The AUSTRALIAN KENDO FEDERATION (AUSTRALIAN KENDO RENMEI, AKF/AKR) is the internationally recognised, governing body for Kendo, Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (Z.N.K.R.) Iaido and (Z.N.K.R.) Jodo in Australia.
The AKF/AKR and our member Clubs, Dojo and Associations are affiliated with the International Kendo Federation (FIK). The FIK is the world-wide federation of national Kendo, Seitei Iaido and Seitei Jodo organisations. The FIK is affiliated with SportAccord (formerly GAISF) and is recognised as the international governing federation for kendo, iaido and jodo.
The Australian Government through Sport Australia (Australian Sports Commission) recognises the Australian Kendo Federation as the National Sporting Organisation to develop kendo, iaido and jodo in Australia.
Members of the AKF/AKR compete locally, at state national and international competitions and are eligible to attend international Kendo, Iaido and Jodo seminars and grading exams. The Kendo, Iaido and Jodo grading qualifications of AKF/AKR members are recognised internationally.
The AKR was incorporated in 1993. But after an earlier attempt to “start”, Australian kendo really got going in the late 1960’s with Rex Lawley and Ron Bennett and others contributing. The AKF became our new name in 2026, when the organisation became a Company Limited by Guarantee.
From the AKR history –
“On the 16th August 1963 Rex Lawley, Ron Bennett, Serge Dobrovich and Jim Patterson started training in Kendo. They found a hall to practice in, used by a fencing group in Dulwich Hill, Sydney. Rex, Ron and Serge had neither armour nor shinai. Jim Patterson had the only set of kendogu (armour), so the others were instructed to attack him. Jim said he’d teach them to eventually become proficient.“
In 1970 “President” Rex Lawley, worked with international kendo organisations, to establish the International Kendo Federation, the IKF (now know as FIK). The AKR is thus, a founding member of the FIK.
The First World Kendo Championships were held in Tokyo, Japan. After a year of rigorous training in preparation under Yoshida Sensei, Rex Lawley and Daryl Morris attended as the representatives for the Australian Kendo Renmei. Rex only competed in the Goodwill Tournament but won his division. At the grading he achieved 4th Dan.”
For information on affiliated Australian Kendo Dojo, Iaido Dojo and Jodo Dojo, or if you want to learn Kendo, Iaido or Jodo, please contact your nearest Club or State Association. A full list is available on our directory page.
AUSTRALIAN KENDO FEDERATION LTD. (Formerly AUSTRALIAN KENDO RENMEI Incorporated)
ABN 66 064 550 279
Web: www.kendoaustralia.asn.au
Email: NOSPAM_akrsecretary@kendoaustralia.asn.au_DELETE. Please remove the capitalised letters and underscores, before sending your email.
2026-2029 Board of Directors:
- Chair: Andrew van Hamond (NSW)
- Junji Sakamoto (VIC). (Vice Chair)
- Sioh-Yang Tan (NSW) (Secretary)
- David Kolb (QLD). (Finance / Treasury)
- Tom Johnston (QLD). (Iaido)
- Jayson Chaplin (NSW). (Kendo)
- Christine Cash (TAS). (Jodo)
Assisting the National Executive Committee and other positions:
- Database Management: Vivian Yung. (NSW)
- National Coordinator for Coaching Development: Damon Schearer (ACT).
- Chief Medical Officer: Dr Ahmed Kandil (WA).
- National Anti-Doping Officer: Dr Ahmed Kandil (WA).
- National Integrity Manager: Donna Olbourne
- National Integrity Officer: David Fitzgibbon (QLD).
- Child Safety Policy Officer: Claire Baker (VIC).
- Anti-Doping Committee of the FIK: Catherine Hallgath (NSW).
- Web and Social Media Content, CMS Platforms Systems Manager: Richard Ward (VIC).
REPORTS
Presidents Reports and Membership Reports.
AKR Audited Finance Reports and AKR Finance Management Reports are available to members from State Associations and the AKR Secretary.