Not The Summer Camp

10th - 12tH April 2026

Sun, Sea and Shiai - Back Again for 2026!

Get excited friends! Our summer camp is back again this year. A weekend of Kendo training, shiai and team building. We’re going a bit further north this year, and our camp will be in (hopefully) sunny Himatangi.

This year we are delighted to welcome back Alan Stephenson Sensei, Kendo 7th Dan, Iaido 5th Dan. New Zealand's first kendoka to achieve 7th Dan while living in NZ. Now leading Otago Kendo Club, Alan Sensei was a founding member of Auckland Kendo Club, founder of Jun Shin Kan, Chairman of the NZKF, and Sensei to Patrick, Alice and Nick!

The aim of this camp is to forge strong bonds between our team members, create an opportunity for an extended period of training which will elevate the Kendo of the whole club, and have a great time while doing it!

This event is open to all Yōshinkan members.

Don’t forget your shinai and your togs!

Key Information

Event Dates: Saturday 11th to Sunday 12rd April, 2026

  • Arrive Friday evening, 10th April.

Training Venue: Himatangi Beach Community Centre

4 Koputara Road, Himatangi Beach 4891

Accommodation Venue: Hīmatangi Beach Holiday Park

30 Koputara Road, Himatangi Beach 4891

Cost:

TBC shortly. Approximately $150 - $200.

Sign Up Deadline: Sunday, March 1st

Event Contacts:

Darius Elphick, darius@yoshinkankendo.nz

Matt Gane, matt@yoshinkankendo.nz

Event Plan

More details will be added to this section in the runnup to the event.

Friday 10th April

For those travelling up to Himatangi on the day before the summer camp kicks off, it will be possible to check-in in the afternoon.

The event organisers will be arriving at the holiday camp throughout the afternoon.

All those in Himatangi on Friday night are welcome to join us for dinner with Alan Sensei at a local restaurant.

Saturday 11th April

A day of keiko led by our guest Alan Sensei along with the Senior Sensei of Yōshinkan. The day will kick off at approx 9am, with Asa Geiko and breakfast available beforehand for those already in Himatangi and hungry!

Lunch will be provided.

After Keiko is finished, there will be an opportunity for those who wish to head to the sea to cool off with a group plunge!

In the evening, there will be a BBQ at Himatangi Holiday Park for all attendees.

Sunday 12TH April

Our second day will kick off with early morning Asa Geiko to start the day in the best way!

Breakfast will be provided at the holiday park, and then the second day of training will kick off at the hall.

The second day will include a club Shiai, with the club Kabuto up for grabs as the grand prize!

The camp will finish at around 4pm.

Accommodation

We are arranging shared accommodation for the team in cabins at Himatangi Holiday Park.

Our booking will consist of several cabins, with various shared sleeping arrangements, which can accommodate between 2 and 4 people each. Before we make the booking, we want to confirm who is likely coming and how many will choose to stay in shared accommodation.

Himatangi requires a two night minimum booking, so I’m afraid we won’t be able to offer 1 night stays at a cheaper rate this year.

The venue provides cover sheets on the beds and pillows with clean slips. Guests need to bring a top sheet per bed, blankets and/or sleeping bags and towels. Remember, this is a camp rather than a luxury holiday :)

You can find out more about the cabins, and the holiday park, here.

Places will be allocated on a first sign up, first served basis, and we'll arrange for campers to be grouped by gender wherever possible. When signing up, please indicate which accommodation option you would prefer of the following:

  • Two nights in shared accommodation

  • One night in shared accommodation

    • Please note your place in the room will be booked to include the Friday, so I’m afraid it will cost the same.

  • Arrange your own accommodation, such as camping at Himatangi Holiday Park, or a nearby AirBnb. Note I haven’t looked at the nearby Airbnb options or availability.

Sign Up

Fill in this form. If you have any questions, contact darius@yoshinkankendo.nz and matt@yoshinkankendo.nz

FAQs

This section will be populated with questions which are raised by attendees in the runnup to the camp.

  • The cost of the camp will be nailed down in the coming days, but attendees should budget approximately $150 - $200 to cover the weekend.

    • Two days of kendo instruction and training with Senior Kendo Sensei, including guest sensei Alan Stephenson 7th Dan of Otago Kendo Club.

    • Entry in a club Shiai, with an amazing prize up for grabs.

    • Accommodation for two nights.

    • Meals and snacks across both days of the camp.

    • Your Kendo equipment

      • Club equipment will be there as a backup

    • Overnight bag

    • Togs and towel

    • A sleeping bag or bedding

    • Any alcohol you intend to consume

  • Several cars will be driving up, and we will arrange carpooling where possible.

  • Everyone currently training at Yōshinkan is welcome to attend the camp.

  • Sign up via the form on the event page above.

  • Although we encourage everyone to get involved in the camp and any post keiko socials as a team building opportunity, this can be accommodated. Contact the organisers.

  • It’s a running gag. Yōshinkan’s Summer Camp was delayed one year and took place in the late Autumn, and so was renamed the Not The Summer Camp.