"Without strong roots, one cannot grow branches."

In 2005, a sophomore, Sam Rivier, started Case Kendo with little more than an advisor, a graduate student, and a wild dream. With the recruitment of two freshmen Case Kendo was established as a USG student organization in January of 2006, after having spent a year as part of the Case Fencing Club under the instruction of Dr. Shigemi Matsuyama (3rd dan). With Cleveland State University Kendo, Bratenahl Kendo, and several additional members, it formed the Cleveland Kendo Club, whose members practice freely with one another.

In early 2007, the Kendo club gained Sports Club status, creating an identity separate from the Fencing Club's. With new club status intact, the Case Kendo club became its own separate entity, even from the Cleveland Kendo club. However, its members still freely practice with one another from time to time, as well as host the annual Cleveland Kendo tournament which is over 25 years into its inception. In 2010 the club hosted the first tournament of its own: the Fall Student Cup. The Student Cup continues as an annual event and has expanded to include a promotions exam.

Kendo, like any other martial art, stresses personal, mental, and physical growth equally, and one will only get out of Kendo what one puts into it. One practice a week is asked for, and 2 or more is highly recommended. Practice is entirely free for Case students, staff, and faculty at Case facilities.

Learning Kendo is certainly not an easy task. It will take at least 3 months of hard work to earn the right to wear the iconic armor and begin sparring. It will be at least another month before a student is ready for free sparring and then competition.

Dr. Shigemi Matsuyama (5th Dan) and his wife Mieko Matsuyama (4th Dan) are the instructors.