INF International Naginata Seminar (2026)

The 2026 INF International Naginata Seminar was hosted by the Australian Naginata Federation from June 26th to 28th in Melbourne, Australia. The seminar was taught by:

• Chinobu Imaura, Kyoshi
• Toko Takahashi, Kyoshi
• Ayumi Nakadan, Kyoshi
• Alex Bennett, Godan

Canada was represented by Sam Zhou, Henintsoa Rakotomalala, and Jeffree Chen.

Over the three days, the group practiced a variety of things, including basics, shikake-oji, and kata, and received a lot of valuable feedback from both Australian and Japanese sensei. The weather was chilly (it was winter in Australia!), but the warm company and lots of practice kept everyone warmed up. It was also a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones with naginata-ka from all over Asia and Oceania: from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and New Zealand. The seminar ended with a mock engi and shiai tournament.

Overall, it was a very fun and valuable experience, and our delegation learned a lot!