Tanabe Tetsundo founded Chanbara or what was originally referred to as Kodachi Goshindo. Kodachi Goshindo was a Japanese martial art that incorporated the use of a short sword. Chanbara is considered to be a free style Japanese combat sport that uses a short sword but also a long sword and other Japanese weapons including the dagger and spear.
Tanabe introduced Chanbara thirty years ago as a free-style sword fighting sport that is a realistic martial art as well as enjoyable for people of all ages. He practiced this martial art when he was a child and his true commitment to the martial art began after he was the director of a family security company where he would teach Kendo to the employees. This led to Tanabe teaching children Chanbara lessons along with hosting competitions.
In 1971, Tanabe Tetsundo became the director of International Sports Canbara Association where he established and remained dedicated to the idea of a martial art that revolved around the art of self-defense for protection. As a result, he invented and focused on using weapons that have "air soft" technology where practitioners can fight with safety, fairness and freedom during training. The equipment that he advocated for use includes padded and hollow-core inflatable training weapons.
With much success, Tanabe continues to experience the martial art's growth and wants to expand the organization with a new instructor. The philosophy, achievements and passion of Tanabe Tetsundo have allowed Chanbara to reach other parts of the word.