As a student of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, you can expect a journey of growth, discipline, and empowerment. Through the structure of the Kobukan curriculum, you will build skill upon skill that will not only have a positive impact on your ability to defend yourself, but also give you a tremendous set of tools that you can carry through life, including confidence, focus, and balance.

Our instructors all are certified through the Kobukan organization, while also maintaining their own passion for training as a student. You are not just becoming a student of the Kobukan Kobudo organization, but also joining a worldwide family and support system, helping you along the path of martial arts mastery and discovery.

As a Kobudo student, we have a number of options to train with us, giving you the flexibility to be a part of our organization in a way that fits your life.

1. In-Person Training: The clearest path to growing as a martial artist is always in-person classes, and, while we realize this isn’t realistic for everyone, if you live near an official Kobukan group or school and are available to attend within their schedule, we encourage you to reach out to them to schedule a visit. You can find a list of Kobukan schools and groups in the US here.

2. Train Online Anytime, Anywhere: Coming soon, we will have online training available, accessible 24-7, and available anywhere with an internet connection.

3. Events: We have an increasing number of events to be held throughout the year. This is a great way to meet and train with other members, learn, or even support your online training. If you have a small group, you can also contact us about holding an event in your area.

4. Training With Kancho: If you have some experience in martial arts already, it may be possible for you to train directly in Kancho Wright’s live weekly classes. This is perfect for people that have at least a few years of experience or are looking to start a group in their area.

Pre-Black Belt – Our pre-black belt rank structure consists of 3 sections called Shokyu (beginning level), Chukyu (mid-level), and Jokyu (high level).

Each section is further broken down into 3 levels, or “kyu”, in reverse numeric order. They are as follows:

• Shokyu: 9th kyu, 8th kyu, 7th kyu
• Chukyu: 6th kyu, 5th kyu, 4th kyu
• Jokyu: 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu, 1st kyu

Through these 9 kyu, students learn the fundamentals of Kobudo, preparing you to learn the unfiltered techniques of our martial systems (ryu-ha), as has been handed down for hundreds of years.

As you progress, your focus will be not just on practicing a “kata”, or form, but also understanding how they can be applied in real self-defense.

Students must pass all levels with a minimum 90% grade. You can also apply to become a Group Leader in your local area, upon successful completion of the Shokyu level, with at least a 95% grade.

If you are interested in becoming a student of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei within the United States, you can do so by submitting your application here!