Introduction by Kate Sylvester.
The 2nd edition of the Women Aki Taikai (WAT) was held in Eaubonne, France in October, 2024. Building on the success of the first Women Aki Taikai held the previous year, the event was attended by more women from more nations. In 2024, a total of 175 women attended from 18 countries including Armenia, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tunisia. The accomplished Mika Shimokawa 7th dan kyoshi from Japan was also invited to lead at the seminar alongside sixteen other 7th dan women based in Europe.
Photo credit: France Kendo
The event was supported by the CNKDR (Comité National de Kendo et Disciplines Rattachées – France Kendo). From reports, the 2nd WAT was a great success and very well orchestrated by head organisers Aurélia Blanchard and Sophie Kong with their team, Franck Despagnat (Communications manager, France Kendo), Alexiane Vidil-René, Jihanne Ben Aissa-Chartier and Candice Allouche-Dufour (Communications), Igor Theodose and Clément Danila (Video), Grégory Boucq and Cyril Besnard (Photographers). Due to the great success of the 2nd WAT, it is expected that the 3rd edition, planned for the 3-5 October 2025 in France, will be an even better event.
To provide the necessary context for understanding the significance of the event, it will first be necessary to provide a brief overview of the background. The first WAT took place in 2023 in Nanterre, France. It was a significant event for several reasons. Firstly, it illustrated the progress of women’s kendo in Europe. The seminar was led by seventeen 7th dan women and participated in by 150 female participants of 26 nationalities aged between 13 to 68-years-old. It should be noted that this was also the first instance in European history that 7th dan women were included in a competition category that marked their level and status. A catalyst of the Women Aki Taikai was the ongoing exclusion of women from the 7th dan category at the France Kendo Open (Open de France).
In this article, perspectives on the 2nd WAT are shared by Aurélia Blanchard as the head organiser and Johanna Nowak as a participant. For Blanchard the idea to organise an event started in November 2022 when she learned that there would still be no women’s 7th dan category at the 2023 France Kendo Open. The project idea was discussed with Sophie Kong, who was the head of the Women’s Commission within France Kendo at the time. With support of the France Kendo and EKF, and a team comprising of Jihanne Ben Aissa-Chartier, Candice Allouche-Dufour and Alexiane Vidil-René, the first Women Aki Takai became a reality and it was a hugely successful event which is symbolic of women’s kendo development in Europe. While the primary reason behind the event’s conception might be recalled by some, the event has paved itself a new path that is supporting community growth and the skill development of kendo in Europe.
A number of hopeful changes in international kendo have taken place since the first Women Aki Taikai in 2023. In addition to the noteworthy advancements in gender equality evident during the 19th World Kendo Championships, there are now more high-level competitive opportunities for women. Women are now invited to participate in the 7th dan category alongside men at the France Kendo Open. The Iijima Cup held in the Netherlands also now has a 7th dan open gender category. Perhaps the most important competitive development is that the first All Japan Women’s Kendo 7th dan Tournament took place in Japan in 2024. It was the very first time that a women’s 7th dan competition had been held in Japan, despite there being more than 800 women who hold the rank in Japan. Thirty of the best 7th dan women from around Japan and two from overseas were invited to the prestigious competition, one of which was Dance Yokoo of Germany. Promisingly, these new opportunities reflect and promulgate the status and skill development of women’s kendo.
It is important to note that at the 2025 France Kendo Open, Aurélia Blanchard won 3rd place in the 7th dan category and was also awarded a gold medal for her contribution to kendo from France Kendo.
The following text shares the reflections and perspectives of the 2nd Women Aki Takai by. Aurélia Blanchard (AB) 7th dan kyoshi of Le Puy Kendo answers a series of questions about the Women Aki Taikai organisation and the event’s future. Johanna Nowak (JN), 3rd dan of Kendo Bordeaux and Kendo Club Nord Gironde (KCNG) shares her positive experience of participating in the event.
What was improved on for the 2nd Women Aki Taikai?
