Road to the 2027 World Championships

Team Canada Program Underway

As we turn our sights to the 20th World Kendo Championships in Tokyo, Japan (May 27–30, 2027), preparations are already underway. For many, Milan was just the beginning. The lessons learned and the breakthrough moments have only fueled our drive to reach new heights.

Team Canada is now entering a new cycle of training and development, with young athletes and veterans alike striving for the peak of kendo. With the continued support of the Canadian kendo community, we are confident in building on past achievements and taking the next step on the world stage. Together, united by passion and guided by purpose, we look forward to representing Canada in Tokyo with strength, spirit, and pride.

To follow the journey of the team through the eyes of the team members, follow TeamCanadaKendo on Instgram.

Men's Team

The selection process is underway. Check back for team announcement. 

Thank you for all your support!

When the National Team reached out for support, you stepped up with heart and purpose!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, over $40,000 was raised to fuel the team's training and travel efforts. Every one of our coaches is a volunteer, and each athlete is an amateur—balancing school, work, and rigorous training to represent Canada at the highest level. While the Canadian Kendo Federation provides a core budget for coaching travel, facility rentals, and training camps, your donations directly offset the additional costs that would otherwise fall on the players themselves. Your support lightens their burden and inspires them to be their best—thank you for being an essential part of Team Canada's journey.

The Canadian Kendo Federation is a federally registered not-for-profit sports organization (Federal BN: 133424457RR0001). All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds will go directly to the current team.

Team Canada Support

Kendo is thriving worldwide, with nearly 60 men’s teams, 45 women’s teams, and more than 440 individual competitors taking the stage at the 19th World Kendo Championships in Milan. Canada continues to stand tall among the sport’s elite, with a proud record that includes two silver and nine bronze finishes—most recently the Women’s Team claiming third in 2018.

At the 2024 World Kendo Championships in Milan, our athletes fought with heart and determination, earning admiration for their spirit and skill. Over the 40-year history of the Championships, only Japan, Korea, Brazil, Canada, and the USA have reached the top two, a testament to the strength and legacy of Canadian kendo.

Despite these international successes, Kendo in Canada remains strictly an amateur sport. The CKF Board of Directors, referees, instructors, and coaches even at the highest levels devote their time and resources on a volunteer basis. Athletes work regular full-time jobs or are students trying to complete degrees (even high school) while competing internationally. Much of the funding provided by the CKF goes towards training, while expenses to attend the Championships is self-funded.

The CKF welcomes corporate and individual sponsorship through financial support, facility use, equipment, team wear, travel, and training expenses.  Please contact [email protected] to learn how you can help, or make an on-line donation here.

The Canadian Kendo Federation is a federally registered not-for-profit sports organization (Federal BN: 133424457RR0001). All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds will go directly to the current team.

Team Canada Prospects and Development Program

The selection process for the 2027 Team Canada Program is underway. All inquires should be directed to Team Manager, David Westhead.

Planning for Team Canada and prospects selection for Team Canada begins two years before the next WKC. Prospects for Team Canada must hold a Canadian Passport and be a CKF member in good standing. A call for prospects is distributed by the CKF to all active members upon selection of Team Canada Management.

Any new prospects should speak to a CKF Director or current Team Canada Management to learn more about the Team Canada Program.