GNEUSKF Member Dojos

GNEUSKF News

Update June 7, 2026:

GNE at the Baltimore Kendo Tournament

The Baltimore Kendo Tournament held June 6–7 2026, at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center at Truxtun Park, the GNE team won numerous awards, including first, second, and third place in the men's team and individual events, as well as the Youth Team Championship, the Youth Individual Championship, and other top finishes.

This was their last tournament before the 2026 U.S. National Kendo Championships, to be held on Independence Day in July, and their strong performance across all categories sets them up well for the upcoming competition.

Update May 24, 2026:

GNE Team Claims Championship at the 5th Goseikan Anniversary Tournament (GO-RYU-KI)

On 5/24/2026, the 5th Anniversary Tournament (GO-RYU-KI) of the Goseikan Dojo (led by Director Gordon Small sensei) was held in Wabash, Chicago.

The tournament featured team matches between regional federation teams and dojo teams.

The GNE team secured a hard-fought victory over the Midwest B team in the semifinals and, after a thrilling match against the powerhouse Midwest A team in the finals, managed to pull off a lucky win to claim the championship.

Although this was the dojo's first time organizing the tournament, the event ran smoothly and was exceptionally well-managed.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the event staff, volunteers, and referees.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at this tournament next year.

Update January 1, 2026:

Greetings from the GNEUSKF President

Dear Sensei and all practitioners of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo,

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation with the Greater Northeast United States Kendo Federation. EEective January 1, 2026, I, Shozo Kato, have been appointed by former President Tsuyoshi Inoshita Sensei to succeed him as President.

I first met Inoshita sensei over forty years ago(1982) in New York through kendo. Being fellow Hiroshima natives, we shared many commonalities in our kendo philosophy and outlook on life, forming a relationship built on mutual respect. Soon after, we co-founded the kendo club “Doshikan” 「同志館」and established a kendo dojo in the Chelsea district of Manhattan, New York City.

However, less than a year later, Inoshita sensei relocated to the Cleveland area in Ohio to take up a position as a medical professor. Guided by Inoshita sensei's advice,Though there may be hardships, if you persevere, a time will surely come when you feel glad you continued. Let us both strive diligently”, I subsequently established the New York State Foundation (NPO) Shidogakuin NY Shidokan which has been active to this day.

Furthermore, shortly after he moving to Cleveland, Inoshita Sensei established the Great Lakes Kendo Federation(GLKF), a kendo dojo in the Cleveland area, and laid the foundation for kendo in this region.

Moving forward, I am prepared to dedicate myself as President to further developing kendo and Iaido and elevating the skill level of practitioners, while Inoshita Sensei will continue his invaluable contributions to the federation as Honorary President.

My martial spirit is embodied in the phrase “Jitsu Gaku Jitsu Gei” 「実学実藝」This phrase was given to me by my late mentor, Nakanishi Yasushi sensei (Kendo 9th Dan Hanshi, Iaido 8th Dan Hanshi, Jodo 8th Dan Hanshi) when I established Shidogakuin in New York State. As Fukuzawa Yukichi stated, 'Study practical learning; do not pursue empty theories.' Practical learning aims for true scholarship, knowledge, and skills (実藝) that benefit society. The ʻcultivating virtueʼ 「徳を養の徳とは」here means dedicating oneself to society and others.

In kendo, learning the correct principles of the sword, practicing morality, pursuing human truth, and applying these to benefit society is called “Jitsu Gaku Jitsu Gei” 「実学実藝」In other words, it is human development.

I intend to continue striving diligently, upholding this as the philosophy for those who pursue the sword, and to dedicate myself fully to the Federation and district. Though I am still a far from perfect president, I sincerely ask for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,
Shozo Kato

Update January 1, 2026:

Passing the button of GNEUSKF

Dear GNEUSKF members:

Thank you very much for having been loyal members of GNEUSFK.The federation was originally established as the Great Lakes Kendo Federation as a member of the Kendo Federation of USA in 1993 and participated in the 6th National Championships in 1994. With the establishment of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) with the merger of KFUSA and BKR (Beikoku Kendo Renmei) in 1994, it became one of the founding members of the AUSKF. The federation proudly hosted the memorable 7th United States National Championships (1st of AUSKF) in 1996. Then it participated in the nationals in 1996 and 1999. Its name was changed to Greater Northeastern United States Kendo Federation, and it participated as such in the 10th National Championships in Los Angeles in 2002. As they say, the rest is history.

After serving as its president all these years, I have decided to step down at this point.

Although this has been a worthy and rewarding experience, I believe that, in order to serve the members better and more effectively, the federation will need an infusion of young blood. Shozo Kato Sensei, who has been the major workhorse of the federation, has agreed to lead the federation to the next level. Therefore, I will be passing the button to him as of January 1, 2026.

I would like to thank every member of the federation again for their support and understanding. I will still continue to be involved in kendo as an avid kendo practitioner and support the GNEUSKF as an active member.

Sincerely,
Tsuyoshi Inoshita

The 35th Greater Northern United States Kendo Tournament Held in Purchase

~130 Participants, 17 Dojos Gathered~

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the 35th Greater Northern United States Kendo Tournament was held at Keio Academy New York in Purchase, New York. Hosted by: Shidogakuin NY Shidokan.

Approximately 130 participants, ranging from children under 9 years old to adults in their 70s, took part in this tournament. Representatives from 17 dojos gathered for a grand event featuring individual matches divided by age group and gender, as well as team matches representing each dojo.

In his closing remarks, Chief Referee Masaharu Kakehahsi Hanshi (Hanshi 8th Dan, former Chief Kendo Instructor of the Metropolitan Police Department) praised all participants for their efforts. He then shared a long-held teaching: “In kendo matches, it is better to be a beautiful loser than an unsightly winner.” He further advised, “Rather than becoming fixated on winning through shiai where fundamentals break down due to forgetting etiquette while obsessing over victory or defeat, aiming for correct kendo that prioritizes fundamentals will ultimately lead to becoming a truly great victor in the future.”