Kobukan Kobudo Dublin Eíre

24/06/2026

Don't Confuse Martial Philosophy with Martial Reality

Traditional martial arts are rich with philosophy.

That's one of their greatest strengths.

Philosophy gives us principles.

It gives us direction.

It encourages us to explore, question, and seek deeper understanding.

None of that is the problem.

The problem begins when we become more committed to an interpretation than to reality itself.

Reality has no obligation to cooperate with our interpretation.

One of the things I appreciate most about Kancho is how often he'll stop in the middle of teaching and simply say,

"In reality..."

Those two words matter.

They remind us that the purpose of martial philosophy isn't to explain away reality.

It's to better understand it.

A classical text may describe a precise target.

In reality, an actively resisting opponent rarely presents one.

We study exact target points.

We often strike available targets.

The principle survives.

The application adapts.

Kancho has also said something that requires real humility to accept:

Not every technique within a ryu-ha represents the highest-percentage solution.

Some are more reliable than others.

Some are highly situational.

That doesn't weaken the tradition.

It challenges us to study it honestly instead of defending it blindly.

The same honesty should apply to ourselves.

There is no shame in saying,

"This isn't working for me."

"Not against this opponent."

"Not under these conditions."

"Not at my current level."

Those aren't admissions of failure.

They're admissions of reality.

And reality is where growth begins.

The danger isn't discovering that an interpretation needs refinement.

The danger is becoming so emotionally invested in an interpretation that reality is no longer allowed to teach us.

The strongest martial artists aren't those who always have an answer.

They're the ones humble enough to change one.

Traditional. Practical. Realistic.

17/06/2026

Beginning this July...

We're excited to announce a new live online training series with James Wright Kancho focusing on the Sabaki Gata from the Kobukan Kukishin Ryu Rokushaku Bojutsu Shoden Menkyo curriculum.

Over approximately 11 weeks, each session will focus on two kata, allowing time to explore not only the movements themselves, but also the body mechanics, timing, distancing, positioning, and underlying principles that bring each pattern to life.

The goal isn't simply to memorize techniques.

It's to develop understanding.

Whether you're beginning your study of Rokushaku Bojutsu, preparing for Shoden Menkyo, or looking to deepen your understanding of the curriculum, this series provides a rare opportunity to study the Sabaki Gata directly with Kancho in a structured and systematic way.

Many members and instructors have not yet had the opportunity to work through the complete Sabaki Gata in this level of detail.

This series has been designed to help establish a deeper and more consistent understanding of the curriculum throughout the Kobukan while giving members the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from Kancho.

Training doesn't end when class is over.

Understanding grows through careful study, thoughtful practice, and consistent guidance.

Registration is now open through two participation options:

📚 University Advanced+ Access
Includes Kancho's live lessons plus the complete Advanced+ University curriculum.

https://university.kobukankobudo.com/bundles/advanced-access-1

🥋 Live Lessons with James Wright Kancho
For members who wish to participate in the live training series only.

https://university.kobukankobudo.com/courses/live-kobudo-lessons-james-wright-kancho

We look forward to training with you.

15/06/2026

9 Questions Worth Asking Before Choosing a Martial Arts Instructor

Choosing a martial arts instructor may be one of the most important decisions you'll make on your martial arts journey.

You're not simply joining a class.

You're choosing someone who may influence your knowledge, your character, and your understanding of martial arts for years to come.

A sincere instructor should welcome sincere questions.

Not because you're challenging them.

Not to collect gossip.

But because you're making a thoughtful decision about where to invest your time, effort, and trust.

These conversations are best had face-to-face.

Here are nine questions worth asking.

1. How do you continue to grow as a martial artist and instructor?

Who are you currently learning from? What are you currently studying? How do you continue to challenge your own understanding?

2. Is there a structured curriculum?

Can you clearly explain what I'll be learning over time—and why it's taught in that order?

3. What does advancement represent in your class?

Is rank primarily a measure of time, technical ability, understanding, character, contribution, or something else?

4. How do students learn to apply what they practice?

How do techniques move beyond demonstration and develop into functional understanding?

5. How do you help beginners succeed?

Every experienced martial artist once had a first day. A good instructor never forgets that.

6. What qualities do you hope your students develop beyond technique?

What kind of martial artist—and person—are you trying to help create?

7. Are respectful questions encouraged?

The best instructors don't fear sincere questions.

They welcome them.

8. What should I realistically expect to be able to do after one year of consistent training?

Can you describe progress in terms of practical ability... or only in terms of rank?

9. What is the primary purpose of martial arts for you?

There isn't necessarily one universally correct answer.

Some schools emphasize self-defense.

Some emphasize competition.

Some emphasize historical preservation.

Some emphasize personal development.

But there should be a clear answer.

Because that answer reveals the lens through which your instructor sees martial arts.

And that lens influences everything else you'll learn.

There are many good instructors.

The goal isn't to find perfection.

The goal is to find an instructor whose values, teaching philosophy, and purpose align with your own.

The answers may shape not only the martial artist you become, but the person as well.

Choose wisely.

12/06/2026

Edit: Wednesday 17th June 2026

09/06/2026

Struttura dei Gradi

08/06/2026

Are You Training in a Martial Art?

It sounds like a strange question.

After all, if you're punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, sparring, or practicing forms, the answer seems obvious.

But is it?

The term "martial" relates to war, soldiers, conflict, and combat.

Historically, martial arts were developed to prepare people for conflict, violence, and warfare.

That doesn't mean violence is good.

It simply means that was the original purpose.

Over time, martial arts evolved.

Some became sports.

Some became methods of physical fitness.

Some became vehicles for personal growth and character development.

Some became cultural preservation.

Some became all of the above.

There is nothing wrong with any of those goals.

But there is a problem when people confuse one goal for another.

A sport fighter may be exceptionally skilled at winning under a specific ruleset.

A traditional practitioner may be preserving historical methods and principles.

Someone training for health may have little interest in fighting at all.

All are valid.

But they are not necessarily training for the same thing.

This raises an uncomfortable question:

If everything is a martial art, does the term still have any useful meaning?

The real question isn't whether you practice a martial art.

The real question is:

What is your training primarily focused on producing?

If the primary focus of your training is preparing for violence, self-protection, or the application of force against a resisting opponent, it retains a strong martial component.

If the focus of your training is success within a competitive ruleset, it may be best understood as a sport.

If the focus of your training is health, longevity, mobility, or wellness, it may be best understood as a health practice.

If the focus of your training is preserving historical traditions, techniques, and culture, it may be best understood as cultural preservation.

Of course, many systems contain elements of all four.

But the order of importance can drastically alter the outcome.

None of these are inherently better than the others.

But they are different.

And understanding that difference creates honest expectations.

A person training for competition should not pretend they are studying battlefield combat.

A person studying historical combat should not assume they can automatically outperform trained athletes.

A person training for health should not feel obligated to justify their practice as self-defense.

The strongest martial artists are usually the ones who are honest about what they are doing—and why.

Before asking whether something is a martial art, ask a better question:

"What is it trying to make you become?"

Because the answer tells you far more than the label ever will.

06/06/2026

01/06/2026

October 16 - 18, 2026 | Newark, Delaware

29/05/2026

Event on in meakstown on the 11th June.
Please Contact the following for more information.

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IntheirworldSAS

089 988 957
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