Yōshinkan Kendo Club

A proud day for Yōshinkan, following the closing of the 16th New Zealand Kendo Nationals and 50th Anniversary Celebrations for the NZKF. Over four days we saw the best of NZ Budo, from Shimpan instruction and iaido, naginata and jodo demonstrations, to 128 Kendo matches fought with high spirit. Congratulations to all the winners! And well done to everyone for bringing their best to the shiaijo.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended, and particularly those who helped with the running of the event including our guest Shimpan led by Shimpancho Alex Bennett Sensei.

Thank you also to the large group of volunteers, from Yōshinkan, Wellington Naginata and Wellington Iaidō Club who worked tirelessly over the last several months to prepare, and then over the weekend to deliver a successful event. In particular, our team member Russell Andrews has gone above and beyond in organising the weekend, and our club are extremely grateful to him.

All the best friends, and we look forward to seeing you at the next tournament later in the year.

Here's Matt Gane modelling the 50th memorial tee shirt and Alice Graham with the new 'hot off the press' Yōshinkan tenugui.
The commemorative NZKF anniversary tenugui will be revealed on Friday.
Your hosts are hoping the infamous welly wind will calm down so you have no travel issues.
If you have a travel emergency please email [email protected]

Kia ora friends,
There's still time to order an awesome tshirt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NZKF. Head here to find out more and order yours. Order deadline is tomorrow, 24th June.

NZKF Souvenir T-Shirt NZKF Souvenir T-Shirt

Lost! The owners of these 16th NZKF nationals medals (and trophies).
Hmmmm let's think, ahh, if you show up on July 10/11 you have a great chance to be the new owner of some of these special medals and trophies.
Additionally special, because this event might be the 16th Kendo Nationals, but it also happens to be the Federations 50th anniversary.
See you there! Our club members are waiting to make this a special Matariki weekend for you ♥️

Kia ora friends,

We’ve organised a commemorative tshirt to celebrate the nationals and 50 years of kendo in New Zealand. The design has been created by our in-house artist Matt Gane in his signature style, and the tshirt is available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Head here to find out more and order yours. Order deadline is 24th June.

https://yoshinkan-souvenir-t-shirt.myshopify.com

An incredibly proud moment for Yōshinkan, with success across the club in tonight’s grading.

Congratulations to

Manaia and Jenny - 6th Kyu.
Brandon and Patrick - 5th Kyu.
Avery - 4th Kyu.
Jamie, Momo, Russell and Will - 2nd Kyu.
And finally,
Gary and Cam for achieving their Shodan!

Well done team!

Continuing the 25th anniversary celebrations of Yōshinkan we had a very nice gathering at Tatsushi restaurant last night.
We reflected on some of our key achievements over the last 1/4 decade and hopes for our future.
We consider ourselves a family dojo with an eclectic mix of wonderfully dedicated Kenshi. We're looking forward to hosting the 16th NZKF championships and also the 50th anniversary of our Federation over the Matariki weekend in July.
Then, the even more exciting event, a club trip to Japan in Oct/Nov, 14 members have committed so far!

Kia ora folks,

The registration deadline for the NZ Nationals is fast approaching on the 1st of June. If your hasn't already registered, please head here for more information about the tournament and the registration form: https://www.yoshinkankendo.nz/events/2026-nz-nationals

Email [email protected] with any questions, or to submit your registrations.

NZ Nationals 2026 — Yōshinkan Kendo The info pack for the 2026 NZ nationals Tournament, in Wellington NZ, on Matariki Weekend 2026.

And here we are at our first of 3 celebrations of our 25 years today! At Kazu restaurant, straight to second dojo 🎂🎉👏