Our Sensei-Gata

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.

Jimmy Eitoku Sensei
Dojo Shihan

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.

Yuji Onitsuka Sensei

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.

Shinji Onitsuka Sensei

SCOTT CHANG (6 Dan) bio coming soon….

Scott Chang Sensei

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.

Hitoshi Tanabe Sensei

MANABU UTO (5 Dan) bio coming soon….

Some Accomplishments:

  • Passed 5 dan in August 2026.

  • Team USA - Men’s - Current (Prospective) & 2024.

  • 2026 North/South Tournament - 3-4 Dan - 1st Place.

  • 2023 AUSKF Nationals - Men’s Individual - Best 8.

Manabu Uto Sensei

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

Eddie Hurt Sensei

KEITA TANABE (4 Dan) bio coming soon….

Some Accomplishments:

  • Passed 4 dan in May 2025.

  • 2026 NCKF Championships - 3 Dan & Up - 1st Place.

  • 2025 NCKF Championships - 3 Dan & Up - 1st Place & Kurasawa-hai Winner.

Keita Tanabe Sensei

SHUICHI BUNDEN (4 Dan) started kendo as a youth, growing up on one of the many flower nurseries in Salinas.  After quitting in his early teens, he returned to regular practice in 2015.  His main reason was to provide an avenue for his kids to experience Japanese culture as he finally realized the positive role kendo played in his development.  In that process, Shuichi regained the strong desire to improve his kendo once again.  With his recent 4 dan passing, it makes him the third generation “Bunden sensei” to have practiced in Salinas, following his grandfather, Takuma, and father, Ken.

Some Accomplishments:

  • Passed 4 dan in May 2026.

  • 2018 Mori Hai Tournament - 1-2 Dan - 1st Place.

  • 2017 AUSKF Nationals - Mudansha - NCKF Team - 1st Place (Taisho).

  • 2015 & 2017 - NCKF Championships - Adult Kyu - 1st Place.

Shuichi Bunden Sensei

CYNTHIA TANABE (2 Dan kendo, 7 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.

Cynthia Tanabe Sensei