LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) has officially announced the 2026 Kendo Summer Promotion Examination, which will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The examination provides qualified kendo practitioners with the opportunity to test for advanced ranks and shogo titles while continuing their progression within the AUSKF grading system.
Hosted at the Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA, located at 4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107, the annual promotion examination is one of the federation’s key grading events, bringing together candidates from across the United States.
The nearest airport serving the venue is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), offering convenient travel options for participants arriving from throughout the country.
Examination Schedule
The promotion examination will take place over the course of Sunday afternoon.
Registration will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with all candidates required to complete check-in before the examination begins.
Testing is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will include examinations for 5 Dan and above, as well as Shogo candidates.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for registration and preparation before the examination officially begins.
Application Deadline
The AUSKF Promotion Committee has established Friday, August 7, 2026, as the official application deadline.
All application materials, supporting documents, and required payments must be submitted by this date. Organizers have emphasized that no late applications or payments will be accepted under any circumstances.
Online Registration Required
To streamline the application process, all candidates must complete their registration electronically.
Paper applications will not be accepted, and applicants should submit all required documentation through the official online registration system before the deadline.
SafeSport Certification Required
One of the mandatory requirements for all Kodansha examination candidates is completion of SafeSport Training before submitting an application.
Candidates who have not fulfilled this requirement will not be eligible to complete the examination registration process.
Essay Submission Requirements
Applicants required to submit written essays must prepare their documents in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.
The Promotion Committee has also specified that all essays must be written in English.
Handwritten essays will not be accepted, and candidates are encouraged to review all submission requirements carefully before uploading their documents.
Payment Policies
All examination fees must be paid online at the time of application.
The AUSKF reminds candidates that application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except in the event that the federation cancels the examination.
Because unforeseen circumstances may affect travel plans, applicants are strongly encouraged to purchase refundable airline tickets and hotel reservations whenever possible. The federation will not assume responsibility for travel-related expenses if the event must be canceled.
Additionally, PayPal refunds, when applicable, will be subject to standard processing fees.
Menjo Fee Procedures
Candidates should note that only the examination fee is required during the application process.
Those who successfully pass the examination will be responsible for submitting their Menjo (certificate) fee within two weeks of receiving notification of their results.
Payment must be made through PayPal using the federation’s designated payment account.
The Promotion Committee has advised that failure to submit the Menjo fee within the required timeframe may result in cancellation of the newly awarded rank.
Preparing for Advancement
Promotion examinations represent an important milestone in every kendoka’s development. Beyond demonstrating technical proficiency, candidates are evaluated on their understanding of kendo principles, etiquette, spirit, and continued commitment to the martial art.
For practitioners seeking promotion to senior dan ranks and shogo titles, the examination reflects years of consistent training, leadership within their dojo, and dedication to preserving the traditions and standards of kendo.
Continuing the Growth of American Kendo
The annual AUSKF Summer Promotion Examination remains one of the federation’s most significant events for advanced practitioners. By maintaining rigorous examination standards and emphasizing both technical excellence and personal character, the AUSKF continues to support the development of qualified instructors and senior practitioners throughout the United States.
Candidates planning to participate are encouraged to complete all application requirements well before the August 7 deadline to ensure their eligibility and allow sufficient time for document review.
For additional information regarding examination procedures, registration requirements, or application assistance, participants may contact the AUSKF Promotion Committee via [email protected].