KANGEIKO 2026
SANTA MONICA DOJO
Do I need to register in advance?
Please do. The event is organized by unpaid volunteers who also train. Let’s get the payments and formalities done beforehand so our volunteers can also participate in the classes!
What are the tuition fees?
The organizers have worked very hard to keep Kangeiko affordable for all. Kangeiko 2026 consists of a total of 12 classes over 7 days, features two guest instructors, and costs less than $12 per class or $20 per day. Please visit the registration page for the full price list.
Can I participate online?
Yes! We are planning to webcast all morning classes, so you can train anywhere in the world. (Please note that morning classes begin at 6 AM Pacific time, so please convert this to your time zone). You will need the latest Zoom software, and a suitable device to run it. Please register on the registration page, and the access codes will be emailed to you. Important: please be ready to turn on your camera, but keep your microphone muted. This is group training, after all! The point is to do this together.
I have never trained karate. Is Kangeiko a good opportunity to begin training?
While Kangeiko is indeed about making a new beginning, it is unfortunately not suitable for people who never trained karate before. However, if you are in the area, we highly encourage you to contact us for information about our beginners classes.
I have trained karate before, but not in a long time. Can I come to Kangeiko?
Please do! This is an excellent way to re-start your training. Karate mentally assigns no guilt to being rusty and out of shape – but we take pride in making an effort, seizing opportunities and trying to alway do the best we can. If you have not trained in a long time, please wear a white belt for the time being.
Who will be teaching the classes?
Please see this page.
Can I attend only the social events?
Yes, you may! Kangeiko is also a reunion and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends. However, please register so we can order enough food and drink.
Do I need to attend all classes?
No, but please try to attend as many classes as you can. We know it’s hard, but that’s the point! Plus, we make it a sport to count attendance every day, and we try to reach a high number of students who attended all morning classes. Please help us beat the records set in previous years!
Do I have to be a member of the same organization or group to come to class?
Absolutely not! For Kangeiko, every student of traditional karate-do is welcome, regardless of style, school, club, affiliation, or organization. However, we expect adherence to the rules of etiquette and to the dojo-kun practiced in all Shotokan dojos around the world.
I want to take a JKA exam. Can I just come to the exam without attending the classes?
Sensei Field and Sensei Shiroma, the examiners have consistently and adamantly emphasized that examinees should take as many classes before exams as possible. Shiroma Sensei is even kind enough to teach a special prep class right before the exams on Sunday. As a karate student, you already know that ignoring the suggestions of senior instructors comes at your own peril.
I am coming from out of town. Can you recommend a hotel?
Several of our out-of-town attendees are staying at the Cal Mar Hotel. From there it is a 5-minute walk to the dojo, which means no rental car is needed. (If you desire luxury accommodations in a brief walking distance, we recommend the Huntley Hotel or the Fairmont-Miramar Hotel and Bungalows).
Where can I park?
There is metered street parking right in front of the dojo, but the most practical parking option is the public Parking Structure 1 located at 1234 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401. For more information about parking in Santa Monica, please visit the city’s web site. Please note: Santa Monica Dojo has two assigned parking spots in the back. These are reserved for our instructors and volunteers working at the event. In the weekends and evenings, the building’s parking lot may have vacant spots if they are not used by the businesses in our building. Should you wish to use these spots, please be courteous, and use discretion and common sense.
Will Sensei Field be there?
Sensei Field’s karate spirit and desire to participate in all dojo activities is as strong as ever. He is looking forward to Kangeiko every year. As always, he tremendously enjoys seeing old friends and students returning to the dojo.
A dedicated group of students takes Sensei Field to Santa Monica Dojo several times a week, and he teaches and coaches students whenever his health allows it. Kangeiko week will be no different: we will bring Sensei Field to the dojo and social events while being mindful of his overall well-being, his ongoing medical treatments and doctors’ visits. In addition, we are planning several daytime social events with him, including the ceremonial toast and breakfast on Saturday morning. And, Sensei Field (and Sensei Shiroma) will be the examiners at the JKA dan and licensing exams on Sunday.
Although Sensei Field’s health needs must take priority, we are determined to include him in Kangeiko week in every way we can.