LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Team Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 AUSKF National Kendo Championships, capturing multiple team championships and individual gold medals while reinforcing its position as one of the nation’s premier kendo organizations.
The federation returned home with an impressive collection of titles across both team and individual divisions, highlighted by four team gold medals and several individual national champions.
Four National Team Championships
SCKF’s success was led by exceptional performances in the team events, where the federation captured national titles in four major divisions.
The championship-winning teams included:
- Men’s Team Champions
- Mudansha Team Champions
- Senior Youth Boys Team Champions
- Senior Youth Girls Team Champions
The victories reflected months of dedicated preparation and the depth of talent within the Southern California Kendo Federation, as athletes competed against top teams from federations across the United States.
Individual Champions Lead Medal Haul
In addition to its team success, SCKF competitors also excelled in the individual divisions.
Three athletes claimed national championship titles:
- Kanon Saito — Women’s Individual Gold Medal
- Daisuke Hanaoka — Mudansha Individual Gold Medal
- Kai Romero — Junior Youth Boys Individual Gold Medal
Beyond these championship performances, SCKF athletes earned numerous additional medals across multiple age groups and competitive divisions, further demonstrating the federation’s strength at every level of competition.
Year-Long Preparation Pays Off
The remarkable results were the culmination of nearly a year of organized preparation.
In advance of the 2026 AUSKF Championships, SCKF conducted monthly team practices, bringing together athletes from affiliated dojos throughout Southern California.
Training sessions focused on technical development, physical conditioning, match strategy, and team coordination as competitors prepared for the national tournament held July 3–5, 2026, in Las Vegas.
Practices were hosted primarily at Norwalk Dojo, with athletes encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before each session to maximize preparation time.
The comprehensive training schedule began in September 2025 and continued through June 2026, allowing competitors to build consistency and strengthen teamwork ahead of the national championships.
Competitive Team Selection
Selection for Team SCKF began with official tryouts held on December 7, 2025, at Norwalk Dojo.
Prospective team members registered in advance before competing for roster positions during the evaluation process.
The tryouts helped identify athletes who would represent Southern California at the nation’s premier kendo tournament while establishing the foundation for the federation’s successful championship campaign.
Goodwill Keiko Strengthened Competition Readiness
As part of its preparation program, Team SCKF hosted a Goodwill Keiko with Southern California Kendo Organization (SCKO) on March 8, 2026.
Joint practice sessions such as these provide valuable opportunities for competitors to face high-level opponents outside their regular dojo environments while strengthening friendships within the broader kendo community.
Supporting the Team Through Community Fundraising
The road to the national championships was supported through several fundraising initiatives designed to help offset team expenses and promote community involvement.
One of the most popular events featured professional kendo portraits taken by photographer Kohjiro Kinno, giving practitioners an opportunity to purchase high-quality action and portrait photographs while contributing to Team SCKF.
The federation also offered official Team SCKF T-shirts and tenugui, allowing supporters, families, and fellow practitioners to show their pride while helping fund the team’s activities throughout the season.
Championship Venue in Las Vegas
The 2026 AUSKF Championships were held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Student Recreation and Wellness Center, where athletes from across the United States competed over three days of intense national-level competition.
Tournament organizers implemented detailed logistical plans covering equipment inspections, athlete registration, venue access, parking, spectator admission, volunteer coordination, and meal services to ensure the smooth operation of one of the largest annual kendo events in North America.
Prior to competition, mandatory shinai inspections were conducted for all men’s and women’s divisions, while team managers, coaches, officials, volunteers, and competitors worked together throughout the weekend to deliver a successful championship.
A Testament to Teamwork and Dedication
SCKF’s success at the 2026 AUSKF National Championships reflects far more than individual victories. It represents months of disciplined preparation, collaboration among affiliated dojos, dedicated coaching, and the commitment of volunteers, families, and supporters who contributed throughout the season.
From monthly practices and team selection to fundraising events and goodwill training sessions, every stage of preparation played a role in the federation’s remarkable championship performance.
As Team SCKF celebrates another successful national campaign, its athletes have once again demonstrated the technical excellence, competitive spirit, and strong sense of community that continue to make the Southern California Kendo Federation one of the leading organizations in American kendo.
Congratulations to all competitors, coaches, volunteers, and supporters on an outstanding performance at the 2026 AUSKF National Championships.