It is a traditional martial art that descended from Japanese swordsmanship and instills values of respect, a strong work ethic, and physical fitness. Kendo is a great family activity for parents and children to train together. Why just drop your kids off for an hour or two when you can stay and work out with them? Kendo also provides opportunities to see the world. Many of our members have travele
d the abroad and made lasting friendships through international Kendo competitions. INSTRUCTORS
Grant Matsubayashi, Renshi, 7th Dan
Chief Instructor of Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club
World Kendo Championships ("WKC") Team Hawaii Member in 2000 (U.S.), 2009 (Brazil), 2012 (Italy), and 2015 (Japan)
Braxton Fukutomi, Renshi, 6th Dan
WKC Team Hawaii Member in 2009 (Brazil), 2012 (Italy), 2015 (Japan), and 2024 (Italy)
Hawaii Kendo Federation Vice President
Billy Kang, Renshi, 6th Dan
Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club
WKC Team Hawaii Member in 2000 (U.S.) and 2018 (Korea)
Chris Goodin, 6th Dan
Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club
WKC Team Hawaii Member in 2000 (U.S), 2003 (Scotland), 2015 (Japan), and 2018 (Korea)
WKC Team Hawaii Coach in 2024 (Italy)
Hawaii Kendo Federation Secretary
Bert Shibuya, 5th Dan
Chief Instructor of Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club
WKC Team Hawaii Member in 1997 (Japan)
Steve Colter, 5th Dan
Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club
Gale Mejia, 3rd Dan
Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club
WKC Team Hawaii Member in 2003 (Scotland)
HISTORY
"Kendo in Hawaii dates back to the start of the Japanese immigration of a hundred years ago. Kendo enthusiasts practiced individually in small groups, clubs, and in Japanese language schools. Finally, these groups were organized into one organization in 1955, the Hawaii Kendo Federation." Dr. Noboru Akagi, Kendo: Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Manual at 3 (1995). The Aiea Taiheiji and Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Clubs are members of the Hawaii Kendo Federation. Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club
Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club was established in 1939 by Seigo Morita. Morita Sensei obtained the rank of 6-Dan in 1970 and received his Kiyoshi in 1972. He first taught students at Taiyoji Japanese School, more commonly referred to as Nishi School. As time went by, the Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club moved to the Waipahu Japanese Social Club, a plantation-run facility. During World War II, participation in all Japanese-related cultural arts were banned. A year after the end of the war, Kendo in Hawaii started again, but the number of active Kendo practitioners would never return to pre-war levels. At this time, Morita Sensei opened a dojo at the Waipahu Plantation Gym, now known as Hans L’Orange Park. After many years, the dojo moved to the Waipahu Recreation Center. His legacy was passed on to his granddaughter, Cynthia Fukutomi. Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club moved again because of a major gym renovation project that closed the facility down. Over the years, the club has held practice at Pearl Ridge Elementary School, Halawa District Park Gym, Gus Webling Elementary School, Waimalu Elementary School, and is now at its present location at Aiea Taiheiji Soto Mission. Although Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club has relocated many times over the years, one thing remains true then as it is now: Morita Sensei’s vision and love of Kendo is alive and well. Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club
In the early 1960s, Aiea Taiheiji Soto Mission rebuilt its temple into a magnificent place of worship the community was proud of. Kogan Yoshizumi Sensei, the presiding reverend, realized the importance of martial arts in the development of young individuals. He envisioned a place where people could go to learn the ways of life through martial arts. Thus, “Godo Kai” was formed. Within the newly constructed social hall five disciplines of Japanese martial arts were taught: kendo, karate, judo, aikido, and sumo. Reverend Yoshizumi approached Dr. Noboru Akagi to start a kendo dojo there. At that time, Dr. Akagi was holding kendo classes at the old Aiea Gym. Persuaded by Reverend Yoshizumi, Dr. Akagi opened the doors to his new kendo dojo in August of 1965. It was to be called Aiea Taiheiji Godo Kai Kendo Club. After a few years the clubs name was changed to Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club. Under Dr. Akagi, the kendo dojo grew and built a strong nucleus of members. In 1990, he passed the dojo's leadership role to Mr. Arnold Fukutomi, assisted by Mr. Gerald Matsubayashi. Dr. Akagi became the chief advisor for the dojo. Arnold Fukutomi Sensei and Gerald Matsubayashi Sensei both passed away in 2014. Fukutomi Sensei’s son, Braxton, has taken on the position of chief instructor, assisted by one of Matsubayashi Sensei’s sons, Grant. The foregoing history was taken in part from the Hawaii Kendo Federation 50th Anniversary B
