3rd Canadian National Iaido Championships
July 17-19, 2026 | Ottawa
Register HERE
Welcome!
On behalf of the Canadian Kendo Federation, we are pleased to welcome competitors, judges, volunteers, community members, and spectators to our nation’s capital for the 3rd Canadian National Iaido Championships (CNIC).
Held once every three years, the CNIC is more than a competition—it is an opportunity to come together in the spirit of kōkenchiai (交剣知愛), where understanding and respect are strengthened through shared practice, challenge, and mutual commitment to Iaido.
For competitors, it is a chance to represent your dojo, province, or region, test your training, and learn alongside peers and officials from across Canada.
For us as a federation, the championships raises our national standards and contributes to the development of officials and future leaders within Canadian Iaido.
In July, the city of Ottawa offers a walkable setting, active public spaces, and access to national cultural institutions, alongside a wide range of dining and seasonal events—creating a welcoming environment to connect and unwind beyond the competition schedule.
-
The CNIC is open to active CKF iaido practitioners with Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residence (PR), or active Canadian PR applications
CNIC seminars are only available to registered judges and competitors
6-Dan & 7-Dan will judge and compete in embu taikai
4-Dan & 5-Dan judges and must also compete in the open, provincial, or regional division
SHINPAN SEMINAR (JULY 17) — $75
Open to 4-Dan and above
Includes lunch
TAIKAI (JULY 18-19) — $125
Open to all ranks
Includes lunch on both days
-
Three (3) travel subsidies have been generously donated by Team Canada Iaido to out-of-province representatives consisting of the following amounts:
BC — Up to $700
AB, MB, or SK — Up to $600
NFLD, NS, or NB — Up to $425
West Region leaders will decide on allocation for BC and Prairies, and East Region leaders will decide on allocation for Atlantic Canada
Distinguished Guest
Atsumi Hatakenaka, Hanshi 8-Dan
The CKF is honoured to host Hatakenaka Sensei as Head Instructor and Chief Judge for all 2026 CNIC events from Friday to Sunday.
Hatakenaka Sensei has supported the growth and development of Iaido in North America for nearly two decades, and is an inspiration to female practitioners worldwide.
She is the 3rd female Iaidoka to achieve the rank of 8-Dan in the All Japan Kendo Federation, and 1st to become Hanshi.
We are excited to welcome her back to Canada for this prestigious event.
We’re excited to welcome you to Carleton University, where all key event activities are conveniently located on campus, with the main gym, dining hall, and residence buildings all within an 8-10 minute walk.
Athletic Centre — Raven’s Nest
Dining Hall — Teraanga Commons
Student Residences — Dorm
Competition Breakdown
Provincial Bracket
Each province may send up to two teams of three competitors
Regional Bracket
Each region may send up to two teams of five competitors
Open Bracket
Non-provincial or regional reps will compete in the open division
Detailed breakdown of nomination/selection process, and competition format can be found in the Taikai Rules & Regulations