🥋 1st UBC TAIKAI 2025 – Official Announcement
The University of British Columbia Kendo Club, founded in 1978, is proud to host its very first UBC Taikai!
And this year—
🎉 We’re teaming up with BUDOGU ZEN! 🎉
With the support of BUDOGU ZEN, we are going to be the only taikai with Kachinuki-style matches in Canada.
A brand-new match format, combined with the freedom to form your own teams, means one thing:
this tournament is guaranteed to be thrilling from start to finish! 🔥
Kachinuki, made famous in Japan through legendary tournaments like Gyokuryu-ki and Kaisei-ki, is a dramatic “winner-stays-on” format.
One player steps in, and if they win, they keep fighting the next opponent.
Defend your team, go on a winning streak, or turn the tide as the anchor—
every single match becomes a story of its own.
And here’s what makes the UBC Taikai even more exciting:
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No dojo restrictions – create your own team freely!
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Team up with dojo mates, mix with friends from other dojos, or even bring in guest fighters!
📅 Date & Venue
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Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
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Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Registration starts at 9:30 AM)
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Venue: BCIT Recreation Gym
3700 Willingdon Ave SE16, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
📝 Eligibility & Divisions
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Participants 16 years or older in bogu
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Ages 14–15 allowed with consent from a parent and instructor
Divisions:
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Women’s Open
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Open
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5-Dan and Under (Total Team Rank)
For the 5-Dan and Under division, the combined ranks of all three players must not exceed 5-Dan.
Players with no rank or 1-Kyu will be counted as “0.5 Dan.”
⚔ Match Format – Kachinuki-style
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3 vs 3, winner-stays-on team matches
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The winner continues to fight until defeated
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Victory is achieved by eliminating all three opponents
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Teams can be freely formed – no dojo restrictions
🔻 Special Rules:
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If the anchor (taisho) match ends in a draw, it is considered a loss for the anchor’s team.
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Anchor vs anchor cannot end in a draw – sudden death, no time limit until ippon is scored.
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In semifinals and finals, anchors must fight until a winner is decided – no draws allowed.
🛠 Equipment Check & Required Items
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Shinai inspection will be conducted in the morning (ages 19 and over)
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No inspection for participants 18 and under, but shinai must be safe
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All teams must bring their own red/white tasuki (sashes)
💰 Entry Fee & Deadline
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$30 for first division
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$10 for an additional division(s)
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Registration closes Monday, September 1, 2025
🔗 Registration & Details
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Registration Form (Google Form):
👉 Click here to register -
Event Details (UBC Official Page):
👉 View details here
🎉 A Day Guaranteed to Be Unforgettable!
With the UBC Kendo Club joining forces with BUDOGU ZEN,
this tournament will deliver unmatched excitement through free team formation and Kachinuki-style battles.
Your strike could change the fate of your team.
Be part of history at the 1st UBC Taikai!