What is the relationship between SCNF, USNF, and INF?

The Southern California Naginata Federation (SCNF) sits at the local level of a three-tier naginata organization. According to the SCNF website, SCNF is a member of the United States Naginata Federation (USNF), and the USNF is a member of the International Naginata Federation (INF), which the site describes as the worldwide governing body for naginata. So the chain runs from a regional federation, up through a national federation, to an international governing body.

The three levels, in order

The relationship is one of membership and authority flowing upward: SCNF belongs to USNF, and USNF belongs to INF. INF is positioned as the top-level body that governs naginata internationally.

Why this matters if you're checking SCNF's background

If you want to confirm that SCNF is part of an established, formally recognized structure rather than an independent group, this hierarchy is the evidence. A regional group's affiliation with a national federation, which in turn is affiliated with an international governing body, indicates the organization operates within a recognized chain of authority for the sport.

What SCNF itself covers

The SCNF site also explains what naginata practice involves. It describes naginata as a traditional Japanese blade in the form of a pole weapon, and Atarashi Naginata as a martial arts discipline using a naginata with a wood shaft and a bamboo "blade." The site notes that practice is more than mastery of the weapon — respect, discipline, and proper state of mind are treated as just as important as physical development.

Getting in touch or finding more

For questions, the site lists the contact email [email protected]. It also directs visitors to its menu for locations and FAQs, and says SCNF can be found on Facebook and Instagram. The site notes that written permission is required to reproduce materials contained on it.