Shinpan (Referee) Certification

In naginata, referees (審判 shinpan) ensure matches are conducted fairly, safely, and in the true spirit of budō. Referee certification is overseen by the All Japan Naginata Federation (AJNF) and the International Naginata Federation (INF).

The United States Naginata Federation (USNF) follows these standards:

  • You must hold a referee certification to serve as an official referee at the USNF National Championships.

  • Referee certification is often tied to eligibility for shogo teaching titles (e.g. Nishu is generally required before testing for Kyoshi).

  • Certified referees are issued official badges, which must be worn whenever serving referee duty at recognized tournaments.

Certification Levels

  • Meiyo (名誉): Honorary Referee / Shinpan Emeritus:

    - Automatically awarded when a practitioner attains Hanshi (範士).

    - At this point, one’s referee certification becomes “Meiyo.”

    - Symbolizes lifelong contribution and mastery. No exam required.

  • Isshu (一種): A-Class Referee:

    - The highest level of active referee certification.

    - Available only in Japan.

    - Requires a 3-day intensive certification course (approx. 20 hours).

    Eligibility (per AJNF):

    - Must hold Renshi for at least 4 years and be age 34+, or hold Kyoshi.

    - Must already hold Nishu certification.

    - Must be capable in kihon, shikake-ōji, Zen Nihon no Kata, and shiai..

  • Nishu (二種): B-Class Referee:

    - Available only in Japan.

    - Total of 4 days of instruction, split into two separate 2-day sessions (typically held about two months apart).

    - Attendance at both sessions is mandatory.

    Eligibility (per AJNF):

    - Must hold 5-dan for at least 2 years and be age 27+, or hold Renshi.

    - Must already hold Sanshu certification.

    - Must demonstrate ability in kihon, shikake-ōji, Zen Nihon no Kata, and shiai.

  • Sanshu (三種): C-Class Referee:

    - Equivalent to INF Shinpan Certification.

    - Available annually in Japan.

    - Requires 5 total days of instruction, split into two sessions:

    Part I: 3 days (typically June)

    Part II: 2 days (typically September)

    Both sessions must be completed.

    Eligibility (per AJNF):

    - Must hold 3-dan or higher (by March 31 of that year).

    - Must be recommended by one’s federation.

  • INF Shinpan Certification:

    - Equivalent level to Sanshu (C-Class).

    - The only shinpan certification that can be earned outside Japan.

    - Offered once every four years at the World Naginata Championships (WNC).

    - Provides an international pathway for referees who cannot travel to Japan.

Key Points for GNY Members:

  • INF certification is the only referee license available outside Japan.

  • Isshu, Nishu, Sanshu require travel to Japan and multi-day, multi-session courses.

  • Referee certification is not only about officiating—it supports eligibility for higher shogo ranks.

  • Referees are a vital part of naginata: trained shinpan uphold fairness, safety, and the spirit of competition.

Dates & Event Information:

Official shinpan seminars (第一種・第二種・第三種公認審判員養成講習会) are held each year in Japan by the All Japan Naginata Federation (AJNF). These events include both lectures and practical sessions, followed by a certification exam.

Because dates, venues, and application details are updated annually, we recommend checking the AJNF’s official resources:

These pages include the most up-to-date information on:

  • Exact seminar dates and deadlines

  • Locations and access information

  • Application forms and submission procedures

  • Participation requirements and seminar curricula

💡 Tip: For shinpan seminars, look for entries titled 審判員養成講習会 (Shinpan-in Yōsei Kōshūkai) in the schedule.

For the INF Shinpan Certification Course (held once every four years at the World Naginata Championships):

  • Registration is announced by the United States Naginata Federation (USNF).

  • The USNF distributes registration forms to all regional federations.

  • If you are part of GNY, you must submit your registration through the GNY office once the forms are available.