MAPLE CUP 2026
WOMEN’S WORLD KENDO TEAM TOURNAMENT
For the first time, six women’s national teams will come together in Vancouver for the Women’s World Kendo Maple Cup, an invitation-only international Kendo competition hosted by the Canadian Kendo Federation on November 14-15, 2026.
CANADA WELCOMES THE WORLD
November 14-15, 2026
Vancouver, Canada
The Women’s World Maple Cup is an invitation-only international women’s kendo event, bringing together a select group of national teams for two days of high-level team competition and international exchange.
The field will include the undefeated Japanese Women’s National Team and Team Canada Women, alongside invited teams from around the world. Participating countries will be added as final confirmations and team selections are received.
This inaugural event is designed to provide meaningful international match experience while showcasing some of the strongest women’s kendo teams in the world.
Canada
Japan
Poland
Switzerland
Great Britain
Several countries are currently in the process of confirming participation, pending the final selection and naming of their teams.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The Maple Cup is a 5-on-5 international team competition, with countries facing one another throughout two full days of matches.
Each individual match will be four minutes in length. Final standings, and ultimately the awarding of the Maple Cup, will be determined by overall competition results. In the event of a tie, standings will be decided in the following order:
- Total team wins
- Total individual wins
- Total points scored
The format is designed to give every participating team meaningful international match experience while maintaining a competitive and exciting atmosphere from the opening match through to the final standings.
An Olympic Venue
Six nations meet for a historic event at the Richmond Olympic Oval — the venue built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, on the edge of the Fraser River in the city of Richmond, just outside Vancouver.
Its roof is one of the largest wood spans in the world, shaped like a heron’s wing and built from British Columbia pine. Beneath it, a floor that has hosted national championships since the Games ended.
A first-class tournament deserves a first-class house.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The Women’s World Maple Cup was created to celebrate and strengthen women’s Kendo and to give female kendoka a rare opportunity to compete, connect, and learn from one another on the international stage.
Taking place ahead of the 20th World Kendo Championships in Tokyo in May 2027, the Maple Cup will also provide participating teams with valuable international competition experience as they continue their preparation toward the world championships.
Admission for the full two-day event will be $30 per person. Seating capacity at the gymnasium is limited, therefore priority will be given to women.
Additional information regarding spectator registration and availability will be announced shortly.
Keiko Opportunity
A Godo Keiko (joint practice) will also be held as part of the weekend, providing spectators, shinpan, and participants with a rare opportunity to practice alongside kendoka from the visiting international teams.
In keeping with the purpose of the Women’s World Maple Cup, keiko opportunities will prioritize women and girls. We want female kendoka attending as spectators to feel encouraged to bring their bogu and take part, with meaningful opportunities to practice, connect, and learn from women from across Canada and around the world.
Team Japan
TEAM STAFF
Team Japan
Team Japan participation is confirmed, with the final team selection to be announced.
Women’s Kendo in the Spotlight
The Women’s World Maple Cup is more than a tournament. It is an opportunity to bring together the foremost female kendoka from around the world for two days of competition, keiko, friendship and international exchange.
We look forward to welcoming six countries to Vancouver for the inaugural Women’s World Maple Cup.
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