Tag: Hawaiian Kendo Federation

Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Michael Sone: A Sone Kendo History of Hawaii Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Like many American Japanese in Hawaii – as Michael Sone terms many like him – Sone began his kendo training at an early age under his grandfather, Tetsunosuke Sone. Under him, he learned traditional kendo, emphasizing on the virtues one’s character through the use of the sword. Now leading the Mitsune Dojo, Sone took some … Continue reading Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Michael Sone: A Sone Kendo History of Hawaii Part II

Interview with Former Hawaii Kendo Federation President Kathleen Nekomoto: Her Time as President

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Kathleen Nekomoto began training kendo in 1990, under the guidance of Dick Okaji. She became a secretary for the Hawaii Kendo Federation, later serving as the organization’s president between 2008 to 2019. Teaching out of her Kenyukai Dojo, Nekomoto took some time to talk about her time as president of the Hawaii Kendo Federation. All … Continue reading Interview with Former Hawaii Kendo Federation President Kathleen Nekomoto: Her Time as President

Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Garrett Matsumoto: The Kenshikan Kendo Dojo

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Garrett Matsumoto began training kendo at the age of seven at the behest of his parents, studying under the late Shigeo Yoshinaga. After taking a short break, he began training under Katsumi Yamada of Kenshikan Dojo. Presently, Matsumoto is the Chief Instructor of Kenshikan Dojo. Today, he took the time to discuss with us Shigeo … Continue reading Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Garrett Matsumoto: The Kenshikan Kendo Dojo

Four Strikes with Hawaiian Kenshi Jack Yamada: The Kenshikan

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Jack Yamada began training kendo under his father, Katsumi Yamada, at a young age. His father headed the Kenshikan Dojo for two decades before passing the position to Garrett Matsumoto. Today, Jack Yamada talks about some of the history of Kenshikan and his father. All images provided by Jack Yamada. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, … Continue reading Four Strikes with Hawaiian Kenshi Jack Yamada: The Kenshikan

Interview with Longtime Hawaiian Kenshi Braxton Fukutomi: Continuing His Family’s Legacy

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Hailing from a multigenerational kendo family, Braxton Fukutomi began training in the art at the age of four. As he progressed through kendo, Fukutomi became the head instructor of the Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club, while his mother continues to run the Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club. At the Aiea Taiheiji kendo Club, Fukutomi tries to develop … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Hawaiian Kenshi Braxton Fukutomi: Continuing His Family’s Legacy

Interview with Obukan Head Instructor John Hancock: From Hawaii to Oregon

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Currently the head instructor of the Obukan Dojo in Portland Oregon, John Hancock began kendo training in 1986 in California, quickly moving to Hawaii to continue his training under James Oka. Heading to Portland in 1994, he became a student at the Obukan while Robert Stroud was head instructor until 2004. Today, Hancock discusses his … Continue reading Interview with Obukan Head Instructor John Hancock: From Hawaii to Oregon