Ausgroom

After visiting Japan and observing the professionalism, calm presence and wonderful results and culture at Happy Pets Grooming Competition at Interpet Tokyo a few years ago - I really wanted to bring the exceptional judges and educators to Australia for our industry and community.

The shear beauty and skill in the Japanese grooming styles that have inspired the world.
Both judges are also highly skilled in traditional breed standard grooming to an exceptional level.

Ausgroom is very proud to welcome two incredible guest judges from Japan, Mei Iseyama and Nobuhiro Imazumi.

Both Mei and Nobu bring exceptional skill, professionalism and artistry to the grooming industry, and we are so excited to bring their knowledge to Australia for our grooming community.

They will be joining us as judges for Ausgroom Sydney, held at AusPet Industry Expo at The Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park, on September 2 and 3, 2026.

Mei and Nobu will also be presenting seminars as part of the PIAA ongoing professional development program on the afternoon of August 1.

More speakers will be announced for the morning session soon, and we cannot wait to share what is coming.

Welcome Mei and Nobu to Australia. 🇯🇵✨

GroomingCompetition JapaneseGrooming GroomingEducation AusPetExpo

Ausgroom is proud to welcome two incredible guest judges from Japan, Mei Iseyama and Nobuhiro Imazumi.

Both Mei and Nobu bring exceptional skill, professionalism and artistry to the grooming industry, and we are so excited to bring their knowledge to Australia for our grooming community.

They will be joining us as judges for Ausgroom Sydney, held at AusPet Industry Expo at The Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park, on September 2 and 3, 2026.

They will also be presenting seminars as part of the PIAA ongoing professional development program on the afternoon of August 1.

More speakers will be announced for the morning session soon, and we cannot wait to share what is coming.

Welcome Mei and Nobu to Australia. 🇯🇵✨

Introducing Our 2nd International Judge 🇯🇵
Ausgroom Sydney | September 2–3, 2026
AusPet Industry Expo | The Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park

Ausgroom is proud to welcome internationally respected Japanese groomer and judge Nobuhiro Imazumi to our 2026 judging panel.

Based in Fukuoka, Japan, Nobuhiro is the owner of Dog Salon N.o.b, a prestigious salon renowned for precision styling, balance, and refined finish—hallmarks of Japanese grooming at the highest level.

With over 22 years of experience, Nobuhiro has built an exceptional career as a groomer, educator, and international judge. He trained in the United States under Gabriel Rangel, specialising in advanced terrier techniques, before returning to Japan to become an instructor and later founding his own salon at just 28.

Beyond the grooming floor, Nobuhiro plays a key role in shaping the industry—contributing to professional grooming publications and helping guide technical standards, breed styling, and modern trends across Japan.

As a competition judge, he is known for his meticulous attention to detail, technical accuracy, and deep appreciation for both traditional and modern styles.

Career Highlights:
• Owner, Dog Salon N.o.b
• JKC Certified Groomer Instructor (2020)
• Former Instructor, Kyushu Sunshine Grooming School
• International Judge & Seminar Speaker

Major Achievements:
• JKC National Grooming Competition – Chairman’s Award (Best in Japan)
(2006, 2008, 2017)

We are honoured to welcome Nobuhiro to the Ausgroom stage as part of our international judging panel.

Introducing our 2nd International Judge
For Ausgroom Sydney September 2 & 3 2026
AusPet Industry Expo
The Hordern Pavilion
Moore Park

Ausgroom is proud to welcome internationally respected Japanese groomer and judge Nobuhiro Imazumi to the judging panel.

Based in Fukuoka, Japan, Nobuhiro is the owner of the prestigious Dog Salon N.o.b, a high-end grooming salon known for its precision styling and refined finish. His work reflects the meticulous detail and balance that defines Japanese grooming at its highest level.

Beyond the salon, Nobuhiro plays a significant role in shaping the industry. He serves as a supervising expert for professional grooming magazines, contributing to the development of technical content, breed styling standards, and modern grooming trends across Japan. His influence extends behind the scenes, helping guide the education and direction of grooming at a national level.

Nobuhiro is also a highly respected competition judge, known for his attention to detail, technical accuracy, and appreciation for both traditional and modern styling. His judging brings a deep understanding of structure, finish, and presentation.

With a career built on precision, education, and industry contribution, Nobuhiro brings a wealth of knowledge and a uniquely Japanese perspective to the Ausgroom stage.

We are honoured to have him join us as part of our international judging panel.

