HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — April 11–12, 2026 — Some of the most promising young kendo athletes from across the United States gathered in Huntington Beach, California, for the 2026 Junior Kendo Championships, showcasing exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship across two days of highly competitive matches.
The annual event brought together competitors representing regional kendo federations from throughout the country, with participants competing in multiple individual and team divisions based on age and gender. The championships highlighted the continued growth of youth kendo in the United States, as athletes demonstrated years of dedicated training and a strong commitment to the traditional values of the martial art.
Outstanding Performances Across Individual Divisions
The 9 Years and Under division featured an impressive performance by Tomohide Sato (GNEUSKF), who claimed the championship title after an outstanding tournament. Austin Yu (NCKF) earned second place, while Ryuhi Ghodgaonkar (SCKO) and Bohmi Park (PNKF) secured third-place finishes. Fighting Spirit (Kantosho) awards were presented to Sosuke Inoue (ECUSKF), Ryan Sohn (AEUSKF), Wataru Suwa (ECUSKF), and Eames People (SCKO).
In the 10–11 Years category, Hideyoshi Miyamoto (SCKO) captured first place after a series of strong performances. Tyler Yang (SCKF) finished second, while Aron Yeu (WKF) and Shinichi Nakayama (PNKF) shared third place. Fighting Spirit honors went to Yunhoo Seo (WKF), Ian Choi (WKF), Ayame Hanaoka (SCKF), and Airi Akaike (SCKO).
The 12–13 Years division was won by Yukiya Sato (SCKO), with Adam Yu (NCKF) earning the runner-up position. Third-place finishes were awarded to Kai Nakazono (SCKF) and Kento Yamamoto (SCKF). Kantosho recipients included Haruma Date (AEUSKF), Yuki Takeuchi (SCKF), Jayden Kim (WKF), and Takumi Tanimura (PNKF).
Among the Girls 13 Years and Under, Kathleen Ahn (WKF) emerged as champion, followed by Miu Sato (SCKO) in second place. Makoto Umeda (MWKF) and Beckie Kim (WKF) finished third, while Fighting Spirit awards were presented to Shino Ishihara (ECUSKF), Zoey Shinada (SCKF), Chloe Song (WKF), and Abigail Tenn (SCKF).
The 14–15 Years division saw Musashi Yang (SCKF) take home the championship title after a dominant performance. Kai Romero (SCKF) finished second, with Shawn Yang (SCKF) and Saiichi Johnson (PNKF) earning third-place honors. Kantosho awards recognized Hyogo Naritomi (MWKF), So Otsuru (GNEUSKF), Lucas Chen (NCKF), and Ayumu Suwa (ECUSKF).
In the Girls 14–18 Years category, Mai Sakamoto (SCKO) claimed first place, while Kanon Sawabe (SCKO) secured second. Nao Umeda (MWKF) and Yume Takeuchi (SCKF) shared third place. Fighting Spirit awards were presented to Elizabeth Oh (SCKF), Yuria Hwang (ECUSKF), Daisy Chang (SCKF), and Bailey Shinada (SCKF).
The oldest individual division, 16–18 Years, was won by Taichi Matsuura (MWKF). Luke Ido (SCKO) finished second, while Benny Moon (SCKF) and Rui Elliott (SCKF) earned third-place finishes. Kantosho awards recognized Yoshihiko Shimada (SCKO), Landon Yuta Onitsuka (NCKF), Rei Elliott (SCKF), and Victor Chen (NCKF).
Team Competitions Deliver Exciting Finals
The team competitions provided some of the tournament’s most exciting moments, as clubs and regional federations demonstrated outstanding teamwork, communication, and strategic execution.
In the Youth Team division, SCKO-A—consisting of Miu Sato, Airi Akaike, and Hideyoshi Miyamoto—captured the championship title. WKF-A finished second with Yunhoo Seo, Aiden Kim, and Aron Yeu, while SCKF-A and WKF-B shared third place.
The Girls’ Team championship was won by SCKO-A, represented by Erena Hoshi, Kanon Sawabe, and Mai Sakamoto. SCKF-A earned second place, while SCKF-B and SCKO-B completed the podium with third-place finishes.
The Boys’ Team title went to SCKF-A, whose roster included Kai Nakazono, Musashi Yang, Kai Romero, Ethan Choo, and Shinsuke Yamamoto. WKF-A secured second place, while SCKO-A and NCKF-B shared third.
Celebrating the Future of American Kendo
The 2026 Junior Championships once again demonstrated the remarkable depth of young kendo talent across the United States. Athletes from numerous regional federations competed at a high technical level while exemplifying the principles of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship that define the art of kendo.
Beyond the medals and championship titles, the tournament served as an important opportunity for young practitioners to gain valuable competitive experience, strengthen friendships within the kendo community, and continue developing as both athletes and martial artists. As these competitors continue their journeys, many are expected to become the next generation of leaders representing American kendo on the national and international stage.