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.