by Alice Fontana
Turin, Italy – The first edition of the “Naginata & Friends” Seminar and the accompanying “TO-Modachi” Tournament was successfully organized by the Shubukan Association in Turin, bringing together practitioners from across Italy and abroad for a weekend of intensive training, exchange, and friendly competition.
The event was made possible thanks to the presence and instruction of David D’Hose Sensei, Renshi, from Brussels, whose expertise, dedication, and teaching skills provided an invaluable learning opportunity for all participants.
The seminar welcomed a remarkably diverse group of practitioners, ranging in age from 8 years old to over 60, and in experience from 6th Kyu to 3rd Dan. Participants represented five Italian dojo—Shubukan Torino, Do Academy Torino, Shingen Fano, Umi no Tsuyosa Rimini, and Kendo Roma—as well as an international guest, Joe Hafner from Switzerland, highlighting the growing spirit of cooperation within the European naginata community.
Despite differences in age, language, and rank, the seminar proved to be both engaging and highly constructive for everyone involved. David D’Hose Sensei demonstrated exceptional teaching ability and sensitivity, successfully guiding each participant according to their individual needs and level of experience. His attentive approach ensured that every practitioner could benefit fully from the training sessions.
The seminar curriculum covered a broad range of fundamental and advanced topics, including kihon, shikake-oji, and a series of innovative and enjoyable exercises designed to prepare practitioners for bogu practice. The training concluded with mawari-geiko, providing participants with the opportunity to apply the concepts studied throughout the day while exchanging experience with practitioners from different dojo.
Following the seminar, participants took part in the inaugural TO-Modachi Tournament, which was divided into separate Kyusha and Yudansha categories. The Kyusha competition was refereed by David D’Hose Sensei together with the attending yudansha, who rotated through officiating duties. The Yudansha division was refereed by David D’Hose Sensei with the support of Walter Pomero (Kendo Nanadan Kyoshi and international kendo referee) and Gabriele Simonelli (Kendo Rokudan and national kendo referee).
Beyond the competitive aspect, the tournament offered an important educational experience. Participants were able to gain practical insight into multiple roles within a competition environment—not only as athletes, but also as referees and judges. This approach contributed significantly to the understanding of tournament organization and officiating procedures, making the event a valuable learning opportunity for all involved.
Following the tournament, participants also enjoyed a brief Isshu-Shiai demonstration session, featuring David D’Hose for naginata and Gabriele Simonelli together with Walter Pomero for kendo. The demonstration represented a valuable moment of exchange between the two disciplines and was greatly appreciated by all attendees.
Tournament Results
Kids Competition
- 1st Place: F. Simonelli
Kyusha Competition
- 1st Place: G. Lombardo
- 2nd Place: E. Banchetti
- 3rd Place (joint): D. Moia and F. Simonelli
- Fighting Spirit Award: M. Bertolino
Yudansha Competition
- 1st Place: E. Giberna
- 2nd Place: J. Hafner
- 3rd Place (joint): S. Susca and A. Fontana
- Fighting Spirit Award: A. Fontana
The success of this first edition of Naginata & Friends and the TO-Modachi Tournament demonstrated the strength of the naginata community and the value of opportunities for technical development, friendship, and cultural exchange. The organizers extend their sincere gratitude to David D’Hose Sensei, all participating dojo, referees, volunteers, and athletes whose enthusiasm and commitment made the event possible.
With such a positive outcome, the association looks forward to welcoming an even larger community of practitioners to future editions of this initiative, continuing to foster learning, cooperation, and the spirit of budo through naginata.
