UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming
GNYNF events.
Please check our calendar for upcoming events as dates and times are subject to changes. If you have any questions please contact us…
2026 U.S. NAGINATA CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT and ANNUAL SEMINAR
The Southern California Naginata Federation is hosting the 2025 U.S. NAGINATA CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT and ANNUAL SEMINAR with special guest instructors:
• Helen Nakano Sensei (Kyoshi)
• Kurt Schmucker Sensei (Renshi)
• Kei Tsukamaki Sensei (Renshi)
• Katie Roche Sensei (Renshi)
+ Invited USNF 5th-Dan
SEMINAR SCHEDULE:
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General Seminar: open to all
Shinpan Seminar: open to individuals 3-dan and higher
General Seminar:
To provide training in basics and foundational skills in Naginata. The General Seminar will include practice in: happoburi, datotsu, shikake-oji, Zen Nihon no Kata (if applicable), basic techniques in bogu, kakarigeiko, and jigeiko.Shinpan Seminar:
To provide skills in performing and evaluating correct Naginata technique. The Shinpan Seminar will provide training in refereeing requirements for shiai and engi matches. -
ENGI AND TEAM USA TRYOUTS
MORNING:
– Engi and Kata:
– Dangai ShiaiAFTERNOON:
– Individual Shiai
– Open Team Shiai1) Engi: Shikake-Oji
(a) Yudansha division techniques: No. 1, 4, 7
(b) Dangai division techniques: No. 2, 4, 5
(c) Each federation may field up to two teams per division. Interregional pairs are allowed and must be submitted on one federation’s application.
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin(2) Zen Nihon no Kata
(a) Techniques: No. 1, 3, 6
(b) Participation is limited to individuals 3-dan to 5-dan, and 2-dan individuals testing for 3-dan at the event
(c) Each federation may field up to two teams. Interregional pairs are allowed and must be submitted on one federation’s application.
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin(3) Shiai: Individual Matches
(a) Dangai Divisions: Dangai Women’s, Dangai Men’s (i) For Dangai Shiai, each federation may field up to three individuals 1-kyu and below for each division.
(b) Yudansha Divisions: Individual Women’s, Individual Men’s (i) For Yudansha Shiai, each federation may field up to three individuals 1-dan to 5-dan for each division.
(c) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin.
(d) For the Dangai division, matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes, no encho (except for the final match with one 2-minute encho), followed by hantei. (e) For the Yudansha division, matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes with one 2-minute encho, followed by hantei. 5(4) Shiai: Team Matches
(a) Division: Open Teams
(b) Each federation may field two 3-person teams.
(c) The Open Team event is open to people of any rank.
(d) The method of match shall be round robin or tournament style. (e) The matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes and no encho.
(f) In the event of a tie, the final winner will be determined by daihyousen match.3. Match Rules:
4. Prize Giving:
5. Participation:
6. Entry Fees: Regulation of the matches will be according to the Naginata Tournament and Refereeing Regulations of the All Japan Naginata Federation as modified by the USNF. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. All players must be USNF members in good standing and must be age 18 by July 24th, 2026. For participation in Dangai events, the member must hold the rank of mukyu (unranked) through 1-kyu at the time of the application deadline. For participation in Zen Nihon no Kata, the member must hold the rank of 3-dan through 5-dan at the time of the application deadline, or be testing for 3-dan on July 26th, 2026.
Engi (per pair) $50
Kata (per pair) $50
Individual Shiai (per individual) $45
Open Teams (per team) $100 -
TEAM SHIAI AND SEMINAR
(5) Engi Tryouts (Shikake-Oji)
(a) Shikake-oji techniques: No. 1, 4, 7
(b) Participation is open to all competitors
(c) Each federation may field up to four individuals
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin(6) Zen Nihon no Kata Tryouts
(a) Techniques: No. 1, 3, 6
(b) Participation is limited to individuals 3-dan to 5-dan and 2-dan individuals who will be 3-dan by the time applications are due for the WNC in 2027.
(c) Each federation may field up to four individuals
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin(7) Shiai Tryouts
(a) Tryouts Divisions: Individual Women’s, Individual Men’s (i) Each federation may field up to five individuals of any rank for each division.
(b) The method of match shall be round robin.
