Our Vision
To increase opportunities for practicing Kendo, starting from Africa and extending to other regions where access to training and information is limited. We aim to support people around the world so they can continue practicing Kendo, regardless of geographical, social, or environmental circumstances.
Our Mission
Africa Kendo Network serves as an information and communication platform connecting Kendo communities, particularly in regions where access to Kendo training and reliable information is limited. By collecting, organizing, and sharing verified information about Kendo clubs and activities, we help people discover and access opportunities to practice Kendo more easily—across Africa and beyond.
Our History
Since March 2020, many of us were forced to stop practicing Kendo due to the global spread of COVID-19. During this difficult period, we began communicating with Kendo clubs and exploring ways to strengthen connections among clubs facing similar challenges across African countries.
From June 2020 to October 2020, we introduced Kendo clubs in African countries at an international cultural event held in Japan. The event presented various sports activities from around the world to middle and high school students in Japan, and Kendo activity videos and equipment used in Africa were exhibited.
In June 2021, as a key step in our initiative, we launched the Africa Kendo Club Map, which provides information about Kendo clubs across the continent. This initiative was created to help people living in or visiting Africa find opportunities to continue their journey of practicing Kendo.
In 2025, we expanded the scope of our activities beyond Africa and launched Atlas of Kendo Nations (AKN) and the World Kendo Club Directory. The project now covers regions including Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia (excluding East Asia), and Oceania, enabling more people worldwide to access reliable information about Kendo clubs and communities.
Members
Hideki Yaoi
I have been working for development of African countries over a decade. When I was staying in Tanzania, I started introducing Kendo and established Tanzania Kendo Club in 2018. Unexpectedly there were a lot of people interested in Kendo even there was no Kendo club in the past. Thus, I started wondering that there might be more people interested in practicing Kendo around African countries but having no clue how to start. I wish the Africa Kendo Network could assist people to reach the practice environment.