KANGEIKO 2026
SANTA MONICA DOJO
Do you wish you could stop what you are doing, make a new beginning, and start from a clean slate?
Students of traditional martial arts are seeking this opportunity every year. Traditionally, dojos around the world begin the new year with “Kangeiko” (winter training). During the first complete week of the year, training begins daily before sunrise.
Difficult? Yes. But that’s the point! By jumping right in and beginning the New Year with something hard, we purify and refocus mind and spirit, re-establish good habits, and get ready for the year ahead.
Kangeiko week ends Saturday morning with a ceremonial sake toast and good wishes, followed by a shared breakfast with students, instructors, guests and friends.
At JKA Santa Monica Dojo, the annual Kangeiko week of training and renewal is our oldest and most sincere tradition. We (and those who preceded us) have carried it out every year for 52 years so far.
As many of you know, the 52nd Kangeiko of 2025 was tragically interrupted by the horrendous Palisades Fire nearby. Although some of our students and their families lost their homes and workplaces and the dojo also suffered from this impact, we steadfastly carried on with training and completed Kangeiko 2025 as soon as the conditions permitted. It was our way of showing that we will not give up.
On behalf of Sensei James Field and his students, we would like to invite all karate-do practitioners, regardless of style, school, or affiliation, to participate in our 53rd Kangeiko.
Let’s all make a new beginning in life based on the virtues and principles karate teaches!
BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER!
Kangeiko 2026 will be expanded with more special classes, guest instructors, and social events. And for the first time, the week will conclude with JKA dan and licensing exams on Sunday! (This includes exams for converting ISKF dan ranks into JKA shodan to sandan).
We are very honored to announce an esteemed guest instructor for our 53rd annual Kangeiko:
Isami Shiroma Sensei, 7th Dan (JKA)
Chief Instructor, JKA Karate NY Shiroma
Sensei Shiroma is one of the most senior JKA instructors in the United States. In response to a personal and direct invitation from Sensei Field, he will be flying in from New York. Besides teaching several special classes, Sensei Shiroma and Sensei Field together will be the examiners at the conclusion of Kangeiko week.
Shiroma Sensei will be joined by:
Miyuki Kuroha, 5th Dan (JKA)
- 2025 JKA Pan American Championships, 1st Place, Kata
- 24th JKA Jukurensha All Japan Karate Championships, 1st Place, Kata
- 2025 JKAAF National Tournament, 1st Place, Kata.
For more about all instructors of Kangeiko 2026, please go here.
Please see the Event Schedule page for a breakdown of classes.