EDIT PICK: Best Samurai School, Winner
Komei Juku Maui
Address: PO Box 1084, Makawao, HI 96768
Contact: Guy Junker
Phone: (808)573-1965
Fax: (808)572-6047
Website: http://www.komeijuku.com/
Samurai swordsmanship is not for those who tend toward fleeting fancy. Beyond simply weapons handling and tactic, it is the complete study of the samurai Way. To the lifelong commitment of this Way, senseis Bob Montgomery and Guy Junker have devoted themselves; and in so practicing, impart their knowledge upon a core group of dedicated pupils. Housed thanks to the Okinawan Kenjin Kai, perched near the stream’s mouth in Waiehu, classes are held every Tuesday and Friday from 6-9pm. Under a steep, beamed pitch and between lit glass museum walls, practitioners studying Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaitu (a style from the end of the Edo period), wear wide, pleated hakama pants, cinched with obi belts over dogi tops, and follow formalities as prescribed by the school and under Tokyo-based Grand Master Sekiguchi Sensei. An ‘ohana like no other, the camaraderie of the group is without compare. They’ve been so kind as to welcome me, too; and with unconditional support, have steeled me through battling cancer and every other of life’s turns. Though the Way remains, for me, yet to be mastered, I know it can be found at this school—with teachers, brethren and friends.