Tag: Southern California Kendo Federation

Interview with San Diego Kendo Bu Head Instructor Henry Kikunaga: Kendo in Universities – UCSD Recreational Class for Kendo

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Henry Kikunaga began his kendo training as a boy, starting with his father and older brother. Once in college, he enrolled in San Diego Kendo Bu under the joint tutelage of John Yamamoto and Kikuo Uyeji. In 2014, Kikunaga assumed the role of Head Instructor. Today, Kikunaga took some time to talk about his kendo … Continue reading Interview with San Diego Kendo Bu Head Instructor Henry Kikunaga: Kendo in Universities – UCSD Recreational Class for Kendo

Interview with West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo President Koichi Suyama: Torataro Nakabara

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Koichi Suyama enrolled himself into West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo in 1983 at the invitation of the late Torataro Nakabara. Under Atsushi Hori, Suyama helped establish the bylaws of the Southern California Kendo Organization (SCKO). Today, Suyama, the current president of West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo, took some time to discuss the impact of Torataro … Continue reading Interview with West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo President Koichi Suyama: Torataro Nakabara

Interview with Kenshi Jim Nakabara: His Father and Kendo

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Jim Nakabara began training kendo at the age of ten under his father, Torataro Nakabara, later earning a yondan in 1977. Today, Nakabara took some time to discuss his father’s contribution to kendo in Southern California. We thank Akira Banchi for his assistance as mediator and Jim Nakabara for providing the images. Martial Arts of … Continue reading Interview with Kenshi Jim Nakabara: His Father and Kendo

Interview with Longtime Kenshi Howard Babus: Santa Barbara Kendo Dojo

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After training aikido for eight years, Howard Babus was immediately hooked when he saw his first kendo session in 1983. He spent many individualized lessons with Mikio Hattanda at the Santa Barbara Kendo Dojo. Babus inherited the school in 2012. Today, Babus talks a little about his kendo journey, Hattanda, and the art in Southern … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Howard Babus: Santa Barbara Kendo Dojo

Interview with Las Vegas Kenshi Stefan Locklair: A Kendo Journey from Coast to Coast

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Stefan Locklair began kendo at the age of seventeen, gaining multiple perspectives from training in different schools throughout the United States and Japan. He is currently the chief instructor of the Las Vegas Kendo Club and has joined us to discuss his kendo journey. All images provided by Stefan Locklair. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, … Continue reading Interview with Las Vegas Kenshi Stefan Locklair: A Kendo Journey from Coast to Coast

Interview with Longtime Kenshi Cary Mizobe: Kendo and Life, Part II

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Cary Mizobe began kendo training later than most, however, his love for the art has remained strong. Starting out at the Torrance Kendo Dojo, he later established his Westside Kendo Dojo in 1987. Today, Mizobe talks about his time training under Chris Mori, Torao Mori’s son, the philosophical side of kendo, and some personal experiences … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Cary Mizobe: Kendo and Life, Part II

Interview with Kenshi Steven Timbrook: Starting a Bit Later

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Beginning his kendo journey at the age of fifty-seven, Steven Timbrook enrolled at Santa Barbara Kendo Dojo, studying under Mikio Hattanda. Today, Timbrook discusses his kendo journey. All images supplied by Steven Timbrook. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Welcome Timbrook Sensei! Thank you for joining us! Steven Timbrook: I look forward to your … Continue reading Interview with Kenshi Steven Timbrook: Starting a Bit Later