Our Chief Instructor: Sensei Helen Michiyo Nakano

Helen Michiyo Nakano is the chief instructor of the Southern California Naginata Federation (SCNF) and co-founder of the United States Naginata Federation (USNF). She is currently the President of the Southern California Naginata Federation and was nominated and elected by the International Naginata Federation (INF) to serve as a Vice-President. In addition, she serves as a member of the INF Technical Committee. She is also the immediate Past-President of the United States Naginata Federation and became the first Director of the Pan American Zone for the INF, which was formed in Japan in 1990.

She has studied the art of Naginata for nearly forty years, initially studying under Chiyoko Tokunaga Sensei, Yoko Yamao Sensei, and Sachiko Wada Sensei. She trained in both Naginata and Kendo under the guidance of Torao Mori Sensei until his death.

Nakano Sensei continues to be instrumental in the development of Naginata across the United States. Currently there are four dojo (schools) in southern California (Gardena, Pasadena, and 2 in Torrance), with additional dojo located in Denver CO, Lincoln NE, Tallahassee FL, and Phoenix AZ. She has conducted numerous seminars throughout the United States, including Seattle, San Jose, Leucadia, Phoenix, Chicago, New York, Denver, Lincoln, Falls Church, and Tallahassee. She also conducted a seminar in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, she has been teaching Naginata, an accredited course, at El Camino College since 1998.

Nakano Sensei was born in Seattle, Washington. At the age of three (3), she, along with her parents and brothers were interned in Minidoka, Idaho for 3-1/2 years. Upon their release, they moved to Oregon where they lived for approximately four (4) years prior to moving to California where she has lived ever since.

Nakano Sensei's husband is George Nakano, Kendo 5-Dan Renshi and a member of the California State Assembly.

Nakano Sensei currently holds the rank of Kyoshi.

Web site maintained by Sue Kent; email webmaster@scnf.org
Copyright © 1996 Southern California Naginata Federation. Written permission is required for reproducing materials contained herein. You are welcome, however, to add a link to our web site.

SckBba   ]]:-)