AUGUST 2010

A proposal has been submitted to the California Living Cultures Grant Project. Wish us luck.



JULY 2010

We had another opportunity to visit with Takao Sensei and check up on the amazing stained glass he is working on. He also spent a few moments telling us more about his approach to kendo and how that permeates through everything he does. His warmth and enjoyment of life proved inspiring.



MAY 2010

The project is still going strong, but patience is proving key. The format of the documentary is looking to take advantage of current distribution avenues like web and mobile devices, along with the traditional means of TV and Theatre. Well keep you posted as the formulation of concepts develop



APRIL 2009

It is with sad news that we report that Miyata sensei suffered a mild stroke. He has been recovering well and has been in good spirits. This includes his sense of humor. We wish him a quick recovery as he hopes to come back to kendo again in the next few weeks.



MAY 2009

We have applied to a grant from the Center For Asian American Media. This grant is given in association with the Center for Public Broadcasting. Wish us luck!



FEBRUARY 2009

We had a terrific interview with Miyahara sensei, in spite of a neighborhood dog choir that surrounded his backyard. He gave us much insight into his kendo philosophy and taught us a thing or two about technique as well. We also accompanied him the Pasadena dojo where he gave invaluable instruction to his students and gave us some nice visuals of him interacting with his students. Thanks to the Pasadena Dojo for allowing us in their space and to Nick Shubert for helping me with the interview.



JANUARY 2009

Miyata sensei treated us to more than an hour of his personal history. We were honored to take part in recording his stories and preserving them for all to see. He spoke a lot about his time in Japan and some harrowing experiences in north Korea after WWII. the following weekend we went to Alameda, where we saw him teach and counter his opponents with his kaishi men. Special thanks to Chris Robson for doing wonderful camera work.



OCTOBER 2008

Well, we've finally started. Takao sensei taught us about patience, understanding and "ken shin" or sword of the heart. Even without a sword in his hand, sensei demonstrated the amount of concentration and felling needed to peruse the arts. We were treated to a fine display of pottery throwing and insight into how he works with stained glass. It's inspiring to see his dedication mixed with a vibrant and youthful urge to continually learn. Thanks to Kevin Mazzier for doing camera work.





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