Blackbelt Week 2026 features a wide range of events and classes for Goju students who train via LiveCast around the globe,.
Blackbelt Week 2026 kicks off this Saturday and continues through all next week with a wide range of special events (see the full schedule here).
The dojo has students in many places outside New York City (we're so proud of all of our brother and sister Karateka around the globe!) and some of these events are notable because they'll be available via LiveCast.
To join any of these events, please visit the LiveCast section.
Here's a run-down on LiveCast-available events:
Saturday, September 19th
This one is for blackbelts only, and our dojo is privileged to have a number of blackbelts around the world, including in other parts of the United States and in other countries in Western Europe.
Starting at Noon Eastern Time (GMT-4), a live broadcast of Tohkon, the final day of Blackbelt Selection, is offered.
Monday, September 21st
All adult Goju Karateka can join either or both the 6PM ET (GMT-4) General Class or the 7PM ET (GMT-4) Kata Class. These classes are regularly broadcast every week, but they are quite notable on September 21st because they'll be the first classes that new blackbelts attend.
(Note that there are no special entries for these classes on the LiveCast Special Events listing – you'll find them in the regular weekly listing).
Different formats during class and some special training will likely occur – try to make it a point to attend one or both of these classes, since they'll be quite unique.
The 7PM Kata Class may also feature some blackbelt-only material, if time allows.
Tuesday, September 22nd
All adults, all ranks are invited to attend the Seminar at 6:30PM ET (GMT-4) titled "Karatedō: 149 Concepts."
This seminar will cover the history, organization, and structure of the core philosophy underlying karatedō and all other major Japanese martial arts (and most Asian martial arts as well).
The seminar will also feature a bonus special announcement.
Wednesday, September 23rd
All adults, all ranks are invited to attend a special, expanded edition of the weekly Meditation+Shodo Class at 7:45PM ET (GMT-4).
Normally, this class is not available via LiveCast, so this is a great opportunity to participate in a Meditation Class, plus this expanded edition will feature more material on the concepts in karatedõ as well as a series of meditation exercises.
Thursday, September 24th
There are two separate LiveCast events on this day.
First, at 6:15PM ET (GMT-4), All adults of 4th Kyu rank or above are invited to a special seminar "Teaching and Being an Assistant Instructor" which is designed to help instructors, assistant instructors, and senior students that would like to explore becoming an assistant instructor. The seminar will feature discussions, ideas for teaching, and much more.
Next, at 7PM ET (GMT-4), all blackbelts can attend the first of two "Blackbelt Kata + Weapons" classes being held this week. Offerings for both new blackbelts and experienced blackbelts will be presented.
Saturday, September 26th
There are also two separate LiveCast events on this day.
First, at 11:30AM ET (GMT-4), new shodan blackbelts (with Sensei and some experienced blackbelts) will be the principal instructors of a General Class for Adults.
Next, at 12:30PM ET (GMT-4), all blackbelts can attend the second of two "Blackbelt Kata + Weapons" classes being held this week. Offerings for both new blackbelts and experienced blackbelts will be presented.
(Note that there are no special entries for these classes on the LiveCast Special Events listing – you'll find them in the regular weekly listing).
