The Argentine delegation achieved second place in the Team category and several podium finishes in the Individual category in various categories. It was the first time that the Latin American iaido event was held independently of the kendo competition, highlighting the growth this discipline is experiencing in the region.
The 2nd CLAK 2025 Latin American Iaido Tournament was held in the Chilean capital from October 18 to 19, with the participation of teams from across the continent. It took place at the Chilean Olympic Committee (COCH) Training Center.
It was two days of intense activity, dominated by sportsmanship and camaraderie, in an event notable for its meticulous organization and the tremendous friendliness of the hosts.
This second edition was organized by the Latin American Kendo Confederation (CLAK) and the Chilean Kendo Federation (FCK). It was known that next year’s competition will be held in the Dominican Republic.
The Competition
Brazil had a very good performance, finishing first in the Teams and in the 4th, 2nd, and 1st dan (Individual) categories.
Argentina took second place in the Teams category—thanks to the performance of Lisandro García, Martín Andreotti, Myriam Martínez, and Alexis López—placing itself behind Brazil and ahead of Chile, which came in third. Chile also achieved several podium finishes in Individuals, demonstrating a high level of skill.
Argentina, meanwhile, achieved 3rd place in the Individual categories in the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd dan categories and dominated the Kyu category, where they dominated the first three steps of the podium.
The individual competitors and their results:
4th dan category: 3rd place: Lisandro Garcia
3rd dan category: 3rd place: Miriam Martinez
2nd dan category: 3rd place: Marcos Gava
Kyu category:
1st place: Alexis López
2nd place: Gonzalo Tanaka
3rd place: Delfina Tomasino
It is worth noting that Sany Silva received the Kantosho (combative spirit) award for the 1st dan category.
The Argentine Iaido team’s coaching staff was composed of sensei Lisandro García, Nicolás Ronco, and Ariel Baez.
Authorities in attendance
The most important iaido event in the region was attended by prestigious figures in the discipline, listed below:
From Japan: Ito Shigeo, Iaido Hanshi 8th degree; from the United States: Kato Shozo, Kyoshi 7th degree; Pam Parker, Iaido Kyoshi 7th degree; Jodo 4th degree; Susan Sekreta, Iaido Kyoshi 7th degree; Debi Farmer, Iaido Renshi 7th degree; from Canada: Eric Tribe, Iaido Renshi 7th degree; Jodo Renshi 7th degree; Stephen Cruise, Iaido Kyoshi 7th degree; From Chile: Nicolás Díaz, Iaido Renshi 6th Degree (President of the Chilean Kendo Federation); Juan Poblete, Iaido 6th Degree; Fernando Saa, Iaido 6th Degree; Julio Villaroel, Iaido 5th Degree; Jodo 6th Degree; Guillermo Vargas, Iaido 5th Degree; Jodo 5th Degree; Guillermo Fuenzalida, Iaido 5th Degree; from Argentina: Gustavo Manini, Iaido 5th Degree.
Also present were the President of CLAK, Ecuadorian Fernando Benavides, and the President of the Argentine Kendo Federation, Matías Lafranconi.
Ito Sensei’s Seminar
On October 17th, before the start of the sporting event, a technical seminar was held at the Prince of Wales Country Club in the La Reina neighborhood. Ito Sensei Shigeo reviewed the 12 kata that make up the «Seitei Iai» (standardized iai) system of the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei, the governing body based in Japan.
It was an intensive day that showcased Ito Sensei’s outstanding technical prowess. He made use of all his knowledge to promote the growth of Latin American iaido, which he found to be very well developed, even close to the level of Japan, as he emphasized during his Master Class.
Iaido Graduation Exams
After the tournament concluded, on the afternoon of Sunday, October 19, the graduation exams from 1st kyu to 6th dan were held, with more than 50 practitioners at various levels taking part.
It is noteworthy that Sensei Fernando Saa from Chile achieved the 6th dan, while from Argentina, Mariano Isla Casares, Anastacia Pino, Miryam Martínrz, Gabriel Kochi, Juan Fuster, and Martín Andreotti obtained 4th dan, among others.
Jodo, a growing discipline
Before the closing of the event, given the presence of highly ranked Jodo senseis, an examination panel was held for this discipline, which has been expanding for decades in Chile, with the participation of practitioners from multiple countries.
In the case of Argentina, where it began to be formally taught a few years ago, it is noteworthy that Martín Andreotti and Marcos Gava achieved the 1st dan rank, with the technical support of senpai Mariano Isla Casares and Gabriel Kochi, 1st dan and ZNKR Jodo leaders in the South American country.
