REGISTRATION OPEN
We’re opening registration early to help make this tournament a great success! As a special thank-you, the first 20 registrants will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a Haechi Performance bogu set, valued at $850. Don’t miss out—register early and secure your spot!
Registered to date
GOAL: 300 Kenshis!!
We are deeply honored and excited to announce that Yoshiteru Tagawa Sensei (Hanshi, 8th Dan) will be blessing the 1st Annual Washington DC Kendo Cup as Taikaicho.
Tagawa Sensei has played an extraordinary role in the promotion and development of Kendo in the United States, dedicating decades to sharing Japanese martial arts and culture. Through his leadership and lifelong commitment—particularly with the Detroit Kendo Dojo—he has helped shape generations of practitioners and strengthen the bond between Japan and the U.S.
In recognition of his profound cross-cultural contributions, Tagawa Sensei was awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government—an honor that reflects his lasting impact on Kendo and international cultural exchange.
We are truly grateful and humbled by his support of our inaugural event.
Thank you very much, Sensei.
Every Year.
Every Labor Day Weekend.
In Washington, D.C.
From 2026.
Hokubei Budogu’s biggest upcoming project is to host an annual Kendo tournament in Washington, D.C., every Labor Day weekend, starting in 2026.
We are at the very early stages of planning, and we are starting our preparations early in advance to make sure it’s the perfect event.
Follow us while we prepare this event, and we ask for the support of the Kendo community.
WHY WASHINGTON DC?
Kendo in the Capital of USA.Hosting a Kendo tournament in Washington, DC, offers participants the chance to enjoy a vibrant city filled with historic sites, cultural attractions, and diverse dining options. Perfectly located near major airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, as well as key train stations such as Union Station, it ensures easy access for out-of-town visitors. With Labor Day weekend, attendees can combine their competition with sightseeing opportunities at the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and iconic monuments, making it a memorable experience both on and off the shiai-jo.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF EVENT
Saturday (9/5/2026) - 9am to 6pm
- Junior Youth Division
- Senior Youth Division
- Women’s Mudan Division
- Women’s Yudan Division
- College Division
- Mudansha Division
- Shodan & Nidan Division
- Sandan & Yondan Division
- Godan & Up Division
- Senior Division
- Team Division (Youth and Adults)
* Participants will blind-pick a number at registration to be seeded into a round-robin-league
*Round-Robin
*Elimination Rounds from the top 16
* Depending on participant number, multiple divisions will be allowed.
A Community Driven Event.
As we prepare for this event in 2026, and when we get closer to the date, we will be asking for senseis in our community to help us with shinpan, and volunteers to help us operate this tournament. Accommodation support, meals, and additional perks will be announced closer to the time.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We are looking for corporate partners to help grow this tournament. We will make sure you get maximum exposure in the Kendo community. Please click below to see the benefits of becoming partners with The Washington DC Kendo Cup.
Long-term goals of the Washington DC Kendo Cup
The Washington DC Kendo Cup was created to establish an annual gathering place for kendo practitioners in the nation’s capital every Labor Day weekend. This event is Hokubei Budogu’s way of giving back to the kendo community — bringing people together through a weekend of kendo, friendship, and cultural exchange.
Looking ahead, we also hope to introduce an auxiliary event for college students. Why? Because Washington DC is one of the most active cities for young professionals, offering countless opportunities for internships and career development. Hokubei Budogu aims to connect these opportunities by reaching out to government agencies and corporations to host career fairs following the Kendo Cup — and to show HR departments that kendo-trained graduates bring exceptional discipline, respect, and perseverance to the workplace.
Hokubei Budogu is deeply committed to supporting youth kendo development. Our first step in this effort has been sponsoring promising young kendoka. You can learn more about our sponsorship program at https://team.hokubeibudogu.com.
We sincerely look forward to your support and enthusiasm in helping us continue this meaningful movement.