Professional Groomer, Educator & Multi-Time National Champion
With over 22 years of experience, Nobuhiro Imazumi is a highly respected groomer, educator, and international judge from Japan.

After graduating from a professional grooming school, he trained under worldrenowned groomer Gabriel Rangel in the United States. Gabriel s a renowned terrier specialist having successfully shown at crufts , Westminster and many prestigious shows.

As a top assistant, he traveled across the U.S., mastering advanced terrier grooming techniques directly under his mentorship.

Upon returning to Japan, he served as an instructor at his alma mater before founding Dog Salon N.o.b at the age of 28.

Career & Qualifications
Owner, Dog Salon N.o.b
JKC Certified Groomer Instructor (2020)
Grooming Competition Judge & International Seminar Speaker

Major Achievements
JKC National Grooming Competition – Chairman’s Award (Best in Japan)
2006
2008
2017

Career Highlights
Former instructor at Kyushu Sunshine Grooming School
Apprentice to Gabriel Rangel (USA), specializing in terriers
Featured in professional grooming magazines
Judge at Pet Art Festival (2024)

He is currently active across Japan and internationally as a competition judge and seminar instructor, while also dedicating himself to the development of the next generation of groomers.

Announcing Mei Iseyama 🇯🇵
Our 1st International Guest Judge Ausgroom Sydney 2026

The Hordern Pavillion
Moore Park
September 2 & 3

With over 6 years of experience, Mei has rapidly established as one of the most exciting talents in the global grooming industry.

By just her second year, Mei ranked No.1 in annual client requests across 48 salons in Japan, a remarkable achievement that reflects both technical excellence and client demand.

In addition to competing, Mei is a highly sought-after international educator and judge, delivering seminars across Japan, Korea, Taiwan and beyond.

With over 30,000 followers, Mei’s influence continues to grow, with private training sessions regularly selling out.

As the founder of Dog Salon ROWA, Mei has created a luxury grooming brand built on precision, artistry, and a signature philosophy:
“making every dog shine like a king or queen.”

Mei is regularly featured in many magazines like Groomer Connexion and Trim Magazine.

Mei is an International Ambassador for GEIA Groomer Elite International Academy

Her international competition success includes:
🏆 Youngest Champion – Japan Open (Asia’s largest competition)
🥇 Winner – FCI Korea International Competition
🥈 2nd Place – Italy (Open Poodle Class)
🌏 Awards across Japan, China, Korea & Europe

Major Achievements
2019 – JKC Grooming Competition A-Class Technical Award
2021 / 2022 – HAPPY GROOMING CONTEST, Salon Style Division – 3rd Place
2023 – HAPPY GROOMING CONTEST, Quick Division – Special Award
2023 – Japan Open Class (Asia’s largest competition) – Youngest Champion 🇯🇵
2024 – FCI Korea International Competition C-Class – Winner 🇰🇷
2025 – HYPONIC IGC China – Korea Fusion Open Class – 3rd Place 🇨🇳
2025 – GROOMANIA Belgium – Asian Fusion Class – Special Award 🇧🇪
2026 – MATER SHOW Italy – Open Poodle Class – 2nd Place 🇮🇹
Consistent award winner in both domestic and international competitions.

We are proud to welcome Mei as an International Guest Judge at Ausgroom Sydney 2026 🇦🇺

InternationalJudge DogGroomersOfInstagram AsianFusionGrooming GroomingEducation

Announcing Mei Iseyama 🇯🇵
Our 1st International Guest Judge Ausgroom Sydney 2026

With over 6 years of experience, Mei has rapidly established as one of the most exciting talents in the global grooming industry.

By just her second year, Mei ranked No.1 in annual client requests across 48 salons in Japan, a remarkable achievement that reflects both technical excellence and client demand.

In addition to competing, Mei is a highly sought-after international educator and judge, delivering seminars across Japan, Korea, Taiwan and beyond.

With over 30,000 followers, Mei’s influence continues to grow, with private training sessions regularly selling out.

As the founder of Dog Salon ROWA, Mei has created a luxury grooming brand built on precision, artistry, and a signature philosophy:
“making every dog shine like a king or queen.”

Mei is regularly featured in many magazines like Groomer Connexion and Trim Magazine.

