2026 Kobukan UK Taikai

May 22-24, 2026 | Chester, United Kingdom

Join Us for Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training with James Wright Kancho!

Welcome to the Second Kobukan UK Taikai!

Join us in Chester, England, for a special gathering of the Kobukan community as the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei UK Taikai returns in May 2026.

This traditional Taikai offers Kobukan members an opportunity to train directly under James Wright Kancho, alongside fellow practitioners from across the UK, Europe, and beyond. More than a seminar, the Taikai is a focused period of shared training, refinement, and connection—strengthening both technical understanding and the bonds within our community.

Training will be conducted in a classical atmosphere, with participants wearing hakama and hachimaki, emphasizing the spirit and etiquette of traditional Kobudo practice. The curriculum for this Taikai will center on Asayama Ichiden Ryu Taijutsu and Hishigi-bo, offering attendees structured, in-depth instruction grounded in correct form, feeling, and application.

The event will be hosted by Ian Thomas Kyoshi at the Kobukan Europian Headquarters, Horin Dojo.

2025 Kobukan USA Taikai Image

2025 Kobukan USA Taikai Kancho

Who Can Attend?

This Kobukan Taikai is for all Kobukan members, regardless of ranks, providing an opportunity for students and instructors acrss Europe and beyond to train directly with Kancho. If you are not a member and would like to attend, we invite you to reach out directly to Ian Thomas Kyoshi, to ask about attending as a guest.

Here’s a look at our last Taikai in the UK

Taikai Details

Taikai Schedule

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

9:00 AM
Event Check-In Begins

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TBD

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
TBD

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

9:00 AM
Event Check-In Begins

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TBD

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
TBD

7:00 PM
Taikai Dinner
Location TBA

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

9:00 AM
Event Check-In Begins

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TBD

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
TBD

Reserve Your Spot for the 2026 Kobukan UK Taikai

To ensure a personalized training experience, space is limited, and spots are expected to fill quickly. A $100 non-refundable deposit secures your place at the event.

Go to Registration

Important Information

What should I bring with me to training?

To ensure a smooth and respectful training experience, please review the following guidelines on what to bring and how to prepare for the event.

Uniforms

✔ Keiko-gi (Training Uniform) – Bring a clean training uniform for all sessions.
✔ Hakama – This will be a traditional style Taikai. Please bring a black or navy blue hakama.
✔ Footwear – Bring white tabi. No outdoor footwear is allowed on the mats, including jika tabi.
✔ If You Don’t Have Tabi – Some may be available for purchase, or socks are acceptable. Bare feet are discouraged for hygienic reasons.

Weapons

✔ Required: Hishigi-bo (short stick), shoto and daitao (bokken). These may also be available for purchase with prior notice.
❌ Not Allowed: Live blades, cracked/splintered/taped weapons
✔ Responsibility: Check your weapons before training and store them securely when not in use.

Hygiene & Personal Care

✔ Clean Uniform: Arrive with a fresh, odor-free keiko-gi for each session.
✔ Fragrance-Free: Avoid strong perfumes or colognes to prevent distractions.
✔ Personal Grooming: Keep nails trimmed and smooth, and remove jewelry.
✔ Cover Wounds: Any visible wounds must be covered for sanitary reasons.
✔ Off-Mat Footwear: Always wear slippers or shoes when leaving the training area, especially for restrooms.
✔ Hand Towel: Bring a small towel to wipe away sweat.

Hydration & Snacks

✔ Bring water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
✔ Light snacks (e.g., protein bars, fruit, nuts) can be consumed off the mat.

Notes & Documentation

✔ Taking Notes is Encouraged – To get the most from the Taikai, we recommend keeping a training journal.
✔ Safety First: When taking notes, step away from the training areas and always face the practice area to remain aware.

Phones, Photos & Recording

✔ Phones Allowed – You may bring a phone, but it must be stowed away during training (except for emergencies).
✔ Photos During Breaks – Allowed within reason and common sense.
✔ Official Photos Available – Designated Taikai staff will take photos, including during training, and make them available to attendees afterward.
✔ Social Media Sharing Encouraged – Tag the official Kobukan pages when sharing event memories.

