by Sébastien Viry
Last Saturday, January 31, the 2026 edition of the “Nouvelle Aquitaine Open” took place in the town of Blanquefort. After five years of interruption due to the Covid crisis, participants from clubs across France and Spain gathered in large numbers — more than 40 competitors, a record!
This Open, reserved for Kyu and Shodan practitioners, brought together naginata-ka of all ages, who competed in Engi Kyogi and Shiai Kyogi events. Several skill categories (youth, beginners, kyu up to 2nd kyu, and Kyu/Shodan) were represented, with each participant competing on behalf of their club.
Men’s Shiai Kyu/ Shodan Medalist
A number of points was awarded to the medalists of each event. The club that earned the highest total was therefore declared the winner!
The Toulouse club, the previous holder of the trophy, relinquished it after a full and eventful day to the Versailles club:
But it wasn’t over yet. The next day, our new Renshi, Loïc Delalande, led a technical workshop, offering corrections and insights from the previous day. On the program: Shikake Ojii and Shiai!
After these two intense days, all participants left very satisfied with their weekend in the Bordeaux region, which bodes well for the organization of the 2027 Open.
It’s not just fine wine in Bordeaux — there’s now the “Nouvelle Aquitaine Open” too!