Your Gateway to Traditional Japanese Martial Arts

Kobukan Kobudo Renmei | Master Traditional Japanese Jujutsu & Ninpo

Join a global community dedicated to authentic martial arts, guided by Japanese traditions and modern training approaches.

About the Kobukan Organization

Founded in 2023, the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei is dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of Japanese martial arts while providing a practical and welcoming environment for all practitioners. Under the guidance of James Wright Kancho, the Kobukan proudly carries forward the esteemed lineages of Takamatsu Toshitsugu and Sato Kinbei, emphasizing deeply rooted principles free from unnecessary secrecy.

Our training is designed to be accessible, supportive, and relevant for modern martial artists, blending authenticity with practicality. Whether you’re seeking to master traditional Ninpo and Jujutsu, or better understand the use of the Kobudo arts for self-defense, you’ll find a community that values growth, discipline, and connection.

Participation in the Kobukan takes different forms depending on experience, goals, and location.

Kobukan Kobudo Renmei

Train as a Student

Study the Japanese martial arts of Ninpo and Jujutsu through structured instruction, guided curriculum, and ongoing training opportunities within the Kobukan.

Teaching & Leadership

For experienced practitioners interested in instructing, leadership development, and representing the Kobukan as an affiliated dojo or study group.

Member Resources

Access member-specific resources, updates, events, and organizational information for those already part of the Kobukan.

Training Principles Across the Kobukan

Kobukan Kobudo Renmei Crest

Ninpo and Jujutsu Training

Training in the Kobukan curriculum begins with mastering the techniques preserved in the densho (original Japanese martial arts texts) for each ryu-ha (martial arts tradition).

Once students achieve proficiency in these forms (kata), the training progresses to randori (pressure testing) against resisting opponents and evolving scenarios. This dual approach preserves the original intent of the art while equipping students with practical self-defense skills rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts.

Kobukan Kobudo Renmei Crest

The Kobukan Culture

One of the defining aspects of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei is our unique organizational culture, encompassing students, instructors, and Kancho himself. While deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese martial arts—complete with the expected etiquette and discipline—we pride ourselves on fostering an ego-free, supportive training environment. This approach helps us to build a strong global community of Kobukan members.

At the Kobukan, every student is recognized based on their individual effort and skill. Unlike some traditional martial arts organizations, where advanced techniques may be withheld for years, we provide opportunities for students to learn and grow without unnecessary delays, at their own pace.

Kobukan Kobudo Renmei Crest

Direct Training with James Wright Kancho

At the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, we are committed to giving every student and instructor the opportunity to learn directly from James Wright Kancho. Through live online training, exclusive events (Taikai), training opportunities in Japan, and recorded sessions at Kobukan University, members have unparalleled access to expert instruction.

This approach ensures the highest standards of Ninpo and Jujutsu training are maintained across the global Kobukan community. Whether training in-person or online, direct access to Kancho guarantees consistency, authenticity, and excellence. For students of local affiliated dojo, this serves as an invaluable supplement to their regular training, enhancing both their skills and connection to the broader Kobukan family.

Official Kobukan Books

Available on Amazon

Kobukan Shokyu Taijutsu

This book is the first of three books covering Kobukan Kyu requirements, from 9th, 8th, and 7th Kyu. This is an essential book for all Kobukan members beginning their training, and includes essential fundamentals of training within our organization.

Kobukan Chukyu Taijutsu

This is the second in our Kobukan Kyu training series, covering Kobukan Kyu requirements of 6th, 5th, and 4th Kyu. This book builds upon Shokyu training and is an important resources where many locks, throws, and pinning are demonstrated.

Kobukan Jokyu Taijutsu

This book is the third and final book of our Kyu curriculum series, covering all 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Kyu techniques. Within these pages, throws, chokes, and locking are further shown, completing the fundamentals that prepare our members for more advanced study and practice.

Kobukan Hanbojutsu - Shoden Menkyo

Hanbojutsu is one of the three initial weapons taught within the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, teaching members techniques of blade defense using a short stick.

Kobukan Kukishinden Biken no Ho - Shoden Menkyo

This book on Bikenjutsu includes fundamentals of sword as taught within the Kukishinden tradition, covering the primary techniques, and variations that teach the fundamentals of adapting to your opponent.

Kobukan Kukishin Ryu Rokushaku Bojutsu - Shoden Menkyo

Rokushaku Bojutsu is another of the three initial weapons taught within the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei. This book covers the entirety of Shoden Gata and Sabaki Gata.

Upcoming Events

21 Mar
21 Mar 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Valrico, FL
24 May
24 - 26 May 2026 All day
Chester, Cheshire
16 Oct
16 - 18 Oct 2026 All day
Newark, DE

Begin or Continue Your Japanese Martial Arts Journey. Where Do You Want to Start?

TRAIN ONLINE WITH THE KOBUKAN

Kobukan Kobudo Online Japanese Jujutsu and Ninpo Training

Train in authentic Japanese Jujutsu and Ninpo from anywhere in the world. Access guided curriculum and join live classes with Kancho every week.

FIND A DOJO NEAR YOU

Learn Japanese martial arts at Kobukan Affiliated Locations

Connect with an affiliated Kobukan instructor near you for hands-on training and in-person support on your martial arts journey.

JOIN AN UPCOMING TAIKAI

Join James Wright Kancho at the 2025 USA Taikai

Join us for one of our next international training events. Train in person with Kancho and the Kobukan community at this immersive seminar.

Learn about the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei

What is Takamatsu-den?

Takamatsu-den refers to a group of classical Japanese martial traditions transmitted through Toshitsugu Takamatsu and preserved today through structured training, documented curriculum, and ongoing study within recognized organizations.

What does the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei teach?

The Kobukan Kobudo Renmei teaches Takamatsu-den Ninpo Taijutsu, traditional Japanese Jujutsu, and classical weapons through a structured, progressive curriculum designed for long-term development.

Can I train online with Kobukan?

Yes. Kobukan provides structured online training through Kobukan University, allowing members worldwide to follow the official curriculum while maintaining connection to the organization’s standards and leadership.

Is Kobukan affiliated with other organizations?

The Kobukan Kobudo Renmei operates independently with clearly defined leadership, curriculum, and standards under James Wright Kancho. The organization maintains its own structure and training methodology.