25/05/2026
We're almost ready for our day in Durham’s Botanic Gardens. Come along and say hello!
Tomari Budokai Durham
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Welcome to Tomari Budokai. If you're interested in the use of Japanese swords, please come and visit us in our Durham City dojo.
After many years of training in Japanese sword forms, swordsmith Genrokuro Matsunaga decided to develop a style based on the philosophies and values traditionally associated with Japan's samurai class. Together with a group of people who had been training at his home dojo in Arao, Matsunaga sensei formalised the style of Shodai Ryu in April 1999. The Tomari Budokai Dojo based in Durham, UK was est
25/05/2026
20/05/2026
Why not join us for our demonstrations at Durham Botanic Gardens on Monday 25th May, 2026? We'll be there all day, with demonstrations at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, and public practices in-between.
https://fb.watch/HdcVOqx2Ye/
22/04/2026
On Friday 17th April, our very own Colin Young attended an event in the Japanese Embassy in London to celebrate the presentation of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to friend of Tomari Budokai, Rachel Barclay of the Oriental Museum, Durham University.
Congratulations Rachel from all at Tomari Budokai!
21/04/2026
Matsunaga soke has just been on the BBC show Great Japanese Railway Journeys - BBC iPlayer https://share.google/zpHOM7WTyp6tyINYi
Episode 7 22 minutes 48 seconds in.
Great Japanese Railway Journeys All aboard! Michael Portillo explores a country where tradition meets technology. Get set for fascinating culture, lightning-fast bullet trains and breathtaking scenery.
11/03/2026
A big thank you to Durham University Kendo Society for inviting us to their dojo to run a session on Shodai Ryu Zanshi.
18/02/2026
Although it's difficult, we try to visit the honbu dojo in Arao, Japan as often as possible. Senior Tomari Budokai student, David Fujiwara dropped by for a few days of training whilst visiting family.
13/01/2026
Training restarts this Friday (16th January) from 7:30...and it's the perfect time for new starters! Remember - the first session is completely free, so come along and join us.
01/12/2025
Happy birthday to us! 🎉🎊
November marked the 21st anniversary of Kobudo Shodai Ryu Zanshi in the UK. During that time, we've been privileged to demonstrate Shodai Ryu throughout the UK, as well as in France and Japan. We've met countless interesting and inspiring people, from authors to ambassadors, visited and talked at museums and enjoyed the hospitality of the honbu dojo in Arao, Japan.
Here's to the next 21 years! 🥂
25/11/2025
A small selection of photos from last night's VIP opening ceremony for the new exhibition at Durham's Oriental Museum.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/events-calendar/2025/11/echoes-of-friendship/
23/11/2025
We were very happy to welcome members of Durham University Kendo Society to train with us this week. https://durhamkendo.wordpress.com/
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St Oswald's Institute
Durham
DH13DL
Opening Hours
| 7pm - 10pm |