(c) Matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes with one 1-minute encho into hikiwake. There will initially be round robin pools, and the top 8 competitors will move on to a final round robin pool.MATCH RULES:
Regulation of the matches will be according to the Naginata Tournament and Refereeing Regulations of the All Japan Naginata Federation as modified by the USNF.PRIZE GIVING:
Prizes and certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. 7 5.Participation:
All players must be USNF members in good standing and must be age 18 by the WNC event in July 2027. Shiai players that will be 17 at the time of tryouts must sign a liability waiver.For participation in Zen Nihon no Kata, the member must hold the rank of 3-dan through 5-dan at the time of the application deadline, or be eligible to be 3-dan by the time applications are due for the WNC in 2027.
6. Entry Fees:
Engi (per individual) $25
Kata (per individual) $25
Individual Shiai (per individual) $45 -
SEMINAR AND SHINSA
___
6:30-9:00 pm
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que 21540 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 401B Torrance, CA 90503 (in Del Amo Mall)
Lucille’s is a 10-minute drive from El Camino College with ample parking. It is accessible by public transportation, but Uber or Lyft would be faster.Adult $40
Under Age 12 $20Payment must be submitted by each federation on behalf of all of its participating members. Payment from individual participants will not be accepted. Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026
RSVP Individuals will RSVP directly for the party by 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/amh2z5muEax79BW19
SEMINAR LOCATION:
El Camino College,
North Gym
16007 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90506
EVENT FEE INFORMATION:
USNF Member Prices*:
$150 – SEMINAR FEE
$50 – USNF Minor
*Non-USNF members will be charged an additional $50
REGISTRATION:
The enclosed application form must be completed by each regional federation listing each individual who plans to attend, as well as those planning to compete in the Championship event. Applications from individual participants will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026
🌸 🌸 🌸
Application Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 🌸 🌸 🌸
Submission format:
Email the completed application to USNF Executive Secretary Shannon Rabanal
at usnfes@gmail.com. Please include proof of payment.
Please email the group registration form to usnfes@gmail.com
PAYMENT:
Payment must be submitted by each federation on behalf of all of its participating members. Payment from individual participants will not be accepted. Submission of all seminar, taikai, and shinsa fees by the deadline below is required in order for federation participants to be eligible to participate.
PAYMENT DEADLINE: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026
🌸 🌸 🌸
PAYMENT DEADLINE: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 🌸 🌸 🌸
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Payments may be submitted electronically via Zelle (preferred) or PayPal. Electronic payments must be accompanied by an email sent to the USNF Treasurer at treasurer.usnf@gmail.com with a copy of the completed application. The total payment submitted must match to the total due on the application.
Zelle Payments: Zelle payments may be submitted to treasurer.usnf@gmail.com
PayPal Payments: PayPal payments may be submitted to treasurer.usnf@gmail.com
and must include additional payment to cover the PayPal transaction fee (3.49%+$0.49).PAYPAL Please reach out to treasurer.usnf@gmail.combefore submitting payment in order to coordinate the calculation of PayPal fees.
ZELLE treasurer.usnf@gmail.com
NO REFUNDS will be issued except in extenuating, unforeseen circumstances.
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Payments may be submitted by check written out to USNF and sent to:
USNF Treasurer
c/o Timothy Su
12595 Durbin Dr.
Town and Country, MO 63141Check payments must be postmarked by the deadline.
NO REFUNDS will be issued except in extenuating, unforeseen circumstances.
TESTING:
Kyu and Dan testing up to 3-dan will be held in the afternoon on Sunday, July 26th. The dan written examination will be held immediately after the practical exam. Please refer to the schedule for exact times. Seminar attendance is required for eligibility to test at this event.
In addition to filling out the seminar registration form, you must fill out a Kyu & Dan Application Form and send to usnfes@gmail.com
If you are a member of GNYNF, please send your shinsa form to your local dojo representative.
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$20 – for testing up to Shodan
$30 – for Nidan
$40 – for Sandan
Due during registration. Please send the receipt payment in the same email as your application. -
$20 – for all KYU ranks
$30 – for SHODAN
$50 – for NIDAN
$100 – for SANDAN*The menjo fees are paid after the exam.
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$50 – Engi (per pair)
$50 – Kata (per pair)
$45 – Individual Matches (per individual)
$100 – Team Matches (per team)
EVENTS AND METHOD:
We encourage participation of everyone in as many events as qualied for. If you would like to participate in any of the engi-kyogi or team shiai events but do not have a partner, we can select one for you!
