Being a martial arts instructor is about much more than mastering kobudo techniques. As an instructor, you are a leader of your group or school, and can have a tremendous positive impact for your local community.

Through our instructors, the Kobukan presents a high-level system of learning and accessibility to techniques that traditionally have required a great deal of time, travel and expense to learn.

While we teach kobudo and adhere to traditional etiquette, we have an organizational foundation of community and support, in an ego-free environment.

The basic requirement to start a Kobukan training group is the completion of our Shokyu level (9th-7th Kyu). After being accepted as a new Shokyu Group Leader, you are authorized to start a local group, training in the basics of 9th through 7th kyu, registering and training Kobukan members in your local area.

Likewise, after Chukyu (6th-4th Kyu) and Jokyu (3rd-1st Kyu), you have the opportunity to hold a training group, teaching up to your respective level, as – Chukyu Group Leader or Jokyu Group Leader.

During this time, all testing is overseen directly by the USA Shibu and Honbu, to help give you direction for teaching and testing standards.

Whether you are looking to start a Kobukan program within your existing school, or want to solely teach Kobukan at your school, we welcome your interest in being a part of our organization.

There are two ways to enter into the Kobukan as a black belt from other schools. First, is by recommendation of a current Kobukan instructor and approved by Honbu.

Otherwise, black belts in other Ju-jutsu, BJJ, and Ninpo systems, having at least 10 years of documented experience, can often enter as an black belt instructor on probation. The new instructor then has 12-months to demonstrate proficiency in the entire system from 9th through 1st kyu, after which they automatically become a full black belt instructor under the Kobukan.

As an instructor, it is critical to maintain your own training in addition to helping others. We currently have a few options to help both instructors and students get the training they need:

1. Training With Kancho: Any student/instructor of at least 7th kyu has the option to train directly with Kancho Wright, through his live weekly classes.

2. On Demand Training: We are current starting, and plan to expand, online training available from beginner through advanced black belt levels. Participants will be able to access training 24-7, 365 days a year, anywhere with an internet connection.

3. Events: The Kobukan holds yearly events around the world, held both by Honbu as well as regional leaders.

4. In-person Training: Nothing can replace in-person training. Even if occasionally, it’s a good idea to get together with nearby affiliated schools and train. 

Black Belts – While we believe martial arts isn’t about ranks, we understand there’s a natural question of how progression works. Starting with a basic truth, there is a tremendous amount of variance in standards from school to school, and organization to organization, making it nearly impossible to determine commensurate ranking for incoming rank holders. The most important thing is to enjoy your training and always seek to improve. Instructors entering through referral, and having spent time in a commensurate organization may be eligible to have their current rank extended into the Kobukan. For instructors entering through our probationary process, we recommend training online with Kancho so that he can best evaluate where you will land after your probationary period.

Kyu Level Instructors – Tests to become a Shokyu Group Leader can be performed by video, with a training parter. All tests are reviewed and graded by both the USA Shibu and directly by Kancho Wright.

Tests for Chukyu and Jokyu Group Leader must be performed in person, but can be done at events or through private lesson.

* All instructors must pass tests with a minimum of a 95% grade.

If you are interested in becoming either a Group Leader or Black Belt Instructor, the first step is to contact the Kobukan Kobudo USA Shibu. We would love to speak with you and learn more about you and your goals. OR, if you’re ready to join the Kobukan family, you can submit your application here!