What training equipment should i bring?

The training at this event will focus on whatever Noguchi Sensei would like to share. However, he has said that the theme will be Koto Ryu Happo Biken, as well as Bojutsu. It would be a good idea to have a bo (6ft staff) and bokken (wooden training sword) with you to get the most out of the training. Please do not bring any metal or sharp training equipment to this event.

What should i wear?

As this is a Bujinkan event, you should wear a plain black keikogi, indoor tabi (not rubber-soled) and whatever colour belt you are entitled to wear. A good rule of thumb on ettiquette around what to wear in training is that you should match whatever the teacher is wearing. If it is warm and they choose to train in a teeshirt, then it’s safe to assume you can too.

can i pay at the door? what about one or two day tickets?

We expect significant demand for tickets for this event but have limited space. For this reason, we’re prioritising three day tickets only right now. It MAY be possible closer to the event to purhase a one or two day ticket, but only if there is space.

Likewise, if you would like to pay on the day, then you run the risk of being turned away for space reasons. If you’d like to be kept informed in case the possiblity of one or two day tickets opens up, you should leave your e-mail address in the form at the bottom of this page.

I’d like to take the godan test at this taikai. Is this possible?

If you wish to take the Godan (5th dan) test at the Dublin Taikai, please read the following carefully.

• To take the test, you should notify the event staff upon arrival on Friday September 12th that you’d like to do so.

• You must have a 4th Dan certificate issued by the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Japan. Please bring the original or a photocopy with you.

• The date on your certificate MUST be at least one calendar year before the date you attempt the test. Please note, there will be no exceptions to this rule. If you don’t have this, you won’t be allowed to test

• You should bring a passport-style picture, and the full certification fee of Y50,000 in Japanese yen with you to the event.

• If you pass, your fees, photo and documentation will be sent to Japan for processing on your behalf.

Can i take pictures or video at this event?

There will be an opportunity for everyone to take group photos with Noguchi Sensei but there is a strict policy of no pictures or video during training. There will be an official video made of the event, available for sale afterwards. Anyone observed taking pictures or videos during the training sessions will be asked to leave.

Can i bring guests with me to observe??

This event is only for people who have purchased tickets. If you feel a case should be made for someone in your party to be allowed observe for a part of the training, please speak to taikai staff to see if this is possible.

I’d like to give Noguchi sensei a gift. is that possible?

This is a nice idea but please remember that any gifts have to be carried in Sensei’s personal luggage or shipped back to Japan. Unless you’re willing to pay the cost of this, it’s better to keep any gifts until you are in Japan and can give them to Sensei there.