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(a) Yudansha techniques: No. 3, 6, 8
(b) Dangai techniques: No. 1, 3, 4
(c) Each federation may field up to two pairs for each event
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin
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(a) Techniques: No. 2, 3, 5
(b) Participation is limited to individuals 3-dan to 5-dan
(c) Each federation may field up to two pairs
(d) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin
-
(a) Divisions: Dangai Men’s, Dangai Women’s, Yudansha Men’s, Yudansha Women’s
(b) Each federation may field up to three individuals per division.
(c) The method of match shall be tournament style or round robin.
(d) The matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes and one 2-minute encho, followed by hantei.
-
(a) Divisions: Open Teams
(b) Each federation may field two 3-person teams.
(c) The Open Team event is open to people of an rank.
(d) The method of match shall be round robin or tournament style.
(e) The matches will be conducted as sanbon shobu with a match time of 3 minutes and no encho.
-
Regulation of the matches will be according to the Naginata Tournament and Refereeing Regulations of the All Japan Naginata Federation as modified by the USNF.
-
All players must be USNF members in good standing, age 18 or older. For participation in Dangai events, the member must hold the rank of mukyu (unranked) through 1-kyu at the time of the application deadline. For participation in Yudansha events, the member must hold the rank of 1-dan through 5-dan at the time of the application deadline. For participation in Zen Nihon no Kata, the member must hold the rank of 3-dan through 5-dan at the time of the application deadline.
Please bring your own equipment to the event. If you would like to rent a naginata,
please email usnfes@gmail.com to arrange the rental.
Shiai-yo naginata rental costs – $XX PER DAY
There is no bogu or uniform rental for the event.Feel free to contact usnfes@gmail.com with any additional questions.
PRE-PAID LUNCHES (ORDER AHEAD)
Pre-purchased lunches are available from Panera for all four days of the event. Options include sandwiches or salads. An individual participant may purchase lunch for 1 – 4 days. Please indicate dietary restrictions on the order form below. Substitutions of meal items are not possible.
Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026
(づ•ᴗ•)づᯓ 🥤 🥗 🥪 🌯
Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 (づ•ᴗ•)づᯓ 🥤 🥗 🥪 🌯
Payment must be submitted by each federation on behalf of all of its participating members. Payment from individual participants will not be accepted. Please see above for payment information and place your lunch orders by 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026.
USNF PARTY
Saturday, July 25, 2026 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
21540 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 401B
Torrance, CA 90503
Lucille’s is a 10-minute drive from El Camino College with ample parking. It is accessible by public transportation, but Uber or Lyft would be faster.
Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 🍖♨️🔥🥩🥓🍳 Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026
🍖 ♨️ 🔥 🥩 🥓 🍳
Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 🍖♨️🔥🥩🥓🍳 Payment Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026 🍖 ♨️ 🔥 🥩 🥓 🍳
$40 –ADULTS (PER PERSON)
$20 – UNDER AGE 12 (PER PERSON)
Payment must be submitted by each federation on behalf of all of its participating members. Payment from individual participants will not be accepted. Individuals will RSVP directly for the party by 11:59 pm PDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026.
2026 JAPAN DAY PARADE
GNYNF is proud to be marching again in the 2026 JAPAN DAY PARADE – this ultimately leads to the Japan Day in Central Park, which was founded to build and strengthen the appreciation and awareness of cultural understanding between the local Japanese communities and New York City.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Formation Location:
84th Street btw Columbus Ave & Central Park West
Formation Time: 1:15 - 1:45pm
Formation Notes:
Line up at placeholder closer to Columbus
Opening Ceremony starts at 12:30 p.m
Location: Central Park West between 70th street and 71st street (Grandstand Area).
Japan Parade starts at 1:00 p.m.
Route: Central Park West from 81st street to 67th street
STREET FAIR
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: 72nd street (Btwn Central Park W & Columbus Ave)
GNYNF – SHINSA EXAM
Greater New York Naginata Federation is holding a shinsa (exam) on Sunday MAY 3, 2026.
TESTING DETAILS
Exam Level: Up to IKKYU (1st KYU)
We are excited to announce an upcoming shinsa that GNYNF will be having at Ken-zen Institute. This shinsa is for those testing up to 1 kyu. For those interested in testing, please fill out the application by 11:59 April 23rd. Please note that any applications submitted after this period will NOT be accepted without previous permission given for an extended deadline. Please find all relevant information below.
TESTING FEE – $20
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Paypal: gnytreasurer@gmail.com
Venmo : @PJ-Magpayo
Zelle: treasurer@gnynf.org
please fill out the application by 11:59 April 23rd.
