Nichibukan Naginata Takes 2!

Nichibukan sent two competitors to the International Naginata Federation’s 3^rd World Championship and Friendship Tournament. Each came home with a first place in the Friendship Tournament. 2 for 2!

First, Ellery Engalla ran quickly through 4 opponents. Normally with back to back Sune-ate to take the Men’s Dangai (under black belt) tournament. He first met the representative from Lithuania. The match following this was with an opponent from the Czech Republic. The semi-final match was against a Canadian who was recently returned from a year at Budo University. The final match was against a strong opponent from the Netherlands. To top it off, Ellery took his Shodan test with no problem. So Nichibukan has another new black belt.

Ellery with the Evidence

Margaret Welsh came out swinging in the Women’s Yudansha section of the Friendship Tournament. Her semi final was against Stephanie Hoppe from Northern California Naginata Federation. Meeting fellow East Coast Naginata Federation member Fran Vall followed this. Fran is a very experienced player, but Margaret managed to snag a point and hold on to it until time ran out.

Margaret Welsh Winner!