Motoki Noguchi – Japan (Nihon Ki-in / Pandanet)
Motoki Noguchi is an administrator of Pandanet and the Japanese Pair Go Association. He will be attending the Congress to present the brand-new Kumon-go project for beginners and to give opening talks. Living in France since 2000, he has been the French Open champion six times and has authored several Go books in French.
What is KumoniGo?
KUMON GO (KumoniGo) is a structured educational program licensed by Kumon Lifelong Integrated Learning Co., Ltd., delivering Go instruction through the renowned Kumon Method framework. It offers original program materials developed based on the KUMON Method, teaching the essential fundamentals required for playing Go to learners of all ages, from children through adults.
Purpose
The initiative aims to cultivate independent learning habits while enhancing concentration. It systematically teaches the essential fundamentals required for playing Go, guiding each learner to study at their own pace and build lasting skills.
How It Works
The curriculum progresses systematically across 18 levels (from 30 kyu to 13 kyu). Study begins with foundational terminology and basic rules, then advances through shapes, Tesuji, and Joseki. By the end, learners develop proficiency equivalent to approximately 15 kyu — the ability to comfortably play on a 19×19 board.
Key Features
- 200 pages per level containing explanations and interactive exercises.
- Achievement tests awarding Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals based on performance.
- Reading materials exploring Go terminology, proverbs, and strategic insights.
- Interactive learning allowing students to place stones and solve problems.
- Gamified progression with country-themed avatars and certificates.
Who Is It For?
The program welcomes anyone — from children to adults — seeking to learn Go fundamentals online. Delivery occurs through the Pandanet Go Beginners Academy web application, enabling learners to study anywhere, even while travelling.
Learn more at pandanet-go.com/en/kumonigo.