Yamanni-ryū (山根流) (also Yamanni-Chinen-ryū and Yamane Ryu) is a form of Okinawan kobudō whose main weapon is the bo, a non-tapered, cylindrical staff.
In 1985 they founded the Ryūkyū Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai or RBKD (Association for the Study and Research of Okinawan Martial Arts) for the purpose of bringing Yamanni-ryū to the West.
Deeply inspired by Oshiro’s far-reaching legacy, and with the blessings of Kinjo Sensei, the name Oshiro-ha Yamane-ryu Kobudo, examples Patrick McCarthy’s desire to pay tribute and homage to this wonderfully unique lineage.
Patrick McCarthy's personal Kobudo journey had been inspired by the teachings of his esteemed Okinawan instructor, Kinjo Hiroshi [金城 裕, 1919-2013], and key figures under whom he studied; Chinen Sandā [知念三良, 1842–1925], Ōshiro Chōjo [大城朝怒, 1887-1935], and Maeshiro Chōtoku [真栄城朝亮, 1909-1979].
Amidst other pioneers, these people were pivotal figures before the style gained official recognition as "Yamane Ryu/山根流棒術" by Chinen's grandson, Masami [知念正実, 1898–1976].
Chinen-ha Yamanni Ryu Although McCarthy Sensei had met and practiced, back in the mid 1980s, with both Prof. Shinzato Katsuhiko and Kishaba sensei, along with being influenced by a pantheon of other wonderfully skillful instructors, including the very popular Oshiro Toshihiro and Nishime Kiyoshi [both of whom were largely responsible for first popularizing the little known practice outside of Okinawa], he has no connection to, nor purport to be associated with, in any way, the Chinen Masami Yamane Ryu Bojutsu lineage.
Years of historical study and cross-training opportunities in related arts, and often with the most senior authorities of various Kobudo traditions; i.e. Having studied directly under Richard Kim [1917-2001], Inoue Motokatsu [1918-1992] and Kinjo Hiroshi [1919-2013], McCarthy’s study was further influenced by lengthy research, extensive cross-training, and his informal association with a pantheon of other notable instructors; i.e. Sakagami Ryusho [1915-1993], Matayoshi Shinpo [1922-1997], Akamine Eisuke [1925-1998], Kuniba Shogo [1935-1992], Shimabuku Eizo [1925-2017], Hayashi Teruo [1924-2004], Nakamoto Masahiro [1938] and Inoue Motokatsu [1918-1993], et al. Iemoto (家元) Contrary to popular belief, the iemoto system is not Okinawan!
Until the time of Yabiku Mōden (屋比久 孟伝, 1878-1941), and Taira Shinken (平 信賢, 1897–1970), Kobudo as we know it today was never a systematized tradition nor based upon the iemoto system.