Asia-Oceania Kendo Federation Established to Promote Global Expansion
On December 1st, a significant milestone was reached in the realm of international martial arts with the establishment of the Asia-Oceania Kendo Federation (AOKF). Initiated by the All Japan Kendo Federation, presided over by the esteemed Masago Takashi, this federation aims to spread Kendo throughout the Asia-Oceania region and fortify its international foundation.
With a history spanning over 55 years, the European Kendo Federation (EKF) and more than 20 years for the Latin American Kendo Federation (CLAK) have long existed under the International Kendo Federation (FIK), but there has been an absence of a comprehensive body overseeing the Asia-Oceania region until now. The formation of AOKF signifies a historic leap necessary for Kendo to secure a more prominent international standing, particularly in light of the increasing organizational requirements in the international sports arena.
A pivotal meeting involving representatives from eight countries and regions took place face-to-face, while eleven representatives attended remotely to formalize the new federation.
In a formation meeting held in Hong Kong on November 28, the AOKF welcomed 21 countries and regions into its fold. The governance structure and executive positions will be finalized in due course.
Founding Members (Total: 21)
The inaugural President of the AOKF is Minoru Makita, Vice President of the All Japan Kendo Federation. A notable champion, having claimed personal glory at the World Kendo Championships, he has devoted considerable effort towards the internationalization of Kendo and the nurturing of instructors through his leadership roles in university education and organizational management. His appointment is expected to unite the diverse cultures of the Asia-Oceania region under shared Kendo values.
Profile of Minoru Makita: Born in 1948 in Osaka Prefecture, a graduate of Tokai University, he is a four-time champion of the All Japan Corporate Team Championships and secured first place as a member of the Japanese team at the fifth World Kendo Championships. He has also held prestigious positions such as the President of the International Budo University and is currently an honorary professor there, along with serving as Vice President of the All Japan Kendo Federation. He holds an eighth dan in Kendo.
Looking ahead, the first project for AOKF will be the international gathering known as the 1st Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships (1AOKC), scheduled to take place in Tokyo next May.
Not only will AOKF members participate, but athletes from countries like Turkey and Kyrgyzstan are also expected to attend, drawing competitors from 23 nations and regions to compete in a tournament that aims to crown the peak of Kendo in Asia-Oceania. The event will also serve as a platform for Kendo practitioners from various countries to engage, exchange techniques, and elevate their spiritual practices.
The All Japan Kendo Federation has planned an exciting agenda, including Kendo experience sessions open to the general public during the championships, with an aim to generate widespread enthusiasm and awareness of Kendo globally.
Event Details:
With a history spanning over 55 years, the European Kendo Federation (EKF) and more than 20 years for the Latin American Kendo Federation (CLAK) have long existed under the International Kendo Federation (FIK), but there has been an absence of a comprehensive body overseeing the Asia-Oceania region until now. The formation of AOKF signifies a historic leap necessary for Kendo to secure a more prominent international standing, particularly in light of the increasing organizational requirements in the international sports arena.
A pivotal meeting involving representatives from eight countries and regions took place face-to-face, while eleven representatives attended remotely to formalize the new federation.
Member Nations and Regions
In a formation meeting held in Hong Kong on November 28, the AOKF welcomed 21 countries and regions into its fold. The governance structure and executive positions will be finalized in due course.
Founding Members (Total: 21)
- - East Asia: Japan, South Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (China), Mongolia, Macao (China).
- - Southeast Asia: Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei.
- - Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
- - Central Asia: Kazakhstan (tentative) and Uzbekistan.
Leadership of AOKF
The inaugural President of the AOKF is Minoru Makita, Vice President of the All Japan Kendo Federation. A notable champion, having claimed personal glory at the World Kendo Championships, he has devoted considerable effort towards the internationalization of Kendo and the nurturing of instructors through his leadership roles in university education and organizational management. His appointment is expected to unite the diverse cultures of the Asia-Oceania region under shared Kendo values.
Profile of Minoru Makita: Born in 1948 in Osaka Prefecture, a graduate of Tokai University, he is a four-time champion of the All Japan Corporate Team Championships and secured first place as a member of the Japanese team at the fifth World Kendo Championships. He has also held prestigious positions such as the President of the International Budo University and is currently an honorary professor there, along with serving as Vice President of the All Japan Kendo Federation. He holds an eighth dan in Kendo.
Upcoming Event: 1st Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships
Looking ahead, the first project for AOKF will be the international gathering known as the 1st Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships (1AOKC), scheduled to take place in Tokyo next May.
Not only will AOKF members participate, but athletes from countries like Turkey and Kyrgyzstan are also expected to attend, drawing competitors from 23 nations and regions to compete in a tournament that aims to crown the peak of Kendo in Asia-Oceania. The event will also serve as a platform for Kendo practitioners from various countries to engage, exchange techniques, and elevate their spiritual practices.
The All Japan Kendo Federation has planned an exciting agenda, including Kendo experience sessions open to the general public during the championships, with an aim to generate widespread enthusiasm and awareness of Kendo globally.
Event Details:
- - Tournament Name: 1st Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships (1AOKC)
- - Date: May 30-31, 2025
- - Location: Tokyo Budokan (Adachi, Tokyo)
- - Official Event Website: https://1aokc.jp
Topics Sports）
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