Seminar

This seminar will be led by Hiroshi Arima sensei (Kyoshi 8 Dan) and Ritsuko Yoshikawa sensei (Renshi 7 Dan) from Kanagawa prefecture.

Hiroshi Arima Sensei — Kyoshi 8 Dan

Born in 1963 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Arima Sensei graduated from Tokai University Sagami High School and went on to study at Tokai University. He currently teaches at Atsugi Nishi High School. His major achievements include third place at the All Japan Student Kendo Championship Team Tournament, victory at the All Japan Federation Kendo Team Championship, and third place at the All Japan Teachers Kendo Championship. He has also competed in the All Japan Inter-Prefectural Kendo Championships, the National Sports Festival of Japan, and the All Japan East-West Kendo Taikai. Arima Sensei first came to Seattle alongside Kamei Sensei, 8th Dan, and 22 other kendoka some 25 years ago. His connection to ma-ai and expertise in jodan left a lasting impression on PNKF. Arima Sensei and PNKF have continued to share a connection throughout the years, with local kendoka having travelled abroad to keiko with him. We are excited to have him return to lead a seminar to commemorate the 50th PNKF Taikai.

Ritsuko Yoshikawa Sensei — Renshi 7 Dan

Yoshikawa Sensei started Kendo at 10 years old under Kouzo Takizawa Sensei and continued kendo throughout her school years until she graduated from Tokai University in 1986. That same year, under Takizawa Sensei, she was permitted to open her private dojo, “Kaneda Kendo Club” in Atsugi, Kanagawa and lead kendo practices in local Junior High schools. Outside of kendo, she is also an acupuncturist and sports trainer for clients of a variety of ages, professions and conditions. As a member of the Aikawa Kendo Group, she was able to come to Seattle in 1989, opening opportunities in the US. Later she visited Seattle again with Kamei Sensei and 22 other Kendoka, including Arima Sensei whom she has known since her high school days and during her time at Tokai University Kendo Club. From Yoshikawa Sensei, “We are all friends through Kendo, and I am very happy to do keiko in Seattle again. Let's have a great time together!!”