 The AKR grew from the beginning of kendo in Australia in the 1960s, is a founding member of the International Kendo Federation (FIK) and remains affiliated to the FIK.The AKR is recognised by the FIK and its international affiliates as the only governing body for kendo, iaido and jodo in Australia and the organisation in Australia which awards internationally recognised kyu and dan grades for kendo, iaido and jodo.The Australian Kendo Championships were first held in the 1970s and with a few gaps in the early years have been held in Australia annually since then.