FULLERTON, Calif. — The 2026 FIK America Zone Referee Seminar will take place on September 12–13, 2026, at the Fullerton Community Center in Fullerton, California, bringing together experienced kendo referees from across the Americas for one of the region’s most significant educational events.
Organized under the International Kendo Federation (FIK) in cooperation with the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), the seminar plays a vital role in maintaining and advancing the standards of kendo officiating throughout the America Zone. Beyond providing advanced referee education, the event will serve as a key step in the selection and development of officials for the 2027 World Kendo Championships (WKC).
Registration for the seminar is open through August 20, 2026, and participation is available to kendo practitioners holding the rank of 4 Dan and above.
A Path Toward the 2027 World Kendo Championships
The America Zone Referee Seminar has become an essential component of FIK’s international referee development program. Every seminar provides participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the latest interpretations of kendo competition rules, improve practical refereeing skills, and exchange knowledge with some of the world’s most respected instructors.
For many participants, the seminar also represents an important milestone toward future appointments at the World Kendo Championships, where only the highest-qualified referees are selected to officiate.
International Instruction Led by Distinguished Masters
This year’s seminar will feature instruction from an outstanding delegation of senior Japanese kendo instructors.
Leading the educational program will be:
- Kunihide Koda, Hanshi 8 Dan
- Masaru Yamazaki, Hanshi 8 Dan
- Norio Osawa, Hanshi 8 Dan
The seminar will also include six demonstration players from Japan, providing participants with high-level practical examples during referee exercises and match analysis.
Translation support will be available throughout the seminar to ensure smooth communication between instructors and participants. Taro Ariga, Kyoshi 8 Dan, will serve as translator for the 7 Dan group, while Hayato Mitsuishi, 6 Dan, will assist participants in the 6 Dan and below division.
Seminar Structure
Participants will be divided into two instructional groups based on rank:
- Group A: 7 Dan
- Group B: 6 Dan and below
Both groups will participate in classroom instruction, practical refereeing exercises, rule interpretation sessions, and on-court demonstrations designed to strengthen consistency and confidence in officiating.
Venue and Accommodation
The seminar will be hosted at the Fullerton Community Center, located at 340 W Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California.
The official headquarters hotel will be:
Hilton Buena Park Anaheim
6979 Brenner Avenue
Buena Park, California 90621
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, in-room coffee makers, complimentary bottled water, and an 11:00 a.m. checkout.
Participants traveling by air may arrive through either:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County
For those arriving at LAX, organizers recommend using the airport’s designated LAX-it transportation area to access Uber and Lyft services after baggage claim.
Required Documents and Equipment
Participants are required to print and bring the Handbook for Kendo Shiai and Shinpan Management, which will be used extensively throughout the seminar.
Each attendee should also bring:
- Referee flags (Shinpan-ki)
- Kendo Shiai and Shinpan Rule Handbook
- Notebook and pen
- Water bottle
Participants who pre-ordered the Referee Handbook will be able to collect it during registration.
Official Referee Attire
Maintaining professional appearance remains an important aspect of international refereeing. Organizers have reminded all attendees to follow the official dress code throughout the seminar.
Required attire includes:
- Plain navy-blue blazer
- Gray trousers
- White dress shirt with a stiff collar
- Burgundy (deep red) necktie
- Plain dark blue socks without patterns or decorations
Registration and Welcome Reception
Registration will be available at two locations.
Early registration will take place on Friday, September 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Buena Park headquarters hotel.
Participants may also register on Saturday morning, September 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Fullerton Community Center before the seminar begins.
A Welcome Reception will be held on Saturday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Hilton Buena Park hotel. Attendees are asked to wear either Smart Casual attire or their kendo dojo uniform.
Organizers also remind participants that registration badges must be worn at all times, as they serve as admission credentials as well as lunch and banquet tickets.
Each participant will receive two identification stickers to be worn on the left side of the chest—one for each seminar day.
Two Days of Intensive Referee Training
The seminar officially begins on Saturday, September 12, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m.
The first day will feature a full schedule of referee education from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., including lectures, practical sessions, and demonstrations. Lunch will be provided for participants who pre-ordered meals during registration.
Following the instructional sessions, attendees will participate in a Godo Keiko alongside the visiting Japanese delegation, offering a valuable opportunity to practice with some of the highest-ranking instructors in international kendo.
The Welcome Reception later that evening will provide an opportunity for participants from across the Americas to meet, exchange experiences, and strengthen relationships within the international kendo community.
The seminar concludes on Sunday, September 13, with morning referee sessions running from 9:00 a.m. until noon, followed by an Open Keiko from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for seminar participants. Organizers note that the visiting Japanese instructors will not participate in this final practice session.
Important Reminders for Participants
Organizers have emphasized several important policies to ensure the smooth operation of the seminar.
Participants who have not paid their registration fee before arrival will not be admitted to the venue. Video recording during seminar sessions is not permitted, allowing instructors to conduct training without interruption.
Because no shuttle service will operate between the headquarters hotel and the seminar venue, participants traveling by car are encouraged to assist fellow attendees by offering rides whenever possible.
Strengthening Refereeing Standards Across the Americas
The 2026 FIK America Zone Referee Seminar represents far more than a technical training event. It serves as a cornerstone for developing consistent, high-quality officiating throughout the Americas while preparing the next generation of international referees for the world’s highest level of competition.
By combining instruction from internationally respected Hanshi instructors, practical referee education, and opportunities for collaboration among officials from multiple countries, the seminar continues to reinforce the values of fairness, professionalism, and excellence that are central to modern kendo competition.
As preparations continue for the 2027 World Kendo Championships, the Fullerton seminar is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of international kendo refereeing throughout the America Zone.