We invite you to be part of another unforgettable chapter in the continuing tradition of IKKU Summer Camp. In 2026, our annual gathering will take on a special theme as we spotlight the richness of our Koga-Ryu Kobudo heritage through this year’s featured experience: Camp Koga 2.0.

Designed to build upon the strong momentum of our recent Kobudo Clinic, Camp Koga 2.0 will carry that spirit forward with expanded opportunities for kobudo training, study, and authentic martial arts education. This year’s camp is intended to deepen understanding, strengthen skill, and further connect participants to the traditional Okinawan weapons arts that remain such an important part of our legacy.

The camp is scheduled for June 4–6, 2026, in Carrollton, Georgia, and will be hosted by Robinson Karate Dojo. While the final venue is still being confirmed, we encourage everyone to reserve these dates now and stay tuned for additional announcements as plans are finalized. More event details will be released soon.

Camp Koga 2.0 is open to all styles and all ranks, offering a rare opportunity for meaningful growth through exceptional, authentic Okinawan martial arts training beyond the regular dojo environment. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or newly exploring the deeper traditions of kobudo, this camp promises a rewarding and enriching experience.

Training will begin on Thursday, June 4, at 6:00 PM, and the camp is expected to conclude on Saturday, June 6, at approximately 4:00 PM. Details regarding dinner plans and the awards ceremony are currently to be determined and will be shared as they become available.

We look forward to gathering in fellowship, training with purpose, and continuing the legacy together at Camp Koga 2.0.

Minimum $50 Deposit Due by May 6, 2026

Senior Instructors Include:

Ron Downton, Hanshi, 9th Dan – IKKU Assistant Director

Larry Griffin, Kyoshi-Sei, 8th Dan – IKKU Camp Director

Jenny Downton, Kyoshi-Sei, 8th Dan

Other IKKU High Dans

Member Annual Camp Cost:

$TBD –  Includes 6 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Includes 5 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Includes 4 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Family rate (each).  3 Days of Training

$TBD –  Any mix of Two Days of Training

$TBD –  Family rate (each) Friday/Sunday. Any mix of Two Days of Training

$TBD – Day Rate

$TBD –  Family rate (each)

$TBD – Half Day Rate

+$TBD – For Non-IKKU Members. (This will pay for one year IKKU Membership)

Make checks payable to Larry Griffin.  Mail to 6060 Devonshire Dr, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542

Tentative Session Schedule:

Thursday, June 4, 2026
4:30-6:00 pm- Check-in
6:00-8:00 pm- 1st Training Session

Friday, June 5, 2026
9:30 am-12:00 Noon- 2nd Training Session
12:00 pm-1:30- Lunch Break
1:30-4:00 pm- 3rd Training Session

Saturday, June 6, 2026
9:30 am-12:00 Noon- 4th Training Session
12:00- 1:30- Lunch Break
1:30-4:00 pm- 5th and final Training Session.

IKKU Summer Camp ends

Additional IKKU Information

To learn more about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union, please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members into our organization and host 6 to 10 scheduled events each year. This provides each participant with direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, Founder of the IKKU and Hanshi Ron Downton, as well as other high-ranking instructors within the organization.

For a full listing of upcoming training opportunities, please visit our Events Page, where we feature upcoming clinics, camps, and additional opportunities for engagement with the IKKU community.

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Hosted by Keishin Karate Kai – Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin at the Mulberry Creek Community Center in Flowery Branch, GA. on March 7, 2026. This is a great event to learn a Kobudo Weapon of YOUR Choice and get insight from our expert instructors at the event. Simply bring your Kobudo Weapon or borrow one from a Friend and join in on the Fun.

Featuring: Hanshi Ron Downton, 9th Dan and other IKKU High Dans

Event Description:

– Training will include our Five Traditional Weapons – Bo, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Sai, and the Kama

– Participants get to Choose what Weapon(s) they want to Train with to Review or Learn

– Kobudo Anatomy, Basics, and Kata are all part of the agenda for the day

– Weapon Basics, Drills, and Combinations

– So the Bottom Line – “It’s Your Choice”

Cost:

$70 for the Full Day

$35 for 1/2 Day

We will Break for Lunch – There are restaurants nearby, BUT we recommend you Bring Your Own

Additional IKKU Information:
For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union, please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU, and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a complete listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here, we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post 2026 IKKU 11th Annual Weapons Choice Seminar appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Featuring: Soke J.R. Ruiz, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Hanshi Ron Downton, 9th Dan and other high dans of the IKKU.

Be Ready to Work Empty Hand Kata and Bunkai
Bring your Kobudo Weapons
Open to All Ranks and Ages

Dinner will be on your own Saturday at TBD at 6:00 p.m. We will need to make reservations by the Xth, so please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to attend.

Cost:

Friday – Saturday: Current IKKU Members $80 – Non-Members $120

Saturday (lunch on your own): Current IKKU Members $60 – Non-Members $100

Friday or 1/2 day Saturday: Current IKKU Members $35 – Non-Members $75

IKKU Membership:

$35 Annual        $150 Lifetime           $5 IKKU Patch

Schedule:

Friday Evening January 16th

4:30 – 5:00 — Check-in & Warm Up

5:30 – 7:00 — Training Session (All ages are welcome)

Dinner on your own

Saturday, January 17th

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. — Check-in & Warm Up

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon — Morning Session

12:00 noon – 1:45 p.m. — Lunch (on your own)

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Afternoon Session

Dinner Saturday Evening

Dinner on your own at TBD restaurant at 6pm.