(=‘ｘ‘=)
please fill out the application by 11:59 April 23rd. (=‘ｘ‘=)
Please send all applications and payment receipts to your respective dojo reps
Columbia: Otto Herman (ottoherman05@gmail.com)
Cambridge: Seokjoon Oh (skjnoh@gmail.com)
Maryland Jyoshinkai: Yuri Maeda (yurijanemaeda@gmail.com)
Shimbukan Mexico: Olivier Le Guen (ompleguen@gmail.com)
Pratt Institute: Mitch Ratchik (mitchell.ratchik@gmail.com)
NYBA: Edward Kim (edbkim@outlook.com)
Ken-zen: Jessy Scull (jlscull97@gmail.com)
If you do not have a dojo rep, please send me your application directly – Katie Roche gnynaginata@gnynf.org
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO JOIN THE USNF AND GNYNF TO HOLD OFFICIAL RANK – PLEASE FILL OUT AND SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BELOW.
PRICING:
GNYNF registration – $20 ($10 STUDENTS)
USNF registration – $45
All payments are due by April 23d, 2026. Please send your payment receipt with your application.
🌸 🌸 🌸
All payments are due by April 23d, 2026. Please send your payment receipt with your application. 🌸 🌸 🌸
2026 Stony Brook Sakura Matsuri
THE GREATER NEW YORK NAGINATA FEDERATION WILL BE PERFORMING AN EMBU AT THE 2026 SAKURA MATSURI FESTIVAL HELD AT STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY.
FESTIVAL| Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday, April 26th at 12 PM (rain or shine)
Charles B. Wang Center
Admission:
$30 (General)
$20 (Students/Seniors)
$10 (Children ages 6–12)
Free for children ages 5 and under
Admission includes all film viewings, workshops, and theater presentations.
***If you are having issues signing up, cash payments will be accepted at the door***
Welcome spring to Long Island with the blooming of sakura (cherry blossoms), the sounds of taiko drums, and a wondrous array of Japanese cultural exhibits at the Wang Center! The Wang Center will provide many exciting activities, including Koto plays, Japanese traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations, hands-on bonsai workshops, calligraphy workshops, ikebana flower arrangement, tea workshops, manga drawing, origami paper folding, kimono dress-ups, and cosplay (costumed role-play of a Japanese manga character) for all ages. Please join us in your favorite manga character costume.
This festival is co-produced by the Japan Center at Stony Brook University and the Ryu Shu Kan Japanese Arts Center.
2026 – GNYNF 20th ANNIVERSARY SEMINAR & TAIKAI
The Greater New York Naginata Federation would like to formally invite you to celebrate our 20th anniversary at our 2026 Annual Seminar and Taikai with special guest instructors:
Toyoko NARITA Sensei (Kyoshi) – AJNF
Kayami HACHIMINE Sensei (Renshi) – AJNF
Katie ROCHE Sensei (Renshi) GNYNF
NYBA NAGINATA – LIC (Copy)
NYBA is excited to announce an additional 2-HR Naginata class – Fridays 2X per month
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Please RSVP if you plan on attending. This class is open to all NYBA, GNYNF, Columbia and Pratt Naginata members. NOTE: THERE IS NO STORAGE, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT.
CLASS FEES:
NYBA MEMBERS – FREE
PRATT BUDO CLUB – FREE
KEN ZEN – $10 MAT FEE
CU NAGINATA – $10 MAT FEE
NOTE: NON-NYBA MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE NYBA CODE OF EITHICS AND LEGAL WAIVER BEFORE ATTENDING THESE CLASSES.
NYBA NAGINATA – LIC
NYBA is excited to announce an additional 2-HR Naginata class – Fridays 2X per month
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Please RSVP if you plan on attending. This class is open to all NYBA, GNYNF, Columbia and Pratt Naginata members. NOTE: THERE IS NO STORAGE, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT.
CLASS FEES:
NYBA MEMBERS – FREE
PRATT BUDO CLUB – FREE
KEN ZEN – $10 MAT FEE
CU NAGINATA – $10 MAT FEE
NOTE: NON-NYBA MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE NYBA CODE OF EITHICS AND LEGAL WAIVER BEFORE ATTENDING THESE CLASSES.
GNYNF – SHINSA EXAM
Greater New York Naginata Federation is holding a shinsa (exam) on Sunday December 7, 2025.
