Yamauchi Sachiko

Yamauchi Sachiko started her Naginata training in 1971 at the Naginata Club of Matsuyama Shinonome junior high school. By 16 years old she had reached Shodan, or 1st degree black belt. She was promoted to her current rank of Kyoshi in 1996 a year after she had become age eligible. Yamauchi Sensei is one of the youngest to ever be promoted to that rank. The Naginata Federation ranking system is: Shodan (1st degree black belt) through Godan (5th degree black belt), followed by the teaching titles of Renshi (instructor), Kyoshi (senior instructor) and Hanshi (master instructor). Minimum age requirement for Hanshi is 55.

Her tournament record is also very impressive. In the 15th All Japan Naginata High School Championship, she was the team captain of the winning team. The next year she took the paired (engi) College Championship. She continued her career in college, winning both in team competition and individually during various All Japan College Naginata Tournaments. Yamauchi Sensei was in many All Japan prefecture competitions both as a team player and as a paired (engi) kata competitor. Quite often placing in the top 10% or better. In 1989 at the 30ND All Japan Prefecture Championships, she took 1st place as an individual. Thus, she has won first place in All Japan level naginata tournaments in high school, college, and as an adult.

Yamauchi Sensei also has a great career as a teacher and coach. She has taught Naginata at various levels. This experience ranges from teaching Elementary and Junior High School children to teaching older section (45+) at the Saijo Wako Club in Saijo City, Ehime. She is qualified as a college level Naginata seminar leader as well as Gifu and Ehime prefectures seminar leader. Sensei holds a B level Naginata coaching certificate. She is a Class A Referee.

Among her many duties in Japan are: a Standing Director of Ehime Naginata Federation (past General Secretary) and since 1996 Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Advisor to All Japan College Naginata Federation, Advisor to the Ehime Prefecture Sports Association, and Standing Director of Matsuyama City Sports Association. In 1991 Yamauchi Sensei received the Ehime Prefecture Sports Association’s Outstanding Coach Award and the Matsuyama City Sports Association’s Distinguished Coaching Award.