A great start for 2026.

Jan Van Eupen and Kitashima Yo got their Rokudan this month.

And Stefan Van Boven received his Nanadan.

Congratulations to all!

On behalf of the VKIJF & BKR Technical Committees, we are pleased to invite you or your members to the upcoming ABKF Kendo Referee Seminar.

This seminar is a vital step in our national calendar, providing both theoretical and practical training. It will also serve as the official pre-selection for referees for the upcoming Belgian Dan Championships on Sunday 26 April 2026 in …

Seminar Details

• Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026
• Location: Adeps – G2 Room
• Schedule:        09:00 – 11:00: Theory & Rule Explanations       11:00 – 12:00: Break (Room availability pending)       12:00 – 15:30: Practical Shinpan & Kakarin Scenarios

Participants

We encourage clubs to nominate motivated candidates based on the following criteria:

• Godan: Encouraged to attend for pre-selection for the Belgium Dan Championships (26/4).
• Yondan: Welcome to participate to develop refereeing experience for future roles.
• Kakari-in: Training will be offered concurrently for those wishing to support tournament operations.

Note: To ensure high-quality instruction and manage group sizes, pre-registration is mandatory.

Program Overview

The morning session will focus on the theoretical application of rules and judging criteria. The afternoon session will involve practical simulations with experienced fighters, utilizing an ABCD scoring system to provide feedback and inform selection for national events.

Materials & Official Dress Code

Participants are required to bring their own set of Shinpan flags and note-taking materials. In accordance with international standards, the required attire is:

• Jacket: Plain navy blue blazer
• Trousers: Plain grey trousers
• Shirt: Plain white shirt
• Tie: Plain bordeaux (deep red) tie
• Socks: Dark navy blue socks

Registration

Please ensure to register via the Google Form below by 1st of March:

[Registration Link: https://forms.gle/HUzryxt1ktNjftTBA]

(The official ABKF Link: https://www.abkfevents.be/events/abkf-kendo-referee-seminar-2026/)

If you have any questions or remarks, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Van Laecken or one of the VKIJF or BKRTechnical Committee members.

We look forward to seeing your dojo representatives there as we work together to maintain the high standards of refereeing in Belgium.

Best regards,

The VKIJF & BKR Technical Committee

We would like to share two important updates regarding the upcoming ABKF Winter Seminar:

1. Iaido Schedule Update

An additional keiko session has been added on Sunday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the hall G2.
This keiko is offered as an extension of the seminar at no extra cost to practitioners.

2. Equipment Request from Oda Sensei

Oda Sensei kindly asks that all participants bring their bokuto with them to the seminar.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to welcoming you soon.

The ABKF Winter Seminar Schedule has been updated! Please find the updated schedule here;
https://www.abkfevents.be/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Schedule-Winter-2025-EN-v3.pdf

The ABKF Winter Seminar Schedule has been updated! Please find the updated schedule here;
https://www.abkfevents.be/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Schedule-Winter-2025-EN-v3.pdf

An extra training for all nanadan present, under the guidance of Kiyono sensei in the G2 on Saturday!
Extra Jodo training on Sunday under the guidance of René van Amersfoort sensei!
The Sayonara dinner has been moved to 19:00, to give you some time to have more keiko!

Registrations can be done here:
https://www.abkfevents.be/seminar/winter2025/

Please register in advance to avoid congestion during the seminar!

Please find the booklet with the drawings here;`