The Cleveland Kendo Association is an affiliation of Cleveland Kendo Club (local residents of the Cleveland area not affiliated with the University clubs),The Case Western Reserve University Kendo Club, the Cleveland State University Kendo Club, and the Japanese Language School (of Cleveland) Kendo Club. Members of all clubs practice together on occasion, and share instruction.

Under the guidance of Dr. T. Inoshita Sensei (7th Dan Kendo), founder of the C.K.A. and President of the Greater Northeastern United States Kendo Federation (GNEUSKF), Chief Instructor Salvador Gonzalez Sensei (5th Dan Kendo), and Dr. Shigemi Matsuyama Sensei (4th Dan Kendo - 2nd Dan Iaido), the club has maintained a philosophy of assisting students to obtain Kendo training with minimal financial impact.

This non-commercial and community service philosophy have been instrumental in reaching an array of students from diverse backgrounds to develop a samurai spirituality that can be a powerful source of strength and focus to manage their daily lives. The cardio-vascular workouts can also provide a useful tool for stress management.

The CKA is a member of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) and the Greater North East United States Kendo Federation (GNEUSKF).