Be there or be square!

Directions:

Take I-20 West to the Villa Rica/Carrollton exit #24. Turn left at the end of the ramp South Hwy. 61 to Carrollton (10-12 miles). Go downtown Carrollton to the square (pass the Courthouse on left then First Methodist Church on the right), turn right at the second traffic light past the church – Rome Street then take the first right – Old City Hall Avenue. Dojo is the first building on the right parking in front and on the side of the dojo building.

Information call Dojo: 770-830-6324, Cell: 770-312-9981.

Robinson Karate Dojo

Lodging:

Quality Inn:  770-834-2600

Holiday Inn Express: 770-838-0508

Hampton Inn: 770-838-7722

Marriott: 678-664-5200

The post 2026 IKKU Annual Winter Camp appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Please plan on joining us as we continue our Annual IKKU Summer Camp tradition. The camp will occur at the Robinson Karate Dojo in Carrolton, GA from June 6 – 9. So please put the camp dates on your calendar and make plans to join us for this special event.

The Camp is open to all styles and all ranks and will be an excellent time for those attending. The first class starts Thursday, June 6 at 6:00 pm, and Camp is scheduled to end Sunday, June 9 post morning session.

Minimum $50 Deposit Due by May 10, 2024

Senior Instructors Include:

Joseph Ruiz, Soke, Hanshi-Sei, 10th Dan – IKKU Director & Founder

Ron Downton, Hanshi, 9th Dan – IKKU Assistant Director

Larry Griffin, Kyoshi-Sei, 8th Dan – IKKU Camp Director

Jenny Downton, Kyoshi-Sei, 8th Dan

Other IKKU High Dans

Member Annual Camp Cost:

$TBD –  Includes 6 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Includes 5 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Includes 4 Training Sessions. Thursday through Sunday

$TBD –  Family rate (each).  3 Days of Training

$TBD –  Any mix of Two Days of Training

$TBD –  Family rate (each) Friday/Sunday. Any mix of Two Days of Training

$TBD – Day Rate

$TBD –  Family rate (each)

$TBD – Half Day Rate

+$TBD – For Non-IKKU Members. (This will pay for one year IKKU Membership)

Make checks payable to Larry Griffin.  Mail to 6060 Devonshire Dr, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542

Tentative Session Schedule:

Thursday, June 6, 2024
4:30-6:00 pm- Check-in
6:00-8:00 pm- 1st Training Session

Friday, June 7, 2024
9:30 am-12:00 Noon- 2nd Training Session
12:00 pm-1:30- Lunch Break
1:30-4:00 pm- 3rd Training Session

Saturday, June 8, 2024
9:30 am-12:00 Noon- 4th Training Session
12:00- 1:30- Lunch Break
1:30-4:00 pm- 5th and final Training Session.  IKKU Summer Camp ends

Sunday, June 9, 2024
9:00-12:00 pm – 6th & Final Training Session

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Soke Joseph Ruiz performing the ceremonial Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

June 10, 2023, marked a special day for the IKKU as a Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom, Sr. Instructor of the Carolina Karate Kai took place. After bowing in for the 36th annual IKKU Summer Camp session, Soke Ruiz performed the ceremonial act of presenting and mounting a Tsuba onto the Renshi Sensei Obi. Soke has mentioned his tradition of Tsuba Presentations in the past, but here is a quick review. Soke only awards Tsuba periodically, and these generally are awarded to senior-level Yudansha, 3rd Dan and up, whom Soke considers his personal students of Karate.

This marks a humbling step in one’s martial arts journey with the IKKU. Rensei Sensei John Malcom is being accepted as one of Soke Ruiz’s High-Dan Students.

A few words of introduction regarding Tsuba. A tsuba is a hand guard that is mounted on a Katana between the cutting edge of the blade and the Tsuka (handle of the weapon). Its primary function is to keep the user’s hand from sliding up and onto the blade of the sword, to protect the hand from an opponent’s blade, to counterbalance the weight of the blade, and to some degree to communicate the social standing, beliefs, and tastes of its owner.

The Ceremonial Tsuba from Soke and the IKKU represent the trust between Soke and the Students as well as the protection that Soke provides to all his students. The Ceremonial Tsuba also represents the balance that the IKKU helps to instill in its students. Mind, Body, and Spirit along with proper traditional foundations in all our arts help to bring peace, protection, and balance into one’s life.

During the ceremony, Soke will remove one’s Obi from around the waist and then mount a Tsuba over the Obi, and then retie the Obi with the Tsuba in place. The Tsuba is then worn in a rear-facing position from that time forward. If you see someone wearing a Tsuba during class or in a clinic, then you will certainly now understand that the Tsuba was earned and awarded by Soke Ruiz himself. This isn’t a fashion statement but instead, a badge of honor with a rich history instilled in this time-honored tradition.

A big congratulations go out to Renshi Sensei John Malcom on his Tsuba Award. OSU!

Additional IKKU Information:

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU, and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post Renshi Sensei John Malcom Presented with Tsuba appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.