Matayoshi Kobudo is one of the main Kobudo styles in Okinawa and is now considered one of the world's leading Kobudo styles.

Matayoshi Kobudo originated from the teachings of Shinko Matayoshi (1888-1947), a son of one of Okinawa's oldest families. Sensei Shinko made several trips to China and during this time he learned the art of self-defense with a variety of weapons from different masters. A Kobudo system emerged that differs from other Kobudo styles by incorporating an variety of weapons in a stand alone weapons system. After his return from China in 1935, he brought his kobudo to his native Okinawa.

Sensei Shinko Matayoshi's legacy was carried on by his son, Sensei Shinpo Matayoshi (1923-1997). He began his training in martial arts at an early age under his famous father. Sensei Shinpo also traveled extensively to teach his family's style of Kobudo. In 1970 he founded the Ryukyu Kobudo Renmei, which was renamed to the Zen Okinawa Kobudo Renmei in 1972, and became its president. The Matayoshi family dojo is called Kodokan (Way of Enlightenment) in honor of his father, whose first name Shinko means "True Light".