Mei is an International Ambassador for GEIA Groomer Elite International Academy

Her international competition success includes:
🏆 Youngest Champion – Japan Open (Asia’s largest competition)
🥇 Winner – FCI Korea International Competition
🥈 2nd Place – Italy (Open Poodle Class)
🌏 Awards across Japan, China, Korea & Europe

Major Achievements
2019 – JKC Grooming Competition A-Class Technical Award
2021 / 2022 – HAPPY GROOMING CONTEST, Salon Style Division – 3rd Place
2023 – HAPPY GROOMING CONTEST, Quick Division – Special Award
2023 – Japan Open Class (Asia’s largest competition) – Youngest Champion 🇯🇵
2024 – FCI Korea International Competition C-Class – Winner 🇰🇷
2025 – HYPONIC IGC China – Korea Fusion Open Class – 3rd Place 🇨🇳
2025 – GROOMANIA Belgium – Asian Fusion Class – Special Award 🇧🇪
2026 – MATER SHOW Italy – Open Poodle Class – 2nd Place 🇮🇹
Consistent award winner in both domestic and international competitions.

We are proud to welcome Mei as an International Guest Judge at Ausgroom Sydney 2026 🇦🇺

NEW CLASS!!!

CLIPPER ONLY CLASS – PROUDLY SPONSORED BY HEINIGER

Looking for a class that’s practical, rewarding, and a lot of fun? This is it.

The Clipper Only Class is all about showcasing real-world grooming skills clean finishes, smooth blends, and confident clipper work from start to finish.

No scissors No shortcuts Just pure clipper technique

🔥 Why groomers love this class:
•Clipping allows for more efficient use of time
• Tests your technical control and finish
• Reflects true salon grooming skills
• Open to a wide range of competitors

🐕 Competitors can enter any breed or style suitable for clipping, making it one of the most versatile and accessible classes on the schedule.

💈Competitors may use any size clippers , blades and snap on combs.

Thank you to Heiniger Grooming - Australia & New Zealand for supporting this class and championing the tools that make precision grooming possible 🙌

🐕 Clean lines⚙️ Smooth finishes🏆 Real skill

Are you ready to take it on?

NEW CLASS!!!

CLIPPER ONLY CLASS – PROUDLY SPONSORED BY HEINIGER

Looking for a class that’s practical, rewarding, and a lot of fun? This is it.

The Clipper Only Class is all about showcasing real-world grooming skills clean finishes, smooth blends, and confident clipper work from start to finish.

No scissors No shortcuts Just pure clipper technique

🔥 Why groomers love this class:
•Clipping allows for more efficient use of time
• Tests your technical control and finish
• Reflects true salon grooming skills
• Open to a wide range of competitors

🐕 Competitors can enter any breed or style suitable for clipping, making it one of the most versatile and accessible classes on the schedule.

💈Competitors may use any size clippers , blades and snap on combs.

Thank you to Heiniger Grooming - Australia & New Zealand for supporting this class and championing the tools that make precision grooming possible 🙌

🐕 Clean lines⚙️ Smooth finishes🏆 Real skill

Are you ready to take it on?

Dual Groom is returning to Ausgroom!

September 2 & 3, 2026
Hordern Pavillion
Moore Park, Sydney

1 level.
2 Groomers & 1 dog.

All styles permitted except Creative.

This is a great team event for friends, family or teacher and student.

Entries open this week.

(* 1 entry fee )

AUSGROOM SYDNEY 2026 COMPETITION CLASSES

We’re bringing you 3 incredible competitions, designed to showcase every skillset in our industry, from precision breed work to bold creative expression.

🐩Traditional Dog Grooming Competition
For groomers who honour the art of breed standard styling.

Classes include:

Terrier
Gundog
All Other Pure Breeds
Poodle

At Masters level this competition includes The Quokkas Australian Groom Team Trial 🇦🇺

🐕Modern Dog Grooming Competition
Where creativity meets commercial styling.

Classes include:

Teddy Bear
Asian Fusion
Retro Poodle
Freestyle
Full Creative
🆕 Dual Groom (2 groomers, 1 dog)
🆕Clipper Only (no scissors)

⚠️ Important:Teddy Bear styles have their own class and are not entered into Freestyle.
Freestyle is all about transformation, breed makeovers, mixed breed styling, and coat carving.

🌼Model Dog Competition

Perfect for all levels and a fantastic way to get involved.
Featuring:
•Pre-groomed model dog classes
•Model Dog Live class

We’ll be sharing full class guidelines and rules tomorrow 👀

This is what Ausgroom is all about.
Whether you’re chasing Groom Team goals or just want to get in the ring and have fun with friends, there’s a class here for you.

🔥 Let’s make Sydney 2026 unforgettable