Appointments 2 — Taseki Publications

Ittō Tenshin-ryū®

2026 Taikai “Kokoro”

Sandia Budokan, Albuquerque NM

October 17 - 18, 2026

(Note: This site intentionally forgos the use of diacritical marks in some areas to facilitate searchability.)

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

Mr. Bryan Godfrey, Dōjō-chō of the Sandia Budokan.

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Arvind Rajguru, Headmaster of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū.

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.

Uniforms & Weapons

Attendees should wear traditional Japanese training uniforms, including zori, ensuring they are clean and in good repair. For the weekend’s training, please bring bokken (daito and shoto) and an Itto Tenshin-ryu bokken. The bokken used within our traditions are specific to our ryū. However, for those who are not deshi of our traditions, a generic daito and shoto may be used. The Itto Tenshin-ryu bokken is specific to our ryū and is not commercially available; additional Itto Tenshin-ryu bokken will be available onsite.

If you have questions regarding uniforms or weapons, please contact the Sandia Budokan here.

Lodging

Limited lodging is available with local deshi. Please click here to email the Sandia Budokan to inquire about availability.

Please note that event locations for this Taikai include Sterling, Herndon, Oakton, Dumfries, and Great Falls, Virginia. We suggest the Tysons Corner area if you plan to stay in a hotel. This location is centrally located to event venues and offers direct access to all applicable travel routes. There are a variety of options through travel sites. Prices can fluctuate dramatically between properties. If you need assistance, please contact us here.

Respiratory Illness and Communicable Disease Safety Policy

The health and safety of all participants is a shared responsibility. Respiratory illnesses—including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other contagious infections—remain a reality we must address responsibly and with discipline.

Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms or fever must not assume a benign cause (e.g., “it’s just allergies”). Symptoms should be treated as potentially infectious, and individuals are expected to actively rule out COVID-19 or influenza through testing prior to attending any Ryū gathering, seminar, or taikai, and immediately if symptoms arise while already in attendance.

If you test positive for COVID-19, influenza, or another contagious respiratory illness within 3 days following a Ryū event or taikai, notify the event coordinator immediately so that appropriate precautions and notifications may be made.

Statement of Responsibility

This policy reflects the reality we operate within and should be viewed no differently in principle from maintaining a first aid kit in the dōjō. Health awareness, preventative action, and responsible conduct are extensions of dōjō safety, discipline, and mutual care.

Schedule

Friday, October 16, 2026 (Pre-Taikai Events)
1600 - 1800 | Open Mat Sandia Budokan
1930 - 2200 | Cocktails and dinner, cost-share, Location TBD

Banquet at Fogo de Chão

Dress: Semi-formal (Black Tie)

Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse. The name means "ground fire", and refers to the traditional gaúcho method of roasting meats over an open fire. To learn more about the restaurant click here.

The Churrasco Experience

For more than a century, the Culinary Art of Churrasco, or cooking over an open flame, has been skillfully mastered by the Gaucho Chefs of Brazil. Our Gauchos carefully butcher, simply season and fire-roast each cut to seal in the natural flavors, producing a salty bark and creating a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

Carnivore - $105.00 Per Person, Dinner, FountainBeverages, Coffee and Tea, Gratuity Included

Vegetarian Option - $75.00 Per Person, Dinner, FountainBeverages, Coffee and Tea, Gratuity Included

Please note: Cash Bar

Carnivore

✦ Market Table and Feijoada Bar with seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, Fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), seasonal soup, and more

✦ Fire-roasted meats including Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, Picanha, Lamb Chops, Chicken, Sausage, and more

✦ Traditional Brazilian sides of warm pão de queijo (cheese bread), crispy polenta, mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas

✦ Selection of desserts including favorites such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, Chocolate Brigadeiro and Cheesecake

✦ Fountain beverages, coffee and tea

Vegetarian Options

✦ Seared tofu and sesame black bean pasta - Vegan and gluten free, tossed with carrot ginger-sesame dressing

✦ Market Table and Feijoada Bar with seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, Fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), seasonal soup, and more

✦ Selection of desserts including favorites such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, Chocolate Brigadeiro and Cheesecake

Taikai Registration

For assistance with registration please click here.

To register for the Taikai, please follow the instructions below and select the appropriate option for your situation including Taikai attendance and Banquet menu selection. Please note that noshi, separate from the Taikai registration fee, may be delivered during check-in on the morning of the Taikai. If you have a question about the customs surrounding noshi please contact us here.

Enrollment Process (2-3 min)

Select the appropriate box:
1. I am attending the Taikai only. (12 hours @ $150.00)
2. I am attending the Taikai and the Banquet by myself. Carnivore. (12 hours @ $230.00)
3. I am attending the Taikai and the Banquet by myself. Vegetarian option. (12 hours @ $200.00)
4. I am attending the Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. Two Full menu. (12 hours @ $335.00)
5. I am attending Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. Two Vegetarian options. (12 hours @ $275.00)
6. I am attending Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. One Full Menu & One Vegetarian option. (12 hours @ $305.00)
7. I am attending the Banquet by myself. Full menu. (1 hour 30 Minutes @ $105.00)
8. I am attending the Banquet by myself. Vegetarian option. (1 hour 30 Minutes @ $75.00)
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