Kia ora, Konnichiwa, Hello!
Welcome to the New Zealand Kendo Federation.
Since COVID challenged our perception of family and togetherness, never has recreation been so important for people to gather and do stuff together. There’s no better place to do that than a dojo. There are many martial arts in NZ and it is up to the seeker to figure out the best for them.
The New Zealand Kendo Federation offers four disciplines – Kendo, Iaido, Naginata and Jodo. There are 16 dojo throughout NZ registered on this site, so get out of your comfort zone, into a dynamic search for your better self and take a punt on one or two of these martial arts.
2026 is the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Incorporated Society that is the NZKF. We are now run by a Board of Directors, voted in over a three year run. The Board oversees the development of Kendo, Naginata, Iaido and Jodo. We have approximately 250-300 members at any one time, of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Many dojo offer an umbrella to two or even three of the budo mentioned. We welcome new shinsa (beginners) and also visitors. Look closely at our Find a Dojo section to see what is offered in each centre.
Feel free to also look at the explanation of the various budo we support and contact a dojo in your town, even if you are visiting from overseas. We are a friendly bunch of people.
Kendo practitioners have competed in World Kendo Championships since the 1970s. Most recently we had a men’s team and two women competing at the 19th WKC in Milano, Italy in July 2024. At the inaugural Asia Oceania Championships, held in Japan in May 2026, New Zealander Max Lee won the 3rd Dan & Below division and two men won fighting spirit awards. As we say in NZ, we think we 'punch' above our weight. Naginata practitioners have also been competing at international level for several decades and we hold positions on the International Naginata Federation.
Kendo, Iaido, Naginata and Jodo are more than a ‘way or path in life’. It is a family, a conviction, a lifelong learning. May your journey be a special one that enriches your life.
Sue Lytollis (QSM) Renshi Roku dan
Chairperson
Board of Directors of the New Zealand Kendo Federation
Explore the Four Ways
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![A person dressed in fencing gear, including a protective mask and a jacket, is preparing to strike with a fencing sword in a gymnasium with spectators in the background.]()
Kendo
剣道
Known as the "Way of the Sword," Kendo is Japan’s most popular budo, evolving from 18th-century Samurai training into a dynamic modern sport. It focuses on the technical mastery of the shinai and the cultivation of character through a rigorous code of conduct and martial etiquette. Explore the history, training, and philosophy that make this high-energy discipline a lifelong journey.
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![Person holding a katana sword in a defensive stance, dressed in black martial arts attire.]()
Iaido
居合道
Originating in the 14th century, Iaido is the "art of drawing the sword," centered on the mastery of precise, fluid movements to defeat an opponent in a single stroke. Practitioners perform prescribed kata using live or replica blades, focusing on the transition from unsheathing to a decisive strike and controlled resheathing. Today, it serves as a meditative discipline that cultivates mental presence and technical perfection through the historical legacy of the Samurai.
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![Two martial artists practicing in a dojo.]()
Jodo
杖道
The "Way of the Staff," Jodo is a defensive martial art centered on subduing an aggressor—traditionally a swordsman—using a simple wooden staff. Modern practice focuses on paired kata where practitioners are judged on their technical precision, spirit, and synchronicity with their partner. As a discipline within the All Japan Kendo Federation, Jodo offers a compelling study of distance and control through the disciplined application of a minimalist weapon.
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![Two people engaged in a naginata match, wearing protective gear including masks, gloves, and padded jackets.]()
Naginata
薙刀
Historically refined as a defensive art, Naginata utilises a long-handled polearm to master distance through fluid, circular strikes and versatile grip changes. Modern practice includes both full-contact sparring in specialised armour—including unique shin protection (sune-ate)—and technical sequences (engi-kyogi) that emphasise grace and precision. This dynamic discipline offers a unique study of reach and movement, bridging the legacy of the Samurai with a vibrant modern sporting spirit.
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