Mitsuzuka Munehiro, Sensei

Mitsuzuka Munehiro Sensei was born in 1956, the same year that his father received his 3 dan in Iai from Nakayama Hakudo Sensei (Yushin-kai Iaido Renmei). Munehiro began training in Iaido at a very early age only a few years after his father began training with Nakayama Hakudo Sensei. In 1974, Munehiro passed the 4th Dan in the Iai section of the All Japan Kendo Federation, most likely the youngest ever, at the age of 18. Munehiro also holds blackbelts in Kendo and Jodo. In the 1970's and 1980's, he assisted his father in training the first students from other countries who traveled to Japan to learn Iaido. On May 1, 1981 at the age of 25 and two years after his father was promoted to 8th dan in Iaido (All Nippon Kendo Federation) his father promoted him to 6th Dan in Iaido and certified him the title of Shihan (Master Instructor 総師範) of San Shin Kai. This was in the early years when his father founded the San Shin Kai to promote Iaido around the world. Over forty years later, Munehiro is now residing in Pennsylvania, USA, and is actively involved with the North America San Shin Kai as Director and Instructor. Mitsuzuka Munehiro Sensei continues his father's legacy by teaching on the arts of Iaido in official seminars of the North American San Shin Kai