By Denis Fumagalli
On April 11 and 12, 2026, the Obernai Kendo Club had the pleasure of co-organizing, alongside the Tanko-kan of Wintzenheim and the National Committee for Kendo and Related Disciplines (CNKDR), a national naginata seminar at the Halle des Sports Bugeaud in Obernai.
Over the course of two days, practitioners from diverse backgrounds were able to train intensively in a studious and friendly atmosphere, guided by experienced instructors.
???? A big thank you to David D’hose, 6th dan renshi and secretary of the European Naginata Federation and vice president of the International Federation, for the quality of his instruction and his availability throughout the seminar.
Thanks also to Alain Guillaume, 4th dan, head of the CNKDR Naginata Commission, as well as to Tyl Dermine, 4th dan, for their technical guidance and dedication to the participants.
????️ Weekend schedule:
Saturday afternoon
Technical work on shikake and oji, uchikaeshi exercises, followed by geiko tailored to different levels, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace.
And a nice traditional evening dinner 🙂
Sunday morning
Technical exercises focused on distance management, with rotations between kendoka and naginataka, as well as paired practice (kendo/kendo and naginata/naginata), including kirikaeshi, uchikaeshi, and ishu geiko, to foster mutual understanding of the disciplines.
Sunday afternoon
Specific training in two groups
