Join the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei family! When you join Kobukan, you become a member of more than just a martial arts organization; you also become part of a global community of individuals who appreciate the significance of self-defense, personal character development, camaraderie, and friendship.

At Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, we place great importance on the valuable life lessons and character growth that stem from the study of traditional martial arts. Our approach combines the richness of tradition with a contemporary perspective, making martial arts training accessible to all. We recognize and celebrate the diverse and dynamic nature of both individuals and instructors in their pursuit of martial arts and self-defense excellence.

Whether you’re a newcomer, an experienced student, or an aspiring or established martial arts instructor, we invite you to explore the benefits of Kobukan Kobudo Renmei membership. Feel free to reach out to us to embark on, or continue on, your martial arts journey.

How To Apply

The Kobukan organization, while based in Japan, operates through a number of Shibu, or territories throughout the world, allowing the organization to better serve members at a more local level. However, this does not mean that students and instructors only have access to membership benefits in their own designated Shibu, but instead become a part of our global Kobukan community from the very beginning, with access to in-person and virtual training, including directly with Kancho James Wright.

The Kobukan currently breaks territories into Japan, Canada, Europe, and the USA. If you do not live in the United States, we encourage you to reach out directly to the Shibu of your area for further information. If you fall outside of one of these territories, please apply directly through the Kobukan main website.

How to apply for membership depends on a few common scenarios:

1. STUDENTS OF AFFILIATED KOBUKAN SCHOOLS/GROUPS: Students that attend an officially recognized Kobukan affiliate should submit their application directly with their instructor. While each instructor may have a slightly difference cadence and procedure for new applicants, students can expect their application to be submitted to their area Shibu in no more than 30-days. Students are welcome to participate in training with that instructor during the 30-day window as a probationary member, although they cannot test or take advantage of other benefits until officially accepted.

2. JOINING AS A STUDENT & NOT AFFILIATED TO A KOBUKAN SCHOOL/GROUP: If you would like to join as a student member of the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei and aren’t part of a local Kobukan school or group, first look to see if their is a local affiliate within a reasonable distance to travel to for weekly in-person classes. If there is no instructor within a reasonable distance, or a schedule that allows for you to train with that group, you may be eligible for virtual/online training directly with the Shibu. Please apply through this website.

3. JOINING AS AN INSTRUCTOR/GROUP/DOJO: If you are interested in starting a Kobukan training group in your area, or would like to add Kobukan programs as an add-on to your existing school, please apply through this website. After gathering necessary information about your goals and situation, it is then presented at our next Kobukan Board Meeting where we review the application and look for the best path forward. Remember, you’re not just joining a martial arts organization – you’re also joining an international community, a family, and a support system, so we want to make our goals align as closely as possible.

* You will be redirected to the payment page upon submission of your application.