked that I make weapons for them, and shortly after Kobudo Studio was born."

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Sai

A well-balanced sai, is a weapon that becomes a joy to use. A poorly balanced sai can cause injury and present an inappropriate challenge to a learner. We make all of our Sai from 304 stainless steel and hand-wrap the rope handles so that every weapon is sized and appropriately balanced for each individual. If you have questions about sizing please ask. We are more than happy to help.

Our Sai

NunchAku

Our nunchaku are designed using a traditional tapered octagon form and rope tie. Though the design is traditional we add a modern flair with various hardwoods and paracord ropes resulting in a high-quality weapon with plenty of personal flair.

The rope is tied so that it can be easily adjusted or replaced as you please.

Want to retie or adjust your nunchaku? Take a look at our instructional video here

Our Nunchaku

TONFA

Our tonfa come in two primary designs, rectangular tapered and rounded tapered. Both designs are entirely hand crafted, made from various hardwoods, and sanded to a silky smooth finish before they are coated with a protective layer of wax. As soon as you receive them they are ready to go and over time and use they will develop a patina lasting years to come.

Our. Tonfa

Patches

Tempus fugit, "time flies" is our mantra of sorts. I began studying Isshin-ryū karate later in life when I had assumed that the "ship had sailed" on those kinds of activities. Clearly, I was wrong, and in the best way possible. Now I try to share that mindset with everyone I know and every person I teach.

It is never too late to try something.

Our patches are a fun way of sharing our mindset and the GLOW in the dark too.

Get A Patch