Tomari Budokai Durham

Congratulations to Penny Lawton and Neil Robinson on achieving their Shoden (1st Dan).

Join Colin Young and his team teaching Kobudo Shodai Ryu Zanshi on Thursday 27 August at the Botanic Garden!

Demonstrations are scheduled for 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00.

The style uses live (fully sharpened) blades, short swords (wakizashi), long swords (katana), VERY long swords (nodachi - 57" blade) and, occasionally, the Japanese glaive (naginata).

They have given demonstrations in Japan, France and all over the UK and are currently in their 22nd year of teaching in the UK.

This is Durham

Our next demonstration will be in Durham Botanic Gardens on Thursday 27th August, 2026. We'll be there all day, so come along and say 'hi'!

Botanic Garden - Durham University Find out everything you need to know to get the most from your visit: how to find us, opening times and more. Plus, everything you need to know if you or anyone in your group has any special needs or requirements. 

We're almost ready for our day in Durham’s Botanic Gardens. Come along and say hello!

On Friday 17th April, our very own Colin Young attended an event in the Japanese Embassy in London to celebrate the presentation of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to friend of Tomari Budokai, Rachel Barclay of the Oriental Museum, Durham University.

Congratulations Rachel from all at Tomari Budokai!

Matsunaga soke has just been on the BBC show Great Japanese Railway Journeys - BBC iPlayer https://share.google/zpHOM7WTyp6tyINYi

Episode 7 22 minutes 48 seconds in.

Great Japanese Railway Journeys All aboard! Michael Portillo explores a country where tradition meets technology. Get set for fascinating culture, lightning-fast bullet trains and breathtaking scenery.

A big thank you to Durham University Kendo Society for inviting us to their dojo to run a session on Shodai Ryu Zanshi.

Although it's difficult, we try to visit the honbu dojo in Arao, Japan as often as possible. Senior Tomari Budokai student, David Fujiwara dropped by for a few days of training whilst visiting family.