AB: The 1st Women Aki Taikai was a kind of test because we didn’t know exactly how many sensei would agree to come, if the event would interest many practitioners, how to organise the schedule and so on. So, we did everything by feeling. Once the event was over, we sent a questionnaire to the participants and the sensei to collect their opinions on the content, the lessons, the competition part, the gymnasium—for example. Thanks to the answers, we had a clearer vision of what we should aim for. I thank everyone who responded to the questionnaire for doing so because it allowed us to improve our event and have a truly superb 2024 edition.
The points we improved upon were as follows:
- A bigger gymnasium. We organized the 2024 edition at the CDFAS (Centre Départemental de Formation et d’Animation Sportives) in Eaubonne near Paris. It is a sports complex easily accessible by train from Paris. It includes a very large parquet gymnasium allowing it to double the possibility of hosting kendoka compared to Nanterre where the first edition took place. There was much more practice space and the different working groups were not bothered by others or ambient noise. The CDFAS being recent, the facilities are very well thought out and practical (changing rooms, stands, parking). The CDFAS is a high-quality center, capable of welcoming the most successful athletes and offering them optimal conditions for their preparation. The fact that the American team chose this site as a training center in preparation for the Olympic Games is indisputable proof of this. This demonstrates not only the CDFAS’s reputation for excellence, but also the international recognition of its infrastructures and services.
- Accommodation and catering on site. The CDFAS is a sports center with on-site accommodation and catering services. This is a huge asset, especially since the rooms are comfortable and the meals are good. Plus, in terms of user-friendliness, it’s really great. The sensei and the practitioners were able to share many moments of discussion and laughter, especially during the evening on Saturday’s party.
- More practice time. We started on Friday evening with a geiko open to all (women, men, children). We are lucky to have had a 7th dan Korean sensei at that time, a few members of the National French Men Team members, and even a very young 4-year-old boy! Saturday was entirely devoted to the training course, and Sunday was devoted to the individual tournament by grade category, from Kyusha to 7th dan. This year, all the referees were women.
- Opening to Japan. At the 2024 World Championships in Milan, we had women referees for the first time. This is a big step for the recognition of the status of women as practitioners. We therefore wanted to highlight this progress by inviting Mika Shimokawa who was one of the referees at the 19th WKC. She was thus the leader in the refereeing part all Sunday. But she also taught us on Saturday and shared her experience as a former member of the National Japanese Team.
A 7th dan women’s category was added to the France Kendo Open schedule in 2024 but then cancelled as only 2 women registered. How did you feel when this happened? What kept you motivated to organise another Women Aki Taikai?
AB: I was very disappointed that there were only two registrations in the 7th dan women’s category. But I can understand it. Firstly, the official communication on the French Open having been slow to be made, another important event took place on the same date, a 7th dan seminar in Italy. I could see from the pictures that subsequently appeared that this seminar was a success, and that is normal, because we all want to continue to progress.
Then, I think there was a lack of interest in the tournament from certain 7th dan women who were present at the French Open as referees or spectators. Maybe because they knew there wouldn’t be many participants? It’s a vicious cycle.
However, this did not call into question my desire to reissue Women Aki Taikai. Indeed, these are two very different events. The French Open is purely competitive, while the Women Aki Taikai is above all a sharing event. The 7th dan women come first with the aim of teaching and sharing good times with all the female practitioners. The 7th dan tournament of the Women Aki Taikai is a bit of the icing on the cake of this beautiful weekend. So I never had any doubt about the mass arrival of 7th dan sensei. And the future proved me right because we had even more participants in 2024!
Did you achieve what you aimed to at the 2024 Women Aki Taikai?
AB: The Women Aki Taikai 2024 not only met all my expectations but also far exceeded them. This year, the event was a true success on all fronts. From the very beginning of the preparations, it was clear that we were ready to deliver an unforgettable experience, and this became evident throughout the event. The organising team demonstrated flawless coordination. We were better prepared, more in sync, and more experienced than during the previous edition. The lessons learned from past years allowed us to better anticipate challenges and fine-tune our processes, which significantly reduced stress.
