1. Why did you decide to join the online lessons?

I joined the online lessons because it was the first time I had ever seen online lessons from Japan with live English interpretation. I had studied a Kobudo for years, but when I moved for work, I thought I would have to give up training due to there not being a ryuha nearby. On my trip to Japan in early 2023, I met Shogo and explained how I wished to train with these amazing masters. He hinted that he was starting something new and that I should keep looking for new information on his YouTube channel. When Seki Sensei, Shogo, and the team started the online lessons, it gave me hope to continue training in Kobudo and I didn’t think it would ever be possible.

2. Why will you train here and not at any other online lessons?

To be trained in Kobudo is rare today, but to be trained by a Soke of a Kobudo is an amazing blessing. Seki Sensei has the knowledge, insight, and patience to teach how and why the technique is performed a certain way. Shogo delivers an impeccable live interpretation of every lesson and responds quickly to messages. Everyone on the production side of the ryuha works very hard to ensure each lesson is delivered clearly and concisely. The lessons are easy to follow and there are archive videos in order for you to review each lesson. Seki Sensei, Shogo, and the team have created a warm and welcoming environment that helps promote the growth of the students. Seki Sensei cares that you are learning and is excited when you finally understand the details he corrected. The lessons reminded me of my in-person lessons at my old ryuha, very much to the credit of Seki Sensei, Shogo, and the whole team.

3. What changed before and after you joined?

Before joining the online lessons, I had given up on progressing my Kobudo skills… due to no ryuha in my city. After joining the lessons, I fell in love with the techniques of Asayama Ichiden Ryu after the first lesson and was thrilled to be learning such an amazing Kobudo. I felt the passion Seki Sensei has for the ryuha and it resonated with me. I have not been this excited about training in years!

4. What is the best part about joining?

The best thing about joining the online lessons is learning the skills of a ryuha with a rich 400-year-old history directly from the soke, Seki Sensei, all translated live by Shogo. It is a blessing to those who don’t speak Japanese as, typically, masters of these arts don’t have interpreters for lessons. I have trained in person in various ryuha in Japan and abroad and the instruction you get from Seki Sensei and team is world class.

5. What future goals would you like to achieve through the training?

My future goals are to reach 5th Dan and eventually earn Seki Sensei’s approval to become an instructor of Asayama Ichiden Ryu and establish a USA branch for the ryuha.