The British Kendo Association was founded in 1964 as a non-profit making organisation to foster and develop the practise and spirit of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo along traditional lines, with the objectives of:

  • Organising and regulating the Kendo movement on a national international basis
  • Helping to foster related martial arts
  • Promoting Kendoka students to higher dan grades
  • Representing the UK internationally

The BKA is the only organisation in the UK which is recognised for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (the foremost body in Japan for these martial arts), the International Kendo Federation and Sport England. It is also the only organisation in the UK which is empowered to award dan gradings (black belts) in Kendo, Iaido and Jodo recognised by these bodies.

We have a long-established coaching system to ensure that our instructors have the opportunity to develop good teaching skills. Membership includes excellent insurance cover for both teacher and student.

The BKA prides itself on offering some of the most highly respected and experienced teachers of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo internationally, with several 6th and 7th Dans in all three disciplines.

Patron: His Excellency The Japanese Ambassador
Chairman: Gerry Kincaid
Vice Chairman: Gary O’Donnell

Governance

The BKA is a democratic body, with elections held annually for an Executive Committee and for management teams that are responsible for the day-to-day running of the three Budo (Kendo, Iaido and Jodo) that we govern. These teams/faculties are known as ‘Bu’ and they are headed by a ‘Bucho’.

Records of the Annual General Meetings, Executive Committee Meetings and some other meetings are available to view and download in the member’s only section of this site.