NIHONTO ANTIQUES LLC
PALM CITY, FLORIDA

The moment I came home I chewed my dad’s ear off with my plans and ideas. I soon realized that I was back in the real world again and was instructed to remember that I was young and still had to finish school. With a little coaching from my Kendo Sensei my dad agreed to let me study in Japan every summer. I would go for one to two months at a time, sometimes longer. In the years that followed I met many craftsmen old and young, average and great, and have gained a wealth of knowledge. My highest point was my introduction to Yoshikawa Sensei. Again my introduction was thru Kendo. I knew of Yoshikawa Sensei’s reputation, and asked Ebihara Sensei from the Ken Zen Institute if he could write a letter of introduction for me, asking if Yoshikawa Sensei would take me on as a student. At this time I was already a professional and making a humble living at polishing and shirasaya making, but I still wanted more knowledge including from such a highly respected polisher. In the end he accepted me as a student. I would travel to Japan and study with him and his son Eiichi Yoshikawa who I consider my friend. The interesting thing is that I knew how to polish swords but what I learned at Yoshikawa Sensei’s home was what exactly made for a quality polish. Also the general rules of sword polishing, such as understanding Koto, Shinto, the differences in schools of sword smiths. I was his last student and I owe a debt of gratitude to the Yoshikawa family that I can never repay. The only thing I can do is help and encourage collectors in the US. Offer my services and have a good reputation of honesty and integrity. Nihonto Antiques Nihonto Antiques Nihonto Antiques