About
San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation is a premier, private club basketball program in the Bay Area that focuses on basketball, including the invitation-only Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament. The program also offers Ninja Camp, team challenges, trivia, community service, a dance showdown, and the annual Ninja Fall Family Social gathering.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
The organization’s mission states that it is dedicated to high-level player development, competitive play, and building a strong, connected community, with seasons in both the spring and fall. The Ninja Core Principles are to foster good sportsmanship, solid basketball fundamentals, self-confidence in players, and promote lasting lifetime friendships. The idea of establishing a basketball organization in the San Jose area originated in the summer of 1980, and the very first Ninja Invitational Tournament was held on April 10–11, 1982. The 2026 San Jose Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament was the 43rd annual tournament, and the organization has grown to 14 teams. Ninja Camp has included meaningful community service and a “day in the life” demonstration by the Sunnyvale Fire crew, giving players a firsthand look at what it means to serve the community.
The leadership team includes Kevin Kawano (President, San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation and Boys' Commissioner), Andy Namba (Girls' Commissioner), Tania Yang (Social Co-Director), Jeff Young (Girls' Tournament Director), Dean Kobashigawa (Member at Large), Lindsay Mune (Treasurer), Keith Morikawa (Historian & Social Media), Kevin Dobashi (Boys' Tournament Director), Stuart Ishida (Gym Coordinator), Tori Sakurai (Secretary), Karen Shen (Social Co-Director), Cynthia Kashima Bader (Tournament Director), Kevin Eng (Equipment & Apparel Manager), Carol Kimura (Webmaster), and Jim Kotsubo (inaugural tournament chairman). The organization describes itself as a tight-knit community of past and present players and families. Its black uniforms were chosen to reflect the traditional attire of a ninja, and the original logo was designed by Linda Inouye.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
The organization’s mission states that it is dedicated to high-level player development, competitive play, and building a strong, connected community, with seasons in both the spring and fall. The Ninja Core Principles are to foster good sportsmanship, solid basketball fundamentals, self-confidence in players, and promote lasting lifetime friendships. The idea of establishing a basketball organization in the San Jose area originated in the summer of 1980, and the very first Ninja Invitational Tournament was held on April 10–11, 1982. The 2026 San Jose Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament was the 43rd annual tournament, and the organization has grown to 14 teams. Ninja Camp has included meaningful community service and a “day in the life” demonstration by the Sunnyvale Fire crew, giving players a firsthand look at what it means to serve the community.
The leadership team includes Kevin Kawano (President, San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation and Boys' Commissioner), Andy Namba (Girls' Commissioner), Tania Yang (Social Co-Director), Jeff Young (Girls' Tournament Director), Dean Kobashigawa (Member at Large), Lindsay Mune (Treasurer), Keith Morikawa (Historian & Social Media), Kevin Dobashi (Boys' Tournament Director), Stuart Ishida (Gym Coordinator), Tori Sakurai (Secretary), Karen Shen (Social Co-Director), Cynthia Kashima Bader (Tournament Director), Kevin Eng (Equipment & Apparel Manager), Carol Kimura (Webmaster), and Jim Kotsubo (inaugural tournament chairman). The organization describes itself as a tight-knit community of past and present players and families. Its black uniforms were chosen to reflect the traditional attire of a ninja, and the original logo was designed by Linda Inouye.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
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