Kokoro (心) — The Deciding Factor on the Field of Battle

The theme of the 2026 Itto Tenshin-ryu Taikai is Kokoro (心, spirit; heart; will; intention) — the deciding factor on the field of battle.

Battles are not won by weapons alone. While skill, arms, and numbers are undeniably important, victory and defeat ultimately turn upon kokoro: the mental attitude and fighting spirit of the warrior. Technique without spirit is insufficient. The cultivation of resolve, composure, endurance, and the will to act decisively under pressure remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

This year’s Taikai is hosted by Sandia Budokan in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1980 and located near the University of New Mexico, the Sandia Budokan has offered continuous instruction in kenjutsu, karate, and aikidō for more than 45 years. Under the direction of the current Dojo-cho, Mr. Bryan Godfrey, the dojo remains a community-built and community-supported institution dedicated to rigorous training, discipline, and fellowship.

To learn more about the Sandia Budokan click here to visit their website.

Instruction will be conducted by Mr. Joseph Simms under the guidance of Mr. Arvind Rajguru, Headmaster of the Itto Tenshin-ryu, Menkyo Kaiden Yamate-ryu Aikijutsu, and Goseki-ryu Aiki Heiho.

Joseph Simms’ knowledge of conflict, strategy, and performance is grounded in direct experience — from the battlefield to the boardroom — and informed by the deep and rich teachings of Ittō Tenshin-ryū, Yamate-ryū, and Goseki-ryū Aiki Heihō.

Whether you are new to Japanese martial arts or an old hand, know that the Sandia Budokan and the Itto Tenshin-ryu welcome all who possess the hunger to learn and the spirit to pursue that desire.

Anyone interested in the Japanese way of the sword will draw value from this event. While the cultural context in which these fighting traditions developed no longer exists, the teachings concerning conflict, strategy, and the cultivation of the human spirit remain timeless.

Itto Tenshin-ryu kenjutsu (often referred to simply as Tenshin-ryu) was founded by Kurosawa Kojiro (circa 1900) and brought to the United States in the 1960s by the third-generation headmaster, Mr. Fredrick Lovret. The current headmaster is Mr. Arvind Rajguru. By the time the Itto Tenshin-ryu was founded, the major wars leading to the unification of Japan had ended nearly three hundred years earlier. In keeping with the times, the techniques of the ryū became oriented more toward personal combat than mass engagements. To learn more about the Itto Tenshin-ryu click here.

Doors to the Taikai will open at 08:00, with training beginning promptly at 09:00 and continuing until 16:00 each day. Registration includes lunch and accompanying beverage service on both days. The Taikai will close at 16:00 on Sunday, followed by a formal banquet.

While many today associate black tie with weddings, award ceremonies, and political affairs, within our tradition these are simply party clothes. The banquet is an opportunity to share food, drink, and camaraderie born of shared experience in a manner appropriate to the occasion. Join us.

October is one of the best months to visit Albuquerque, New Mexico. The weather is typically mild, dry, and sunny, with cool mornings and evenings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Daytime highs usually range from about 68–76°F (20–24°C), while nighttime lows are typically around 42–50°F (5–10°C).

Registration will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, and early registration is appreciated.