Every detail was carefully thought out to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Communication between the various stakeholders and participants was fluid and clear, which greatly facilitated the management of unforeseen situations. We also made it a point to create a welcoming and warm atmosphere for all participants, which contributed to the friendly yet professional vibe of the event.
What particularly stood out to me was the evolution of our team spirit. The trust and camaraderie we’ve developed over time played a key role. We were able to adapt to unexpected situations without panic, manage logistics efficiently, all while maintaining a positive and communicative energy that marked every highlight of the Women Aki Taikai 2024.
In short, this edition was the culmination of our collective work. Less stress, more confidence, and an organization that truly paid off. I feel that every year, we grow together, and the event becomes increasingly stronger and more harmonious. A wonderful experience that will remain etched in our memories.
What do you plan to do differently for the Women Aki Taikai in 2025?
AB: For the Women Aki Taikai 2025, we have the ambition to broaden our horizons and welcome practitioners from all over the world. We want this event to truly become international, a meeting point and a space for exchange among women passionate about kendo, regardless of their geographical origin. My hope is to see practitioners from all continents, whether competitors or not, join us to celebrate this art with the same passion and respect that drive us.
We would also like to invite sensei and referees from diverse backgrounds, as their expertise and experience would greatly enrich the quality of the event. Their presence would not only strengthen the technical and competitive aspects of the Taikai, but also enhance cultural exchange and bring new perspectives. These exchanges would be a true wealth for all the participants.
We are committed to creating an atmosphere where diversity is a strength, where everyone can contribute their part to the development of an event that, beyond the competition, is also a way to build connections, share experiences, and inspire future generations of women in kendo. The Women Aki Taikai 2025 could thus become a global crossroads, where cultural differences are celebrated, and where unity in the practice of kendo takes on its full meaning.
We want to show that the Taikai is more than just a competition—it is a global platform for empowerment, solidarity, and mutual respect. The world is vast, and we believe that every voice, every practice, every journey has its place among us. That is why we warmly invite all practitioners, sensei, and referees from all regions of the world to join this adventure and help make this edition an unforgettable moment, one that truly represents the diversity and richness of the world of kendo.
What was the training focus for each seminar group?
Kyusha Group
Leaders: Sabine Péré, Akemi Kaneda and Izumiko Lemoign
Content: Basic motions such as foot movements, technical disponibility, physical and mental coordination,and interpersonal harmony by understanding distance (maai). The complexities of these elements were simplified and explained through doing simple exercises.
1st Dan Group
Leaders: Kazue Daigo and Olga Martin
Content: Practice of movements, shizentai position, correct kamae, with and without shinai, the importance of kiai, etiquette (reihou), distance (maai), basic strikes (kihon), mental preparation for exams and competition. A Q&A about kendo was also included in the session.
2nd Dan Group
Leaders: Kazuyo Matsuda and Jana Ziegelheimová
Content: Kobayashi Method (designed for women kenshi focusing on using correct muscle groups, balance between left and right side of body, coordination of movements, special large men striking), (Bokuto ni yoru) Kihon Waza Keikoho, Kata (all forms especially Kodachi) and oikomi exercises.
3rd Dan Group
Leaders: Donatela Castelli, Kayoko Nagano and Asun González.
Content: Ouji-waza practice to prepare for the 4th dan exam. Discussion about the importance of “human connecting” with exercises in pairs from hand-to-hand-connection to heart to heart connection through the shinai. Exercises observing and reacting to partners without and with shinai.
4th Dan Group
Leaders: Yunsook Ma, Kumi Sato and Dance Yokoo
Content: Basic technique (kihon) and some exercises with the concept of working with the relaxed body. And then, how to work on shiai and how to prepare for the 5th dan exam.
