The martial arts with weaponry (Kobu jutsu) started appearing in actual battles during the Sanzan (3 kingdoms) period of the 11th and 12th centuries in Okinawa. At that time, the three largest kingdoms - Nanzan (Ozato Aji), Hokuzan (Nakijin Aji) and Chuzan King (King Tamagusuku)�h - were competing for supremacy, and various weapons, fighting methods, castle construction techniques and other skills were developed. It is also believed that Okinawa's unique martial arts with weaponry were developed during the century or so when the traffic with China was stopped.

In the 15^th century unification led to the establishment of the Shuri Dynasty. The Okinawan martial arts with weaponry spread to various regions while developing mainly around the warrior class in Shuri, the capital. There was also influence from Chinese martial arts.