Katsuura Camp 2026

The annual Katsuura Camp, hosted by Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Headquarters, took place from Sunday, August 9 to Saturday, August 15, 2026. Despite concerns regarding a possible decrease in international participants due to the situation in the Middle East and other factors, we ultimately welcomed approximately 90 practitioners from 12 countries. Participants engaged in intensive 7-hour daily practice sessions, and the Dan Promotion Examination was held on Friday, August 14. (Head Office Website: Katsuura International Seminar 2026)

During the latter half of the camp, record-breaking heavy rainfall hit Chiba Prefecture, causing train services to be suspended. Regrettably, this forced the cancellation of the Demonstration (Embu) scheduled for the final day, Saturday, August 15. However, thanks to the quick thinking and seamless teamwork of our members, a chartered bus was quickly arranged, allowing everyone to return safely to Tokyo. As a result, this week-long, large-scale event concluded successfully without any major injuries or accidents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Nippon Budokan Katsuura Training Center for their attentive and dedicated support throughout the week.

From the Setagaya Branch, a record high of 12 members participated in the camp. While supporting the event operations as the secretariat, they practiced with great vigor, resulting in 10 members successfully passing the exam (7 promoted to 2nd Dan (Nidan), 3 to 1st Dan (Shodan)). Witnessing our students push through their physical and mental limits with absolute dedication was truly inspiring, providing me with valuable insights as an instructor. It proved to be a highly fruitful and rewarding camp for us all.

Hideto Usuyama
Kyoju-dairi, Vice Headquarters Director (Fuku-Hombucho) and Setagaya Branch Chief
Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu