Americas Zone 2026 Annual Jodo Seminar and Shinsa

Held from Oct 23-25, 2026, this event will be a major gathering for practitioners of the Japanese art of the short staff.

This year's Americas Zone seminar and grading is hosted by the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) and features instruction from six teachers, including two distinguished 8th Dan sensei from the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

The seminar uses three venues, all of them within a short drive of one another. Check the day you are attending:

• Friday 23 October
  Canadian Athletic Performance Centre
  300 Water St, Whitby, ON L1N 9B6
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• Saturday 24 October
  Abilities Centre
  1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2
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• Sunday 25 October
  Canadian Athletic Performance Centre
  300 Water St, Whitby, ON L1N 9B6
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• Sunday 25 October — grading, 1:00pm to 2:45pm
  YWCA Durham, main gymnasium
  1 McGrigor St, Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8
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The grading group travels to the YWCA and back by bus from the Canadian Athletic Performance Centre, so candidates do not need their own transport. Whitby is easily accessible by train from the centre of Toronto and Toronto Pearson airport.

The seminar will cover kihon (basic techniques), the 12 Seitei Jodo kata, and testing requirements for rank advancement. It's a rare opportunity to train under top-level instructors and deepen your understanding of standard Jodo practices.

Shinsa will be offered up to 7th Dan. Shinsa Registration is available at https://ckf.justgo.com

Directions

From Toronto Pearson Airport by car

• From the Airport follow signs for 409 / 401 East, continue approx 60km (37 Mi) to exit 410 (Brock St). Journey time approximately one hour

From Toronto Pearson Airport by public transit

• Take the UP Express to Union Station in downtown Toronto, then follow signs for GO Trains and take the Lakeshore Express line to Whitby GO Station.

From Ottawa

• Take ON 416 S to ON 401 West to exit 410 (Brock St)

From Buffalo

• Use the Peace Bridge and then take QEW to 403 East, then 427 North, then 401 East to Exit 410 (Brock St)

From Detroit

• Use the Detroit - Windsor Tunnel, then take ON 401 East to Exit 410 (Brock St)

All destinations by rail

• Take Via rail to Durham College Oshawa GO Station, then take the GO train from Union station to Whitby GO Station.

Weather

Expect daytime highs of 15-16C (60F) and overnight lows of 5-7C (43F). It will rain.

Event Hotel

There are hotels nearby such as Holiday Inn Express Whitby, Residence Inn by Marriott Whitby, and Motel 6 Whitby. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn express located at 180 Consumers Dr, Whitby, Ontario, which is close to transit (GO Train) and the event venue. This is also the hotel where the sensei will be staying. Rooms are King bed rooms and include breakfast, for $229 per night. If you are staying only Friday and Saturday night, you can self-book by clicking here. If your travel plans require additional days, click the link above to book, and then email or phone Mehrsa Rakhshani (905-665-8400 - ext.502) at the hotel to add the additional days to your booking.

Meals

Subs (for non-Americans, that’s a large sandwich) are available for pre-purchase at $15. Please tell us if you are vegetarian.

We will be gathering at local pub-restaurant on Friday evening and Sunday evening, if you will join us please indicate so we can arrange sufficient seating.

Event Banquet: after our opening day of training, let’s come together to celebrate with a warm and lively banquet! This will be held on Saturday evening at Makimono, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant (75 Consumers Dr, Whitby, L1N 9S2). Your $60 ticket includes your food, taxes, and tip, and non-alcoholic beverages. You may purchase alcoholic beverages.

Shinsa

Shinsa registration is now open via the JustGo website. Shinsa Registration will close on October 11, 2025. At this time registration, test questions, and Federation approval paperwork must be submitted.

The Shinsa will take place on Sunday October 25, 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:45pm, in the main gymnasium of YWCA Durham at 1 McGrigor St, Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8 — not at the main seminar venue. The grading group travels there by bus from the Canadian Athletic Performance Centre at noon and returns at 3:00pm.

Candidates must be current AUSKF, CKF or FIK Members. Non-Canadian attendees may test with permission of their Federation president. More information for non-Canadian attendees here.

Required techniques for each rank:

• 1-Kyu – Individual kihon 1-4 (Honte Uchi to Kaeshi Tsuki), 7 (Kuritsuke) and 10 (Tsukihazushiuchi), Kata: 1-3 (jo and tachi)
• 1-Dan – Kata 2-6
• 2-Dan – Kata 3-7
• 3-Dan – Kata 5-9
• 4-Dan – Kata 7-11
• 5-Dan – Kata 8-12
• 6-Dan – Announced day-of the grading (typically Kata 6-11, or odd numbered kata)
• 7-Dan – Announced day-of the grading (typically Kata 7-12, or even numbered kata)