5th Dan and 6th Dan Group
Leaders: Mika Shimokawa, Angela Papaccio and Chieko Yano
Content: Basic strikes (kihon), technique (ouji-waza), correct kamae, kiai, etiquette (reihou), distance (maai), how to attack with different seme, preparation for examination, Q&A about kendo was also included in the session.
Johanna, as a participant, what was your experience of the seminar? Please share what the event means to you as one of the women who raised their voices regarding the exclusion of 7th dan women at the France Kendo Open.
JN: I genuinely loved this year’s iteration of the Women Aki Taikai. Last year, I left the event with mixed feelings. I felt an underlying potential for the event that wasn’t entirely reflected in the practice. This year, I decided to attend the event despite my reservations. I thought that some of the previous year’s shortcomings were due to novelty—it’s hard to be a hit on the first time. And I guess I was right!
I really loved that this year everything seemed to be an entire experience, not just a “regular seminar”. Everyone staying and eating at the venue, the possibility of a welcome keiko on Friday evening, the long days of practice, and of course the sayonara party. All of this created a very special feeling for the participants, I think.
The groups were small (with 30 participants or so) with 2 or 3 dedicated 7th dan sensei. It was really something. The program was packed, it was fun and yet challenging.
I acted as time/score keeper for the Sunday taikai and really loved the energy of every competitor. The level was quite high in the 3 dan and above categories, with a lot of women coming from their respective national teams.
It means a lot to me personally to see an event like the Women Aki Taikai take place, as I feel that in our ‘everyday’ kendo practices we can feel isolated. Women are usually outnumbered, and tend to hold lower ranks. Our progresses, achievements, potentials, voices, can be invisibilized by the sheer number of men around, and the attention their way of practising kendo receives.
It feels empowering to see a lot of women practising together, and especially women 6th and 7th dan, whose energy and dedication to kendo create a path ahead for all of us. Thanks to everyone who came to share a walk along the way of the sword, and thanks to the Women Aki Taikai team for making it happen.
Do you feel that the Aki Taikai continues to raise awareness and the status of women’s kendo? How do you think the Aki Taikai supports the development of kendo in Europe?
JN: I think that it definitely paves the way for more women-only competitions, and large scale women-only events in Europe. It’s always interesting for me to see that if you give spaces for such events to exist, they do. And become larger and larger every year.
I also think that seeing one or + woman 7th dan leading a big seminar needs to be normalized, even outside of women-only seminars. I’ve seen too many cases of amazing 7th dan women put in corners when men who are not as great teachers are given the opportunity to shine.
Also, I was disappointed to see that the France Kendo Open in 2024 still lacked a proper 7th dan women category. I understand that the timing of the event, the poor advertising, and just the image of this competition might not be perfect. But still, it was a let down.
To see a women’s 7th dan category being full at the Women Aki Taikai was thus really awesome! It definitely shows, once again, that there’s potential for these competitions to exist and grow. Mika Shimokawa-sensei is amazing. I am really glad that she came and I wish her the best success.
Amandine Nowak, Johanna Nowak, Satoko Ihara, Mika Shimokawa, Sabine Péré,
Saya Guadarrama. Photo credit: France Kendo
Do you feel that the Aki Taikai continues to raise awareness and the status of women’s kendo? How do you think the Aki Taikai supports the development of kendo in Europe?
AB: The Women Aki Taikai plays a crucial role in promoting and highlighting women’s kendo on both national and international levels. As a major event dedicated to women practicing kendo, it not only shines a light on their commitment but also emphasises their place and contribution within this discipline. Too often, women are underrepresented in certain forms of martial arts, and the Women Aki Taikai provides a platform that gives them the visibility they deserve, showcasing their determination, skill, and passion for this ancient martial art.
Through this event, we celebrate not only competition but also the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support that unites the practitioners. By highlighting talented athletes and inspiring sensei, the Taikai contributes to changing perceptions and breaking the stereotypes often associated with kendo, a field traditionally dominated by men. It demonstrates that, while remaining true to its values of discipline, honor, and respect, kendo is also a space for women to express themselves and perform at their best.
