CALGARY, ALBERTA — The August days of 2026 promise to be a turning point for the Canadian martial arts community. For the first time in the country’s history, an official Bujinkan Taikai will take place featuring Koji Furuta Sensei, the 15th Soke of the legendary Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu school. The event, scheduled for August 28-30, is already being called “the most significant ninjutsu seminar in Canadian history.”
A Visit of Historic Proportions
The three-day intensive seminar in Calgary will mark the first time that a sitting Soke of one of the nine schools of the Bujinkan system conducts a full Taikai on Canadian territory. For the local community of practitioners, this event is comparable to a visit from a sports legend.
“This is not simply a seminar, but an opportunity to touch a living tradition that has been passed from teacher to student since the 16th century,” the event organizers emphasize.
Who is Koji Furuta?
Koji Furuta Sensei is the 15th Soke of the Kumogakure Ryu school, one of the nine traditional schools of the Bujinkan system. He is the direct heir to the tradition founded by Iga Heinaizaemon Ienaga in Iga Province — the historic homeland of the ninja.
Within the Bujinkan system, Furuta holds a special position as guardian of the school, whose name translates as “Hidden in the Clouds.” The school specializes in techniques of stealth, unarmed combat, and tactical strategies — precisely those skills that made ninja legendary figures in Japanese history.
Event Program
The organizers announce a comprehensive program covering all aspects of Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu. Participants will gain access to Taijutsu techniques (unarmed combat), work with traditional weapons, and specialized methods, including Mutodori — defense against the sword without weapons.
The Taikai format includes intensive training sessions, including the study of Kata (formal exercises), Henka (variations of techniques), and Randori (free practice). Special emphasis will be placed on the philosophical aspects of ninjutsu as a holistic system.
Legacy of an Ancient School
Hidden in clouds,
The path of secret techniques,
Concealing oneself,
The mysteries of battle,
Kumogakure-ryu.
The school that Furuta Sensei represents was founded in the 16th century in Iga Province. Unlike samurai schools that emphasize direct confrontation, Kumogakure Ryu cultivated principles of adaptability and inconspicuousness.
Kumogakure Ryu is part of the nine schools of Bujinkan — a system that unites three ninjutsu schools and six samurai schools. Together they form a comprehensive approach to martial arts, covering various aspects of combat and tactics.
Significance for the Canadian Community
This is the first visit of a Bujinkan Soke to Canada, opening new opportunities for the local community of practitioners. Direct access to a master of this level provides the opportunity to learn authentic techniques and deepen understanding of the tradition.
For practitioners throughout North America, the event represents a rare opportunity to learn directly from the guardian of a 600-year-old tradition without the need to travel to Japan.
Bujinkan: System of Traditional Martial Arts
Bujinkan is an international organization founded by Masaaki Hatsumi that unites nine traditional Japanese schools.
The system includes three ninjutsu schools:
and six samurai schools.
The name “Bujinkan” translates as “Palace of the Divine Warrior” and reflects the organization’s philosophy: the development not only of combat skills, but also of the character of practitioners.
Practical Information
The Early Bird booking system is valid until February 1, 2026. Organizers warn that places at events of this level traditionally sell out quickly. “Spots always sell out fast for events like this — don’t wait,” they caution on the official website.
Format: 3-day intensive seminar.
Organizers also recommend that participants book accommodations in Calgary well in advance. The event is open to practitioners of all skill levels.
REFERENCE:
Bujinkan — international martial arts organization uniting nine traditional Japanese schools.
Soke — supreme master and guardian of the tradition of a specific martial arts school.
Taikai — large martial arts seminar featuring high-ranking masters.
Ninjutsu — traditional Japanese martial arts system associated with historical ninja.
Registration and detailed information: www.ninpokaicanada.com
