Why Kobujutsu is Effective for Pregnant Women

The inspiration for writing this book came from a friend who practices martial arts. His wife was about three months away from giving birth. They visited my home for advice on pregnancy and childbirth. Seeing me demonstrate various physical techniques, he laughed and said, "Why not make a book out of it? Why don't you ask Professor Kono?" I thought it was a great idea and immediately began writing after getting his permission. Professor Kono is the martial artist Yoshinori Kono. Through a fortunate connection, I have been studying kobujutsu under Professor Kono for about 15 years.

I noticed that the physical changes of a pregnant woman, whose body grows larger each day, are highly compatible with the body manipulation methods of kobujutsu. Throughout my pregnancy, I experimented, thinking, "What if I moved like this? Could I move better if I did this?" When practicing kobujutsu, one develops a habit of unconsciously exploring various ways to control one's body.

A Pregnant Woman Who Can Sprint!?

As a result, I was able to continue my clinical practice until my 34th week of pregnancy without any severe back pain. During my maternity leave, I could walk for one to two hours daily and resume household chores from the day I was discharged from the hospital, maintaining both my mental and physical strength. I also discovered that problems often mentioned by pregnant women, such as "not being able to cut toenails or put on socks," and "inability to do various household chores," could be surprisingly eased using kobujutsu body manipulation techniques. Furthermore, I developed a method that allows even pregnant women to sprint, at least during the second and early third trimesters. I don't recommend it, of course! (A DVD, 'Kobujutsu-Style Easy Maternity: Pregnancy and Easy Childbirth Training,' which clearly explains these kobujutsu-based body manipulation techniques, is also available.)

And so... I have also written down various thoughts that arose from my experiences as an acupuncturist throughout my pregnancy and childbirth. Due to my profession as an acupuncturist, people often asked with surprise, "Oh, are you giving birth at the hospital?" Acupuncturists study not only Eastern medicine but also Western medicine thoroughly. When researching from a medical perspective, it becomes clear that what are sometimes called natural childbirth and parenting can occasionally involve dangers. A simple return to "nature" can sometimes put both mother and child at risk.

Bring on Childbirth and Parenting!

Whether giving birth on a delivery table or elsewhere, whether undergoing an episiotomy or a Cesarean section, whether needing labor induction drugs, or if the child requires an incubator... whether breastfed or formula-fed, using disposable or cloth diapers, attending daycare or kindergarten... we all grew up, didn't we? Unfortunately, books promoting "natural childbirth and parenting" sometimes explicitly state that "maternal bonding will be compromised." It's impossible for maternal and child bonds to be lost over something like that. Even with medical assistance, the bond between mother and child remains strong.

I want to tell those "naturalists" who utter hurtful words, "Don't underestimate me!" with a laugh. There are many parts of this book written with that sentiment. I hope this book will help pregnant women and new mothers feel, "It doesn't matter where or how I give birth. I'm giving birth with my body. I will raise my child. Bring it on!"

Maternity Kobujutsu
Aki Shobo
1,680 yen