Established in 1986 as a non-profit, non-commercial organization, the Cleveland Kendo Association is a traditional dojo dedicated to the promotion of the art of Kendo (Japanese fencing).

The Cleveland Kendo Association is located in Cleveland, Ohio and operates under the guidance of Dr. T. Inoshita Sensei (7th Dan Kendo), founder of the The Cleveland Kendo Association and President of the Greater Northeastern United States Kendo Federation (GNEUSKF), Dr. Shigemi Matsuyama Sensei (4th Dan Kendo - 2nd Dan Iaido), and special guest instructor Dr. Kohsuke Nakajima Sensei (5th Dan Kendo, 1st Dan Iaido).

Cleveland Kendo has maintained a philosophy of assisting students to obtain Kendo training with minimal financial impact. All of our instructors volunteer their time and do not profit from their Kendo activity.

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.

12/15/2011 UPDATE

Cleveland Kendo Association Hatsugeiko 初稽古 2012

There will be a Hatsugeiko (traditional first Kendo practice of the New Year) on January 1st, 2012 at Bally's in Beachwood

Hatsugeiko is important mentally and spiritually as it renews a our focus and commitment to training for the New Year. We hope you can join us.

Who: Everyone is welcome, regardless of your level!
Where: Bally’s Beachwood, OH (locker room and showers available)
When: January 1st, 2012 @ 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

New Years Brunch/ Party:
Li Wah Chinese Restaurant (Dim Sum)
2999 Payne Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-6556
Reservations: 11:00 a.m.

Please let us know if you plan to attend soon so that we can make sure we have enough spaces reserved for lunch.

11/16/2011 UPDATE

The 24th Annual Cleveland/GNEUSKF Kendo Championships

The 24th Annual Cleveland/GNEUSKF Kendo Championships will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on March 30-April 1 2012.

CWRU Adelbert Gym 2128 Adelbert Rd Cleveland, OH 44106.

Please mark you calendars! Registrations forms will be posted here on our website in the near future.

The Cleveland Kendo Association is a member of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), the Greater North Eastern United States Kendo Federation (GNEUSKF), and the International Kendo Federation (FIK).

The Cleveland Kendo Association is the only AUSKF affiliated dojo in Northern Ohio (including Akron, Canton,  Youngstown, and Toledo).

 

 

Why you should learn Kendo from an AUSKF affiliated dojo

The All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) is the official organization responsible for the development and promotion of Kendo in the United States. The AUSKF is made up of regional Kendo Federations that are approved by the AUSKF, which support its local dojo members. The AUSKF is a member of the International Kendo Federation based in Japan, which is affiliated with the All Japan Kendo Federation.

Membership in the AUSKF allows you to attend tournaments, visit other AUSKF-affiliated dojos and most importantly, get graded for any rank from 1st Kyu and above that is recognized by the International Kendo Federation and the All Japan Kendo Federation.

A dojo has to apply to and be accepted into the AUSKF for it to display the AUSKF logo and have its students recognized as AUSKF members.

So, what does that mean for you?

Learning Kendo from an AUSKF-affiliated dojo is like doing business with  an accredited, licensed professional (i.e. recognized by a medical board or bar association, and not "self-accredited").

An AUSKF-affiliated dojo is approved by the AUSKF because it teaches Kendo properly, with instructors whose rank and experience is internationally recognized. Senior instructors from other AUSKF dojos will visit and collaborate to make sure that the instruction is being conducted correctly and if not, they will remedy the situation. This makes for better instructors AND better students.

What will you miss if you don't learn Kendo from an AUSKF-affiliated dojo?

• You may not learn proper techniques.
• You will not be able to participate in Kendo tournaments.
• You will not be able to be officially graded above 2nd Kyu.

If you are truly interested in learning Kendo, you should learn from an AUSKF-affiliated dojo.

Note: University Kendo clubs such as Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and Kent State University are affiliated with the Cleveland Kendo Association and the AUSKF.