My instructor has studied Kendo and Iado. Part of our black belt training includes swords. It is good training for body position, grip, changing grips, striking, blocking etc....
It depends on how they teach it. From what I understand of Kendo it is similar to fencing. Limited targets and primarily using the tip of the sword. If I am correct, I don't know how useful this would be for self defense.
Should be loads of fun though....
