16th New Zealand National Championships 2026

Written By Darius Elphick

16th NZ Kendo National Championships: A Weekend to Remember

The 16th NZ Kendo National Championships has wrapped up in outstanding fashion, and was a fitting celebration of the NZKF's 50th anniversary and the strength of budo across the country.

Over four days, competitors and supporters experienced the very best of New Zealand budo, from Shimpan instruction to Kendo, Iaido, Naginata, and Jodo demonstrations, culminating in 128 hard-fought Kendo matches. In the Open divisions, Rina Kobayashi and Walt Kim claimed gold, while Rembuden and Auckland Kendo Club won the team events, and Canterbury emerged victorious in the Kata competition. Full results across Women's and Men's Open, Kata, Team, and Veterans divisions are available below.

The Friday evening 50th Anniversary dinner was a highlight, honouring three decades of budo development across NZ. The NZKF was proud to receive a commendation award from the Embassy of Japan, presented by His Excellency Ambassador Osawa. We are very grateful to His Excellency for this wonderful recognition of the Federation's contribution to promoting Japanese martial arts in New Zealand. The evening also saw the inaugural Glenn Selwyn Trophy presented to Brent Hansen, with a moving tribute to Glenn's legacy.

None of this would have been possible without our hosts, Yōshinkan, whose months of planning and dedication delivered a truly successful event. Sincere thanks go to Shimpancho Alex Bennett Sensei and all visiting Shimpan, the volunteers from Wellington Naginata and Wellington Iaidō Club, and every competitor and supporter who travelled to take part.

Results

Women's Open

  • Gold - Rina Kobayashi

  • Silver - Shiho Kamata

  • Bronze equal - Ria Ellin, Yoko Maruyama

Men's Open

  • Gold - Walt Kim

  • Silver - Clem Guo

  • Bronze equal - Max Lee, DJ Byun

Kata

  • Gold - Canterbury

  • Silver - Auckland Kendo Club

  • Bronze equal - Invercargill, Rembuden

Women's Team

  • Gold - Auckland Kendo Club

  • Silver - Rembuden

  • Bronze - Maru Kenshikai

Men's Team

  • Gold - Rembuden

  • Silver - North Shore Kendo Club

  • Bronze equal - Southern, Auckland Kendo Club

Veterans

  • Gold - Jason Oh

  • Silver - Masaki Nakazono

  • Bronze - Yoko Maruyama

Fighting Spirit Awards

  • Emma Tamaki

  • Kumi Black

  • Dao Tran

  • Jerry Zhao

  • Pawel Szymonczyk

  • Chris Chung

Darius Elphick