On June 6 and 7, 2026, the Dojo d’Herblay hosts the latest edition of Les 24 Heures du Samouraï — a 24-hour martial arts marathon. One weekend, 14 experts, 10 disciplines, and dozens of passionate practitioners. The event is organized with the support of Yashima, the City of Herblay-sur-Seine, and the École Normande de Thérapie Shiatsu.
History
The first edition was organized by the team of Léo Tamaki and took place in Nantes. The 2020 edition was held on November 28–29 in Herblay. In 2024, on May 18–19, the marathon was accompanied by a performance of the Paris Taiko Ensemble, a Japanese drumming group led by Tulga Yesilaltay. The 2025 edition took place on May 24–25 with 10 disciplines and 10 experts. In 2026, the number of experts reaches 14 for the first time.
Format
The goal of the event is to offer each participant a unique experience: 24 hours of immersion in the martial arts community. Throughout the event, participants are free to manage their own time between classes, the rest area, and the Samurai Village. Attendance options are 8, 12, or all 24 hours. Each class runs for 2 hours followed by a 30-minute break.
Programme — Édition 2026
The marathon begins on Saturday, June 7 at 12:00. Opening ceremony led by Emmanuel Ledoyen. From there, the sessions follow without interruption: Toshiro Suga — Aïkido, Victor Marques — Qin Na, Shimabukuro Yukinobu — Karaté Uechi-Ryu, Lee Kang Jong — Hapkimudo, Christophe Dafreville — MMA. The night sessions are led by Léo Rafolt (Nanbudō) and Nicolas Lorber (Shinjukaï Karatedô). At dawn — Guillaume Alberti (Sambo) and Jean-Luc Lesueur (Yi Quan). The final session is Yoseikan Budo with Mitchi Mochizuki. Closing ceremony on Sunday at 12:00 — Emmanuel Ledoyen.
The programme spans Japanese, Okinawan, Chinese and Korean traditions, as well as mixed styles.
Infrastructure
Venue: 5, Chemin de Chennevières, 95220 Herblay-sur-SeineTransport: approximately 25 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare, Paris, line JRegistration: 24h-samourai.com
A few metres from the training area, the Samurai Village offers a dedicated room with drinks, snacks and hot meals, available around the clock. A separate quiet room with floor mats is reserved for rest and sleep. Therapists from the École Normande de Thérapie Shiatsu provide free treatments to participants throughout the entire event.
Practical Information
Venue: 5, Chemin de Chennevières, 95220 Herblay-sur-Seine
Transport: approximately 25 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare, Paris, line J
Registration: 24h-samourai.com
Partners:
Yashima — yashima.media
Ville de Herblay-sur-Seine — herblay-sur-seine.fr
École Normande de Thérapie Shiatsu — shiatsunormandie.fr
Dragon Magazine
Imaginarts — imaginarts.tv