Moreover, the Women Aki Taikai offers young practitioners an additional model and motivation. By watching women from all backgrounds and skill levels compete with courage and elegance, they realize that kendo is a martial art in which they can push their limits, achieve personal growth, and evolve at their own pace. The event thus becomes a true source of inspiration, encouraging new generations of women to engage in kendo, surpass themselves, and pursue their passion.
Additionally, the Women Aki Taikai plays a key role in creating networks and opportunities for practitioners. By bringing together women from different regions, cultures, and kendo dojos, the event fosters strong connections between participants, facilitates the exchange of experiences and techniques, and strengthens the unity of the female kendo community. This type of female solidarity is crucial to supporting practitioners throughout their journey and advancing the recognition of women’s kendo worldwide.
In summary, the Women Aki Taikai is much more than just a competition: it is a powerful means of promoting women’s kendo, evolving the practice, and ensuring that every woman has her rightful place in it. It helps raise awareness of the richness of this sport and makes it accessible to all women, regardless of their background or ambitions. Through this event, women’s kendo continues to take a stronger place on the international stage and continues to inspire many women to follow this path.
Drawing Attention to the Need for Investment in Women’s Kendo
AB: We proposed the idea of expanding the Women Aki Taikai to other countries in order to allow a larger number of practitioners to participate in the event. The goal was to promote diversity and strengthen the international dimension of this gathering, enabling women from different cultures and backgrounds to come together around the practice, but also to promote kendo on a European scale. However, despite our efforts to promote this initiative, we have not received positive feedback.
This can be explained by several factors. On one hand, organising an event of this scale requires a significant investment in terms of preparation, logistics, and human resources. Planning such an event takes several months of work to coordinate various aspects: fundraising, managing partners, organizing logistics for accommodation, security, and creating a program that remains true to the original spirit of the event.
Moreover, there is a major issue related to the infrastructure. It is not enough to simply find a suitable location to host the competitions; it is also necessary to ensure that the facilities are adequate for an event of this nature. This includes having enough space for both training and competitions, quality equipment, as well as competent and well-trained staff to ensure safety and the smooth running of the seminar and tournament.
Another major challenge lies in the ability to attract a sufficiently large community of practitioners to justify organising the event. Although the Women Aki Taikai is a unique event with a beautiful vision, it is essential that local practitioners are aware of the event and motivated to participate.
In summary, although the idea of taking the Women Aki Taikai to other countries is ambitious and has great potential, it faces logistical, cultural, and organisational obstacles that require significant investment in time, money, and expertise. Therefore, the Women Aki Taikai will need to remain in France for the time being, and we must find solutions to ensure its long-term development and sustainability.
This is why we believe it is crucial to seek financial support from the EKF, despite its usual policy of supporting an event only once per country per year. By supporting this event, the EKF would not only make a financial contribution but also take a strong symbolic action for gender equality in kendo. This perfectly aligns with the vision the EKF seeks to promote among its members. Additionally, the EKF’s financial support would help cover part of the costs (such as venue rental, travel for participants, security, and event promotion), making the event more accessible to a larger number of practitioners from across Europe. This support would also ensure a high-quality experience for the participants.
We understand that the EKF has a policy that limits its financial support to one event per country per year, but the Women Aki Taikai represents a special case. We believe that an exception can be considered, given the nature of the event, its impact, and its specific focus, particularly in terms of gender and the development of women’s kendo. Such support could be seen as a strategic investment for the federation, aimed at supporting an innovative initiative and reinforcing its role as a leader in diversity and inclusion in kendo.
Women Aki Taikai 2024 Results
Kyu
1st Dan
2nd Dan
3rd Dan
4th Dan
5th Dan
7th Dan
The 3rd Aki Takai will take place on October 3-5, 2025 in France. It is anticipated to be yet another fantastic and inspiring women’s kendo event. Save the date!
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Kate Sylvester Perspectives 