Kendo
A Japanese martial art in which competitors use bamboo swords and protective armour.
Kendo started to appear across Australia through the 19th century, with the first mention of the sport appearing in an 1881 newspaper. 1
Discover more about kendo
Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Australian Sport History - history information about kendo.
Evolution:
- Australian Kendo Renmei [1963-2026]
- Australian Kendo Federation [2026-]
Participation
An estimated 7,000* Australians [aged 15+] participated in kendo at least once in 2025. 2
*estimate has a relative margin of error between 50% and 100% and should be used with caution
Explore further participation statistics for kendo through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
The Australian Kendo Federation, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for the sport of kendo in Australia.
History
Australia's first kendo body, the Australian Kendo Renmei (AKR), was established in 1963 when Rex Lawley, Ron Bennett, Serge Dobrovich and Jim Patterson started training together in Sydney. The AKR was a founding member of the International Kendo Federation in 1970. In 2026, the organisation became known as the Australian Kendo Federation.1
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2024[PDF • 1.55 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2023[PDF • 1.01 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2021[PDF • 58.89 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2019[PDF • 64.48 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2018[PDF • 293.23 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2017[PDF • 1.04 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2016[PDF • 906.74 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2015[PDF • 1.33 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2014[PDF • 1.39 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2013[PDF • 1 mb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2012[PDF • 615.31 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Presidents Report 2011[PDF • 433.27 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Strategic Plan 2022-2026[PDF • 99.25 kb]
- Australian Kendo Renmei Strategic Plan 2015-2019[PDF • 443.96 kb]
REFERENCES
- Who are we and Contact details, opens in a new tab, Australian Kendo Federation, (accessed 23 September 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 23 September 2026)
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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