TESTING DETAILS
Exam Level: Up to IKKYU (1st KYU)
TESTING FEE – $20
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Paypal: gnytreasurer@gmail.com
Venmo : @PJ-Magpayo
Zelle: treasurer@gnynf.org
All payments are due by Nov. 30
(=‘ｘ‘=)
All payments are due by Nov. 30 (=‘ｘ‘=)
Please send all applications and payment receipts to your respective dojo reps
Columbia/Pratt: Otto Herman ottoherman05@gmail.com
NYBA: Edward Kim edbkim@outlook.com
Ken-Zen: Bea Circelli beacircelli@gmail.com
Cambridge: Adriano Fernandes adrihfernandes@gmail.com
Maryland Jyoshinkai: Yuri Maeda yurijanemaeda@gmail.com
Shimbukan Mexico: Olivier Le Guen ompleguen@gmail.com
If you do not have a dojo rep, please send me your application directly – Katie Roche gnynaginata@gnynf.org
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO JOIN THE USNF AND GNYNF TO HOLD OFFICIAL RANK – PLEASE FILL OUT AND SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BELOW.
PRICING:
GNYNF registration – $20 ($10 STUDENTS)
USNF registration – $45
JOINT PRACTICE
GNYNF is organizing a joint practice with CU Naginata and Pratt Naginata at Columbia University.
Please coordinate with your coaches with regards to equipment and transportation.
GNYNF – SHINSA EXAM
Greater New York Naginata Federation is holding a shinsa (exam) on Sunday October 5, 2025.
TESTING DETAILS
Exam Level: Up to IKKYU (1st KYU)
TESTING FEE – $20
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Paypal: gnytreasurer@gmail.com
Venmo : @PJ-Magpayo
Zelle: treasurer@gnynf.org
All payments are due by Sept. 30
(=‘ｘ‘=)
All payments are due by Sept. 30 (=‘ｘ‘=)
Please send all applications and payment receipts to your respective dojo reps
Columbia/Pratt: Otto Herman ottoherman05@gmail.com
NYBA: Edward Kim edbkim@outlook.com
Ken-Zen: Bea Circelli beacircelli@gmail.com
Cambridge: Adriano Fernandes adrihfernandes@gmail.com
Maryland Jyoshinkai: Yuri Maeda yurijanemaeda@gmail.com
Shimbukan Mexico: Olivier Le Guen ompleguen@gmail.com
If you do not have a dojo rep, please send me your application directly – Katie Roche gnynaginata@gnynf.org
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO JOIN THE USNF AND GNYNF TO HOLD OFFICIAL RANK – PLEASE FILL OUT AND SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BELOW.
PRICING:
GNYNF registration – $20 ($10 STUDENTS)
USNF registration – $45
GNYNF Nishu Prep Course
The purpose of this course is to help prepare individuals interested in taking the nishu shinpan certification held in Japan. While there is no minimum rank requirement to register, only those participants holding the rank of 3-dan and above will receive official shinpan hours that can count towards their certification (10 hours). The course will take place during a 3-day weekend in the evening (EST). Participants will receive certificates of completion upon conclusion of the course.
In order to qualify for shinpan-in recommendations, one must hold the rank of 3-dan and attend a USNF-sanctioned shinpan seminar. Attendance will be recorded in Google Classroom and will have the hours calculated towards the 20 hour minimum requirement enforced by the INF, with a max of 10 hours. 3-dan+ participants must take the written exam and receive a score no lower than 80% in order to pass the course and receive their certificate of completion. If you are 2-dan or lower, you cannot carry over your seminar hours towards your (post-3-dan) recommendation year.
Location: Virtual (Google Meet link will be sent upon confirmation of registration)
Instructor: Katie Roche, Renshi, All Japan Naginata Federation Nishu Certified Referee
Seminar Fee: $100 USD
Schedule:
Day 1 (9/4): 7:00PM - 10:00PM EST
Day 2 (9/5): 7:00PM - 10:30PM EST
Day 3 (9/6): 7:00PM - 10:30PM EST
Payment:
Payment must be made in full at time of registration. You will NOT be confirmed for registration until we receive your payment by the event registration deadline of Monday, September 1st, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. We accept the following payment methods:
● Paypal (gnytreasurer@gmail.com)
● Venmo (@PJ-Magpayo)
● Zelle (treasurer@gnynf.org)
Refunds/cancellations are not available.
Please feel free to contact us at gnynaginata@gnynf.org if you have any questions!