Mura Bo vs Bojitsu - All that glitters in not Budo

The practice known as 'mura bo' or Village Bojitsu is often characterised by its emphasis on public displays and shared group activities rather than being solely focused on the martial art's essence, known as 'budo'. This trend can be observed particularly in the cultural context of Okinawa, where martial arts have deep historical roots and societal significance.

In the realm of mura bo, the emphasis is placed not only on individual skill development but also on community cohesion and identity. In Okinawan villages, martial arts were traditionally practiced not only for self-defence or personal advancement but also as a means of fostering unity and resilience among the residents. The communal aspect of mura bo is evident in various practices such as group demonstrations during festivals or gatherings, where participants showcase their skills collectively rather than in competitive or combative scenarios. Indeed the true essence of these bo activies is more akin to Morris dancing than to any formal budo activity. For a deeper dive into the actual names and forms of the mura bo, as practiced on Okinawa, I invite you to read more the wonderful post by Ansreas Quast at: https://ryukyu-bugei.com/?p=824. 

The communal nature of mura bo extends beyond mere physical training. In Okinawa, these practices often serve as vehicles for transmitting cultural values, traditions, and historical narratives from one generation to another. Through group activities such as kata performances or traditional weapon drills, participants not only hone their physical abilities but also deepen their connection to their community's heritage and identity. The were and remain a means of telling a village or region history and supporting a local identify.

The emphasis on public displays and group shared activities in mura bo can also be attributed to its role in fostering social cohesion and solidarity within Okinawan villages. Historically, these communities faced various challenges, including external threats and socio-political upheavals. In such contexts, the practice of martial arts served not only as a means of self-defence but also as a unifying force that brought people together, instilling a sense of collective pride and resilience. Okinawa, we forget, was the poorest area of the Japanese achipelego and later the vast Japanese Empire. Traditionally it was an was ravaged by illiteracy, child mortality, mass migration to say nothin of the natural disaters which were all to common in the seas and skies around Ryukyu. Therefore, local identify helped sow the seeds of mutual aid and support in hard times - the village festival, of which the mura bo was a constitutent part, thus was a central axis of community.

Moreover, the communal nature of mura bo aligns with the broader cultural ethos of collectivism and mutual support prevalent in Okinawan society. Unlike the individualistic ethos often associated with modern interpretations of martial arts, mura bo emphasises collaboration, cooperation, and shared responsibility. This emphasis on community values and solidarity underscores the distinction between mura bo and the more individualistic pursuit of budo.

While there is some evidence that some landlords along the coast may have actually taught some of their retainers or labourers the use of the bo, this was most likely a rudimentary level of bojitsu as there were by law set bands of local milita which were responsible for patrolling the island and guarding its coast.

So how can you tell is what you are watching is mura bo or an actual for of budo using the bo. This is a million dollar question however, based upon what I have witnessed Mura Bo festival perfomances usually follow a simple back and forth embusen which usually composes of hitting the sticks at a high and medium range - there is also usually some fort of turn, again in a straight line, which a counter/attack simple format. These drills lack the complexity and multidimensional 2 person kumite you see in more budo aligned training. Laslty, usually the practitioners tend to be "doing" the work rather than letting the weapon "do" the work. Mura bo techniques tend to be quite static and robotic as opposed to more fluid. Lastly, the bo is usually only demonstrated against the bo and not other weapons such as the sword or sai.

So next time you view a so called BO demonstration ask yourself is what you are seeing Mura bo or bojitsu?!?

In summary, the practice of mura bo in Okinawa is characterised by its emphasis on public displays and group shared activities, reflecting its role not as a martial art as a means of fostering community cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting collective resilience. In this context, the communal aspects of mura bo distinguish it from the more individualistic pursuit of budo, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of martial arts practices in Okinawa.