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.