KATIE ROCHE SENSEI
(ローシ・冨美)
Katie Roche Sensei — Renshi, Physical Education Teacher & Naginata Leader
Based in New York City, Roche Sensei began practicing naginata at age 16 and has since dedicated over 20 years to the art. She achieved the rank of Renshi , the first shōgō title, on May 11, 2025 in Nagoya, Japan, becoming one of the youngest Renshi globally and the first in New York City. Alongside her martial arts journey, Roche Sensei works as a Physical Education Teacher at The Brearley School, where she brings over a decade of experience teaching naginata at all levels, coordinating promotion exams, intensives, and broader martial arts programs.
Organizational Leadership & Outreach
Roche Sensei currently serves as President of the Greater New York Naginata Federation, which supports dojos across the region, organizes events, and spearheads technology-driven growth. She is also the Chief Naginata Instructor at the Ken‑Zen Institute and is the head coach of the Columbia University Naginata Club, one of the two collegiate clubs she founded as a student (the other is Kachimushi Naginata Club at Mount Holyoke College). She is also a Technical Advisor to the Pratt Institute Naginata Club. Her leadership emphasizes inclusivity, student engagement, and fundraising to bring Japanese instructors to the U.S.
Awards & Titles
Rank & Title: Renshi (May 2025)
National: Seven‑time U.S. Women’s National Champion. 1st place in Women's Team Shiai, Silver and Bronze Engi-Kyogi (kata) medalist.
International: Three-time World Naginata Championships medalist, including 2024 silvers (Women’s Team Shiai, Zen Nihon Kata) and 2024 bronze (Engi‑Kyōgi). Four-time representative of the United States of America.
Collegiate: Two-time women’s yūdansha champion with Mount Holyoke College.
Professional: Over 10 years teaching Physical Education with a Masters in Physical Education from Teachers College Columbia University.
Follow her on Instagram at @iamtheyin