JIMMY EITOKU (7 Dan) was the first student of the dojo (8 years old)when it was founded in 1970. He has participated in many national and international events, including the 2014 AUSKF Championships where he won double gold: as captain of the champion NCKF Senior Team and as individual Senior National Champion. Four sons are practicing or have practiced kendo.

YUJI ONITSUKA (7 Dan) began kendo at a young age. He holds the rank of 7 Dan and has been in many national and international events: coach of the United States Mens Team at the 13th World Kendo Championships in Taipei (2006), again at the 14th World Kendo Championships in Sao Paolo, Brazil (2009) and as manager of the Womens team at the 15th World Kendo Championships in Novara, Italy (2012). He currently serves as AUSKF Vice President.

SHINJI ONITSUKA (7 Dan) began kendo at a young age alongside his older brother Yuji, and continues to participate in competitions and training instruction. His two daughters also practice kendo.

EDDIE HURT (4 Dan) started kendo at 40 years of age. He is currently 4 Dan and assists with instruction at the Monterey location.

CYNTHIA TANABE (2 Dan kendo, 6 Dan iaido) trained in the art of Shinkage Ryu swordsmanship in Nagoya, Japan.

She leads iaido instruction at the Monterey location on Wednesday evenings when not doing kendo.

Refer to the INFORMATION page for a brief description of iaido. Please contact Tanabe sensei before planning to arrive: shinchantx@hotmail.com

HITOSHI TANABE (5 Dan) practiced kendo as a youth in Japan, and started up again as an adult with Salinas Kendo. His wife Cynthia (see below), two sons, and daughter also practice kendo.

Updated SEPTEMBER 15, 2023