📌 In short: We want you to capture great memories but ensure that training remains the priority with minimal distractions.

Facility Information

Training is located at Horin Dojo / Full Circle Martial Arts – Unit 5, Chesterbank Estate, River Ln, Saltney, Chester CH4 8SL, United Kingdom

Family Friendly & Community

The Kobukan places a strong importance on having a strong internal community. You are more than welcome to bring family to the area, and we’re happy to give suggestions for things to do in the area while you’re training. We, unfortunately, don’t have space for many spectators at the training facility, but encourage them to share the experience of our Saturday dinner and all experiences outside of training.

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Taikai Training Location

Training will be held at:

Horin Dojo
Unit 5, Chesterbank Estate, River Ln,
Saltney, Chester CH4 8SL, United Kingdom

Register to Attend the Kobukan UK Taikai

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Participant Details

Name(Required)

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I am legally an adult. (Age 18+)

I am legally NOT an adult. (Under age 18)

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Parent or Legal Guardian's Full Name

All legal minors who wish to participate, must include the name of a parent or legal guardian that can be contacted in case of emergency.

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Taijutsu Rank

Please list your highest Kobukan Taijutsu rank. If you are not a member, please list your highest rank in Ninpo or Jujutsu.

Instructor Name

Please list your Kobukan instructor's name.

Affiliations

So that we can best assist your, please list any current martial arts affiliations, including Ninpo/Ninjutsu organization. If you are not currently affiliated to any groups, please list any martial arts background.

Injury Disclosures

Please disclose any injuries or conditions that may impact your ability to fully participate.

Event Details

I would like to attend:(Required)

ALL 3 DAYS OF TRAINING

Friday - May 24th

Saturday - May 25th

Sunday - May 26th

If you are attending all 3 days of training, you only need to select the top option. Otherwise, please select the individual days you can attend.

In addition to training, I'm interested in participating in:

Any group sightseeing and/or gatherings outside of training.

The formal event dinner.

Private lessons with Kancho (as available).

Testing

Members Only: Please list any tests you would like to take during the Taikai. Final approval is given by your instructor and Kancho.

Training Release(Required)

I have read the Training Release and Agree.

I understand and agree that strict observation of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei rules and regulations, and the rules and regulations relative to the service or instruction provided, including the use of protective equipment, is required. I understand and agree that use of Kobukan Kobudo Renmei facilities or attendance at its off-site events, and my presence at said facility or offsite events, are at the sole risk of myself. I understand and agree that the services or instruction provided may involve skills and training which include violent and sudden movements and that in connection with the training and instruction, there may be physical contact between instructors, members, and participants, including myself, and between and among the members and participants, including myself, and that such contact may result in personal injury to myself, despite precautions taken to avoid such injuries. I hereby consent to engage in such contact as may be necessary or required by my participation.

On behalf of myself and anyone claiming by or through myself, hereby holds harmless, releases and forever discharges Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, its officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from any liability, claim, loss, including loss of property, damage, personal injury, or expense incurred by myself and arising from participation in any program offered by the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, including, but not limited to, any injury or damage caused by negligence or willful misconduct of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, its instructors, members, agents, employees, operators, or authorized representatives. I specifically understand and agree that I am assuming the risk of any and all injuries that I may suffer or incur as a result of my participation in any program offered by Kobukan Kobudo Renmei.

AUTHORIZATION TO USE PHOTOGRAPHS AND/OR AUDIO-VISUAL

I hereby authorize the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs and/or video that may pertain to me—including my image, likeness and/or voice without compensation. I understand that this material may be used in various publications, public affairs releases, recruitment materials, broadcast advertising or for other related endeavors. This material may also appear on the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei's internet web page and social media. This authorization is continuous and may only be withdrawn by my specific rescission of this authorization. Consequently, Kobukan Kobudo Renmei or project sponsor may publish materials, use my name, photograph, and/or make reference to me in any manner that the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei or project sponsor deems appropriate in order to promote/publicize service opportunities.

I HAVE READ THIS WAIVER VERY CAREFULLY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND BY REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT I AGREE TO ITS TERMS.