2026 Kobukan USA Taikai

October 16 – 18, 2026 | Newark, Delaware

Join Us for the 2nd Kobukan Taikai in the U.S. – 3 Days of Training with James Wright Kancho!

James Wright Kancho Returns

James Wright Kancho will be returning to the United States, October 2026 for another amazing training experience. We will be finalizing training topics and final location in the coming months, but are placing this in order to allow attendees plenty of time to plan. As before, the space may limit how many can attend, so we recommend securing a spot as soon as possible.

2025 Kobukan USA Taikai Image

2025 Kobukan USA Taikai Kancho

Who Can Attend?

The US Taikai is once again open to all Kobukan members, as well as non-members interested in experiencing Kobukan training first hand.

The dates and general region for the 2026 US Taikai are confirmed. Venue details are currently being finalized and will be communicated directly to registered participants. This will not affect the schedule or scope of training.

See what training is like at Kobukan Taikai

Taikai Details

Taikai Schedule

Friday, October 16th, 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, October 17th, 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, October 18th, 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 USA 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

Payment Options

EARLY REGISTRATION

Pay Taikai balance before June 1st, 2026.

$400

STANDARD REGISTRATION

Pay Taikai balance before September 1st, 2026.

$425

FINAL REGISTRATION

Pay Taikai balance on or after September 1st, 2026.

$450

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, full training uniform for all sessions.
✔ Footwear – No outdoor footwear is allowed on the mats, including jika tabi.
✔ Recommended – Cloth-bottom tabi for training and slippers for off-mat use (e.g., restroom).
✔ 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: Hanbo, Wooden Shoto, Tanto
❌ 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

We will have a training location posted for the Taikai very soon, however, we expect to be in the same general area last year’s Taikai.

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 watch if you are testing at the event.

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Taikai Training Location

Training will be held at:

TBD
New Castle County, DE -or- Elkton, MD area

Register to Attend the First-Ever Kobukan USA Taikai

Step 1 of 3

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Participant Details

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone

Gender(Required)

Please choose one:(Required)

I am legally an adult. (Age 18+)

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

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

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.

Parent of Legal Guardian's Email Address

Parent of Legal Guardian's Phone Number

Emergency Contact: Full Name

Emergency Contact: Email Address

Emergency Contact: Phone Number

Please choose from the following:(Required)

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

2026 USA Taikai(Required)

Deposit Only (Balance Due Later)

Early Registration - Pay In Full

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.

Total Amount Paid Today

Includes $100 Non-Refundable Deposit

Payment Method(Required)

MasterCard

Visa

Supported Credit Cards: MasterCard, Visa

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