Our story…

Established in 2004 by Founder Dong Su Lee Sensei, Il Do Kendo Dojo began with a singular mission: to share the passion and discipline of Kendo with a new generation of practitioners. After beginning his Kendo journey in Seoul, South Korea, and leading a dojo there, Dong Su Lee Sensei brought his deep love for the art to the United States. Upon immigrating in 2000, he set out to build a community rooted in respect, perseverance, and the traditions of kendo.

Since its founding, Il Do Kendo has trained over 80 students of all ages and levels. Under Dong Su Lee Sensei’s guidance, the dojo rose to prominence within the Western Kendo Federation (WKF)—a regional federation of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF)—competing in numerous tournaments and earning victories across the country. Il Do Kendo's excellence was further recognized when two students qualified for the prestigious Team USA National Kendo Team, ultimately representing the nation at the World Kendo Championships.

In 2025, Dong Su Lee Sensei passed the torch to his son, Daniel Lee Sensei, who now leads the dojo with the same dedication and vision.