by Mari Paasonen
On October 25th and 26th, 2025, the 14th European Naginata Championship was held in
Uppsala. This tournament was truly a special moment for us — the first official competition for the Finland Team in many years. As the event drew near, both I and Finnish team were filled with excitement and hope. Our team’s motto for this tournament was: “To understand our current standing by observing the level of European Naginata today, and to use that knowledge for our future growth.”
With that goal in mind, we focused on performing to the best of our present ability. As I listened to Kirsi’s opening words, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and emotion. She has devoted herself tirelessly to supporting and sustaining the Europe Naginata Association all these years, and her words brought tears to my eyes. Kirsi, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your remarkable dedication. My heartfelt thanks also go to David, François (Technical Director), Swedish hosts, and all
the referees who worked so hard to make this event possible. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces from more than ten years ago – each with new skills and maturity gained through time. Returning to such a warm and welcoming environment felt both nostalgic and inspiring. This time, I was especially delighted that not only I but also our Finnish team members could participate in the tournament together. We were also honored to welcome Yoshii-sensei and Takahashi-sensei from Japan. Both of them impressed us not only with their exceptional skill but also with their warmth and
character. It was a privilege to learn from such outstanding teachers, and as expected, we
gained invaluable insights through both the competition and the seminar.
As a referee for the first time in many years, I was deeply impressed by how much the overall
level of competition in Europe has improved. This progress is clearly thanks to the excellent
teachers and the dedicated, hardworking practitioners across Europe. I found myself learning
a great deal not only as a referee but also as a fellow practitioner.
I first received my referee qualification twenty years ago under quite “Spartan” training, and I
realized with gratitude that my body still remembers the etiquette and discipline instilled by
my strict yet caring teachers back then. I encourage everyone to take similar opportunities to
study the art of judging, so that one day you too can become referees capable of recognizing
and honoring the truly great matches of our sport.
As for the Finnish team’s results, although we did not advance beyond the pool stage, I am
genuinely proud of our members. They performed with courage, precision, and spirit, showing
the very best of their current ability. We also received many kind words of praise from other
teachers, which reassured me that our training and approach are on the right path.
Now, let me share a few comments from the Finnish team:
Teemu R. — Main instructor
“It was an amazing experience to finally take part in the ENC after so many years of practice. The
highlight for me was definitely sharing this meaningful experience with my students and teacher, and meeting so many passionate and skilled naginata practitioners from across Europe. I really hope we can join again next time!”
Aino H. — Team Manager
“Participating in a Naginata competition for the first time—and serving as team manager—was truly
rewarding. The best part of the trip was the feeling of belonging. During the opening ceremony,
standing together as a team made me realize that it’s not about competing against others, but sharing spirit and respect. I was honored to perform shikake-oji with my senpai and to feel the true meaning of ki-ken-tai-icchi—the unity of spirit, sword, and body. We trained hard, supported each other, and found the fighting spirit we came for. We also celebrated special moments: Finland’s first shodan and a birthday! Those moments reminded me how strong our community truly is. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this Naginata family—both in Finland and across Europe. Ganbarimasu!”
Oskari K. “This was my first time participating in a big seminar and the first time I attended ENC. I
was amazed by how many people across Europe practice Naginata, and their display of skill in the
Championship and Goodwill competition was inspiring. I had a lot of fun training with so many
different people from different countries. The seminar helped me see my own skill level more clearly.
Thanks to everyone’s advice, I now have a firmer grasp of my strengths and weaknesses, and I know
what I need to work toward. Seeing so many dan-level practitioners doing the same shikake-oji as us
made it all very clear. All in all, it was wonderful to spend four days immersed in Naginata, and I look
forward to future seminars and competitions!”
Jarkko L. “I am grateful that I had the opportunity and permission to participate in the Atarashii
Naginata European Championship and Seminar in October 2025 in Uppsala. Despite our
inexperience in the Atarashii Naginata practice, it was great to see that the Finnish team was warmly welcomed and encouraged by the more experienced practitioners. The event was well-organized and gave me huge enthusiasm to continue practicing Naginata at our home dojo.”
Juho L. “It was an honor to be able to represent Finland in the European Naginata Championships.
It was awesome experience to be able to see how naginata is in Europe and be able to be part of a
greater Naginata community. This experience has been eye opening for me. The championships taught me a lot about technique, shiai, and budo spirit. Through the championships I have also found even greater motivation to practice and improve in Atarahii Naginata. I wholeheartedly look forward to being able to participate in future competitions and seminars as the European Naginata scene felt very welcoming.”
Tetta H. “It was an honour and an inspiring experience to take part in the ENC2025 in Uppsala. I
am grateful for the warm welcome and the guidance we received from others and appreciate the level of experience that we witnessed during the competition.
This was a valuable experience from which we can learn a lot as a team.
Seeing so many people united by naginata motivated me to keep training and improving in the future. I want to continue doing my best! “
Tatu M. “It was an amazing experience to get a chance to watch world class naginata at the
European championships and to participate in my first international seminar.
I feel the event helped me both to improve my technique and to increase my motivation to train more
in the future.”
Ada H. “It was great to see fellow practitioners try their best and to observe how naginata unites
people across borders. I hope to be able to compete one day as well – Ada H.”
The Finland Team will continue our dedicated training to pass on the correct spirit and
techniques of Naginata to future generations. We look forward to meeting you all again at the
next opportunity – please take good care of us then.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this
event. Above all, I hope that each of you continues to enjoy your Naginata journey—
discovering its depth, beauty, and the joy of a healthy and fulfilling life through practice.
And before I forget—two wonderful milestones are worth celebrating!
Finland welcomed its first shodan (1st dan) in many years, and I myself celebrated my 50th
birthday during this memorable time.
What a perfect way to mark both achievements—with Naginata, pride, and joy!
If you ever visit Helsinki, please don’t hesitate to stop by our dojo.
You’ll always be warmly welcome – let’s cross Naginata together!
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Finnish Kendo Federation
for their continued support of our team. Their encouragement and guidance have been
invaluable in helping us grow and pursue our Naginata journey.
Mari Paasonen
Coach, Finland Naginata Team
