The 5th KOBUDO BO-JUTSU Tournament

The 5th KOBUDO BO-JUTSU Tournament

March 22, 2026
At Yoyogi no Mori Community Exchange Center, Multipurpose Hall

The 5th Kobudo Bojutsu Demonstration Tournament was held, taking place amid the busyness of the day before departing for Panama for instruction and an official visit.
In the kata division, selected practitioners of 3rd and above dan competed in a tournament format. As this marked the fifth tournament, the performances in kata showed a high level of refinement, with increased power, and many outstanding matches stood out.
Furthermore, starting from this tournament, kumi-uchi (bo kumite) matches for 4th and 5th dan practitioners were introduced. This format was developed over five years by SOKE Nakazaki. The special-designed bo used in these matches were personally prototyped multiple times and carefully handcrafted one by one over an extended period by SOKE himself.
Protective gear included men (helmet), kote (gloves), do (torso armor), and sune-ate/gusoku (shin guards). The use of the bo in this fully equipped format was presented publicly for the first time.
The kumi-uchi matches were judged by SOKE, who moved swiftly around the court, astonishing everyone with his agility. Inspired by his energetic presence, the competitors engaged in intense and spirited bouts. It was once again strongly felt that the content and excitement of a match can be greatly influenced by the referee.
This kumi-uchi format traces its origins back over 30 years, when SOKE, during a period of training under the founder Tamotsu Isamu-sensei, first heard of the concept. That idea became the starting point and has now been realized in the form of these matches.