Kendo first appeared in Australia back in 1960 in Sydney, when a group of young martial artists started training. Their training methods and equipment were at first painfully primitive – no armour and home made Shinai - but their enthusiasm was to catch the attention of many Japanese Kendoka (a person who does Kendo). Okura sensei gave the first true Kendo lessons in Australia. He was followed later in the 1960's by Yushida sensei.  

In 1970 the Australian Kendo Renmei (Japanese for Association) was formed and Recognised by the newly organised International Kendo Federation. Within the next five years, the  sport had spread to enough states to make a national championship viable. Kendo continues to grow in Australia, as more men and women of all ages discover the mental and physical stimulation valued so highly by the samurai of old.

illustration by Oscar Ratti -Secrets of the Samurai (1973)