2026 48th AUSTRALIAN KENDO CHAMPIONSHIPS, SEMINAR & GRADING. Gold Coast, Queensland.
The 48th Australian Kendo Championships, Seminar and Dan Grading Examination were successfully concluded following five days of kendo held from 3–7 April 2026 on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Hosted by the Queensland Kendo Renmei, the event brought together competitors, officials and supporters from across Australia and overseas, highlighting the strength and continued growth of Kendo in Australia.
Competition Results
The Championships featured a high standard of competition, with strong performances across all divisions. Notably, 2026 marked the first time the Women’s Veterans Championship was contested, as well as the reintroduction of the Women’s Dan Teams Championship, both of which were welcomed additions to the Championships and reflected the continuing development and inclusivity of competitive Kendo in Australia.
We congratulate the following winners and placegetters:
| Competition | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
| Men’s Kyu Individuals | Adam Yoon (NSW) | Marcus Lee (NSW) | Jofil Duque (VIC)
Nolan Le (VIC) |
| Women’s Kyu Individuals | Suzy Myant (NSW) | Natalie Coleman (VIC) | Di Chinh Huang (NSW)
Fang Ying Lim (NSW) |
| Men’s Dan Individuals | Alan Kishikawa (NSW) | Renon Kawasaki (NSW) | Yoonsu Kim (NSW)
Jayson Chaplin (NSW) |
| Women’s Dan Individuals | Zhiwen Clay Zhou (VIC) | Suhee Cho (NSW) | Kaori Dimovski (VIC)
Samantha Zhong (NSW) |
| Men’s Veterans | John Larkings (ACT) | Stan Corrigan (TAS) | Darren Boyd (ACT)
Masahiko Yomoda (NSW) |
| Women’s Veterans | Yuko Mayumi (VIC) | Kaori Langley (QLD) | Shoko Bunder (NSW)
Tomoe Kawami (QLD) |
| Men’s Kyu Teams | Victoria | New South Wales | Australian Capital Territory
Queensland |
| Women’s Kyu Teams | Victoria | New South Wales | Australian Capital Territory
Queensland |
| Men’s Dan Teams | New South Wales | Victoria | Queensland
Western Australia |
| Women’s Dan Teams | New South Wales – 2 | Victoria – 1 | New South Wales – 1
Western Australia |
| Kata Teams | New South Wales | Tasmania | Queensland
Victoria |
Fighting Spirit Awards
- Kyu Men: Adam Huang (QLD)
- Kyu Women: Hana Langley (QLD)
- Dan Men: Jordan Saito-Patch (NSW)
- Dan Women: Elsa Dai (NSW)
Volunteer Award
- Keiko Hosokawa
All competitors are to be commended for demonstrating excellent technique, fighting spirit and sportsmanship throughout the Championships.
Dan Grading Examination
Congratulations are extended to all candidates who were successful in the Dan Grading Examination conducted during the event. Promotion in Dan grading reflects years of consistent training and dedication, and we applaud all successful candidates on this important achievement.
Acknowledgement of AJKF Delegates
We extend our sincere appreciation to the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) delegates, Koyama Masahiro sensei (Kendo Hanshi 8 Dan) and Iwasa Hidenori sensei (Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan), for their invaluable support, guidance and instruction throughout the Championships, Seminar and Grading Examination. Their presence and leadership greatly enhanced the quality and educational value of the event for all participants.
Thanks and Appreciation
The success and smooth running of the Championships would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many individuals and groups. We extend heartfelt thanks to:
- Queensland Kendo Renmei and the 48th AKC Organising Committee, for their extensive planning, coordination and hard work in delivering a successful national event.
- Shinpan, for their professionalism, expertise, fairness and consistency.
- Volunteers, whose tireless efforts ensured the event operated efficiently.
- Competitors, many of whom travelled wide and far to take part and contribute to the spirit of the Championships.
The Kendo Board also thanks all supporters and spectators for helping to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.
Looking Ahead
With the successful conclusion of the 48th Australian Kendo Championships, we look forward to continuing the development of kendo across Australia and welcoming the community to future national events.
Congratulations once again to all participants, and thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable success.
Kendo Board, Australian Kendo Federation