One of the few martial arts to be developed specifically for protection at sea, Kobudo came out of the need for protection against merchant pirates in the Asian Pacific during the 15th century. Everyday implements were used for defense, such as bo (staff), eku (oar), kama (sickle), surujin (chain or rope), tinbei (shield, such as a tortoise shell) and rochin (fishing spear). Kobudo, like Karate, emphasizes balance and strength for personal defense.

Okinawan Kobudo was at its zenith some 200-400 years ago, and a few forms still exist today. In the early stages, techniques of Kobudo were kept from the uninitiated and it was not uncommon for classes to be held in secret. Kobudo arts are not strictly related to karate, but several styles of that art include some degree of kobudo training as part of their curriculum. Similarly, it is not uncommon to see an occasional kick or other empty-hand technique in a Kobudo kata. The techniques of the two arts are closely related in some styles, evidenced by the empty-hand and weapon variants of certain kata.