Begin Your Martial Arts Journey
Start a Kobukan Study Group in Your Area
Kobukan Study Groups offer a peer-led environment for beginners to explore traditional Japanese martial arts using the Shokyu curriculum and Kobukan University.
Learn More
What Is a Study Group?
A Study Group is an informal, peer-led training gathering for those studying Kobukan Shokyu-level Taijutsu. It’s not an instructor-run class — there is no designated “Sensei.”
Instead, members come together in-person to follow Kobukan University lessons and build fundamental skills in a collaborative, supportive way. It’s the perfect starting point for beginners who want to explore our martial arts system and find training partners, but don’t live near a Dojo or Training Group.
Key Characteristics
✅ Practice is based on the Shokyu curriculum only
✅ Group members are typically beginners or white belts
✅ No in-person class fees, no formal instruction
✅ Training is in-person, guided by Kobukan University videos
✅ Group leaders are registered and approved by Kobukan
✅ May evolve into official Training Groups over time
✅ Designed as a community-driven group to support training
Who Can Lead or Join a Study Group?
Anyone interested in Kobukan’s traditional arts can apply to start or join a Study Group. While these groups are casual in tone, organizers must be registered with the organization and approved to ensure alignment with Kobukan values.
You do not need a black belt or instructor certification — just dedication, integrity, and a willingness to train consistently and represent the arts with respect.
View Requirements & Guidelines for Study Groups
While Study Groups are informal and non-instructional by design, they still represent the Kobukan organization. To protect the integrity of the training experience and ensure alignment with our values, the following requirements apply:
🟫 Requirements
-
The group must follow the Kobukan Shokyu-level curriculum only
-
The organizer must be registered and approved by Kobukan
-
No one may refer to themselves as “Sensei” or act as a formal instructor
-
No fees may be charged for participation
- You cannot promote yourself as a Kobukan affiliate
- Your group cannot be located near an affiliate Dojo or Training Group
-
You must have access to the official Shokyu curriculum through Kobukan University (Foundations Access), and maintain an active subscription as long as your Study Group is active.
-
All participants must uphold safety, respect, and etiquette
🟫 What a Study Group Is Not
-
It is not a dojo
-
It is not a training group with instructor privileges
-
It is not a substitute for eventual in-person testing or advancement
-
It is not a casual club for unrelated martial arts practice