Hoku Tozai Taikai – 北東西大会

Hoku Tozai Taikai is a goodwill event where East meets West in a single, large-scale team match held across the Baltic Sea. The hosting duties rotate among the participating countries, fostering collaboration and friendship throughout the region.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone is welcome to join and fight for either East or West. Teams are free to recruit any willing participant. In 2022, for example, Team East included fighters from Finland, Latvia, and Estonia.

The event’s name is inspired by Japan’s traditional “Tozai Taikai” (East-West Championships). “Hoku Tozai Taikai” translates roughly to the “Northern East-West Championships,” reflecting both the geographic and cultural inspiration behind the event.

The Spirit of the Event

This event celebrates participation, camaraderie, and shared passion for kendo. Whether you’re a junior, a beginner without bogu, a national team athlete, or a 7-dan senior, your contribution is equally valued.

If you’re in bogu and experienced in ji-geiko, you’ll take part in regular shiai.
If you’re not in bogu, you’ll participate in kirikaeshi, uchikomi, or similar exercises tailored to your level.

Everyone is matched with opponents of similar skill and experience, ensuring fairness and safety for all.

Refereeing – By the Fighters, For the Fighters

In keeping with the inclusive spirit, there are no full-time referees—everyone competes! Higher-ranked participants act as referees, and when it’s their turn to fight, the number of shiai-jō (match areas) is reduced accordingly.

East or West?

Geographically, countries east or west of the Baltic Sea usually compete on their respective sides. However, some countries choose their team more flexibly, based on participant numbers or simply for fun.

Match Format and Structure

The format may change depending on the number of participants, but the goal remains consistent:

Every fighter should get as many matches as possible (typically aiming for 7 shiai each).
Team managers collaborate to create balanced pairings based on age, rank, and experience.

For example, national team members will face each other—even if their ranks differ—to ensure high-level matchups. For juniors and beginners, safety is prioritized, and match types are adjusted accordingly.

Go to Hoku Tozai Taikai 2025!