Teaching and promoting the martial art of naginata
The Greater New York Naginata Federation (GNYNF) is a not-for-profit organization that provides education in the Japanese martial art of Naginata to the public.
Yamauchi Sensei (1959-2012)
Naginata, also known as "atarashii naginata" (あたらしいなぎなた) is a modern martial art involving the use of a Japanese halberd.
The early users of naginata were foot attendants to the samurai and warrior monks. In about 1400 A.D. the fighting style changed and the naginata was left home for samurai women to use to guard the house and castle, which led to its association with women ever since. After WWII, some naginata masters gathered together to develop a sportified version of naginata practice that would become atarashii naginata.
Today, naginata is practiced worldwide by people of all ages and genders, and continuing to grow in both numbers and in diversity.
GNYNF was founded on January 31, 2006 by Sachiko Yamauchi-Prough sensei (Kyoshi) and John Prough (3-dan).
Calendar of Events
We frequently hold training events, public demonstrations, seminars, and much more! You can keep up to date here!
We have our first Renshi in NYC!
Congratulations to Katie Roche Sensei, Newly Certified Renshi!
The Greater New York Naginata Federation is proud to announce that our president, Katie Roche, has officially passed her Renshi exam on May 11th, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan. This marks an extraordinary milestone in her martial arts journey and a significant achievement within the international naginata community.
Renshi (錬士), which translates to "polished expert," is a shogo (teaching license) granted to instructors who have demonstrated not only advanced technical skill and knowledge, but also deep character, leadership, and long-term dedication to the art. This level of recognition comes through rigorous examination and is awarded under the oversight of the All Japan Naginata Federation.
Roche Sensei’s journey to Renshi reflects over two decades of commitment to the practice, teaching, and growth of naginata both in the United States and abroad. She is the record-breaking seven-time U.S. Women’s National Champion, and she has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the art on the East Coast through the founding of two university clubs at Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University, as well as being the Chief Naginata Instructor at Ken-Zen Institute, the oldest Japanese swordsmanship dojo in NYC. She also serves as an advisor for the newest university level club at Pratt Institute. Her work has made opportunities available to new generations of practitioners, many of whom represent a growing and diverse cohort of U.S. naginata.
Roche Sensei is now the highest ranking sensei on the East Coast and currently the youngest shogo holder outside of Japan. She now is part of the eight shogo outside of Japan (within that eight, one out of the seven active Renshi). She is also now NYC’s first Renshi in history and likes to enjoy pointing out that,
“My sensei came here as a Kyoshi, so while I may not be the first shogo in NYC’s naginata history, I am technically the first Renshi” 🤭
As president of GNYNF, Roche Sensei has modeled integrity, inclusion, and excellence in leadership. Her promotion to Renshi is not only a personal milestone, but also a significant step forward for our region. With this new rank, Roche Sensei will help expand testing opportunities on the East Coast for those pursuing upper dan ranks, further strengthening the depth and sustainability of our community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Roche Sensei on this achievement. The GNYNF community is deeply proud and inspired by her leadership and accomplishments. We look forward to continuing to grow and learn together under her guidance.
Congratulations Roche Sensei!
We have a world-class medalist!
GNYNF Members Shine at 8th World Naginata Championships in Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, CO: July 13th, 2024
The Greater New York Naginata Federation is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members at the 8th World Naginata Championships (WNC) and affiliated events held this past summer in Boulder, Colorado. This prestigious international competition brought together top athletes from across the globe, and our members represented GNYNF and Team USA with honor, strength, and unwavering commitment to the spirit of naginata.
🏆 Katie Roche: A Tri-Medal Performance on the World Stage
GNYNF President and U.S. Women's Team Captain Katie Roche (5-dan) delivered a standout performance across three events at the WNC:
🥈 Silver: Women’s Team Shiai with teammates Shannon Rabanal (5-dan) from Southern California Naginata Federation and Kei Tsukamaki from Pacific Northwest Naginata Federation (5-dan), competing fiercely against Japan in the finals.
🥈 Silver: Zen Nihon Kata with partner Shannon Rabanal (5-dan), demonstrating technical precision and harmony in this advanced form.
🥉 Bronze: Engi-Kyogi with Kei Tsukamaki (5-dan), showcasing beautiful form and composure in a highly competitive field.
This was the fourth time Katie has represented the United States in the World Naginata Championships and the third time she has medalled. Katie’s achievements are a testament not only to her personal dedication and discipline, but also to the strength of GNY’s pedagogy, mentorship, and community spirit. Her leadership continues to elevate the visibility of East Coast naginata on the world stage.
💪 Patrick Magpayo Shows Spirit in Friendship Tournament
GNY’s Treasurer Patrick Magpayo (4-dan) also represented with distinction in the Friendship Tournament, an event held alongside the main WNC competition. Despite a lingering injury, Patrick chose to compete, embodying the budo spirit of perseverance and resilience. His commitment and effort did not go unnoticed, inspiring many attendees and reminding us all of the quiet strength that defines true martial character.
We are deeply proud of our athletes and grateful for the community of sensei, coaches, and supporters who helped prepare our delegation for success. The 2024 World Naginata Championships mark a milestone for GNYNF and reflect the growing excellence of naginata on the East Coast.
Congratulations and thank you to all who supported this journey!
U.S. National Championship Success!
The U.S. National Naginata Championships were held in Boulder, Colorado on July 14th, 2023, and the Greater New York Team did exceptionally well:
Dangai Engi-Kyogi: 2nd Place
Nigel DaSilva x Otto Herman
Dangai Men’s Individual Shiai: PODIUM SWEEP!
1st Place: Otto Herman
2nd Place: Nigel DaSilva
3rd Place: Evan Tong
Women’s Individual Shiai: 1st Place
Katie Roche
Men’s Individual Shiai: 3rd Place
Patrick Magpayo
Women’s Team Shiai: 2nd Place
Katie Roche
Jessica Wilson
Men’s Team Shiai: 2nd Place
Otto Herman
Patrick Magpayo
Nigel DaSilva
Become a member
We welcome anyone who wants to support naginata in the Greater New York Area to join our organization. Membership helps us continue our naginata educational efforts.
Dues are $20/year for adults and $10/year for minors (under 18), full-time college students, and seniors (60+).