HOSOKAWA, SPENCER
7 DAN
1969
Hosokawa Spencer-sensei was born in Santa Monica, CA.
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Spencer's grandfather practiced Kendo when he was a child, so when Spencer became old enough at ~7 years old, his parents signed him up for Kendo, and he has been an active member of CMKD ever since (1976).
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Hosokawa Spencer-sensei became a sensei in 1984 when he attained his 4 Dan. He currently practices at CMKD and holds the rank of 7 Dan.

Who was your primary sensei when you started Kendo?
Yamaguchi-sensei.
When did you last participate in an examination for Kendo promotion? What was the experience like?
2008 for 7 Dan. I didn't think I would pass because I threw my back out 4 weeks earlier, bending over to pick up my 8 month old daughter. I had to lay there for 10 hrs. before I could get up.
Did you spend any time training overseas? With whom?
I spent 3-4 weeks at Osaka Fukei around 1987-ish. One sensei, who shall go nameless, was tsuki-ing me for what seemed like an eternity. It was my first day… I thought I was going to die.
Who were some of the biggest influences in the development of your kendo? Can you elaborate on their influences?
Yamaguchi Takeshi-sensei and Hori Atsushi-sensei.
For those who have been in the kendo community for a while may find it a bit of an anomaly, but both always took time to work with me.
Although Yamaguchi Sensei is no longer with us, whenever I am able to attend a practice with Hori-sensei, he still puts forth an effort to guide me.
Do you have a favorite waza? Besides feeling that you're adept at that waza, why do you enjoy it so much?
Men-uchi.
I enjoy men-uchi, especially in the Sen-sen-no-sen scenario.
Feels powerful yet so simple.
What technique or skill in Kendo do you feel that you're significantly lacking?
Dou-uchi. I don't know what it is, but I cannot execute any type of dou-uchi. So when you're fighting me, don't worry about me striking your dou!
What hobbies / interests occupy your time outside of Kendo?
Fishing, golfing, and hanging out with my girls until they push me away.