History

Goyokai began around 1995 as periodic joint practices and seminars among five dojos on the east coast — Boston Shufu-kai, Rhode Island Shinbu-kan, New York Shinbu-kan, New Jersey Kenyu-kai and Philadelphia Tanshin-kai — led by Toshiyuki Matsubara sensei (Kyoshi 7-dan).

In 1999, the late Kiyoshi Nakakura sensei (Hanshi 9-dan) joined the seminar in New York alongside other high-ranking senseis. He kindly gave the informal gathering its name: Goyo-kai. Goyo means five leaves — one for each of the five dojos.

Many high-ranking senseis have taught at Goyokai over the years, among them the late Hironori Tahara sensei (Hanshi 8-dan), the late Teruyuki Matsubara sensei (Hanshi 8-dan), and the late Masuo Shinotsuka sensei (Hanshi 8-dan).

Each year, guest instructors are invited from Japan to lead the seminar.

Today the seminar and tournament are hosted jointly by New York Shinbukan and Boston Shufukai.

Every year, ~200 participants from the East Coast, Canada, and beyond join the events to improve their Kendo. High ranking Kendo sensei from Japan are invited to provide excellent guidance throughout the events. The seminar and tournament provide a rare opportunity for Kendo practitioners in the area to bring the friendship together.