[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”About Kodokan” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/kodokankendo.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/paulSumi-1.jpg” title_text=”Paul and Sumi” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The guiding influences at Kodokan are: Masatake Sumi sensei-Hanshi, Hachidan (8-dan), Emeritus Professor of Physical Education, Fukuoka University of Education, Kyushu, Japan. One of the most widely respected andexperienced Kendo Masters, renowned not only in Japan but worldwide. He had annually lead the famous \u201cKodokan Kendo Seminar\u201d (aka SSS \u2013 Sumi Sensei Seminar).<\/p>\n
Sumi Sensei sadly passed away in February 2026 after a long battle with cancer. His last visit was in 2018; he had planned to return in 2022 and again in 2025, following Paul\u2019s visits and training in Fukuoka. He remained in close contact with Kazuyo through regular correspondence, and his teachings and guidance continued through both Paul and Kazuyo until his passing.<\/p>\n
Read about Masatake Sumi sensei written by Paul here<\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Highly acclaimed sensei also associated with Kodokan:<\/strong><\/p>\n Isao Uegaki-Hanshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n Junichi Tashiro-Kyoshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n Fumio Mori-Kyoshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n Susumu Nagao-Hanshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n Hiroshi Ozawa-Kyoshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n Yukuo Iwao-Kyoshi, Hachidan (8-dan).<\/p>\n The late Torao Ono-Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan).<\/p>\n The late Masayoshi Imasto -Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan).<\/p>\n Morio Kumamoto -Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan).<\/p>\n Shoji Enomoto -Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan).<\/p>\n Setsuko Kobayashi-Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan) \u2013 A Pioneer of Ladies Kendo in Japan.<\/p>\n Hiromi Fujita-Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan) \u2013 Japanese Ladies Team Coach at the 13WKC in Taipei.<\/p>\n Sotaro Honda-Kyoshi, Nanadan (7-dan) \u2013 Former Chief National Kendo Coach for the British Kendo Association from 2003 to 2007<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”PAUL BUDDEN” position=”CLUB FOUNDER & Kancho (Head Instructor): PAUL BUDDEN SENSEI-KYOSHI, NANADAN (7-DAN)” image_url=”http:\/\/kodokankendo.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/paul-pudden-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” border_radii_image=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all_image=”4px” border_color_all_image=”#FFFFFF” border_width_bottom_image=”11px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal_image=”4px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n in Paul is the Kancho of Kodokan and is qualified in Coaching Studies from the University of Gloucester, registered as a BKA National Coach and a Kendo coach to the Army & Combined Services Martial Arts Associations, Former Technical Director of the Maltese Kendo Federation and a highly respected International Kendo teacher & referee. The only original student of the late Terry Holt sensei-Kyoshi, Nanadan (7.dan) Founder of Mumeishi Kendo Club, to achieve 7-dan.<\/p>\n He is also the well renowned author of several publications to date including: Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata, Devil\u2019s Gloves and the One Cut \u2013 An introduction to Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kata, Three Ages of British Kendo \u2013 Biographical Portraits Volume IX for the Japan Society,\u00a0 A Truly British Samurai \u2013 the Exceptional Charles Boxer (1904-2000), The Oshu Kendo Renmei: A History of British and European Kendo, A Man of Many Parts. Portrait of an Inimitable Swordsman \u2013 Ronald Alexander Lidstone, The Legacy of the Budokwai – A British Kendo History and Paper Butterflies \u2013 Unravelling the Mystery of Tannaker Buhicrosan and more. He was a member of the British team that won Bronze in 1987 at the European Kendo Championships in Malmo and has visited\u00a0 Japan on numerous occasions for study, practice & to referee. Former Championship Co-ordinator (Official Speaker) for the European Kendo Federation he was was Co Organising Director at the \u2018Acclaimed\u2019 12th World Kendo Championships in Glasgow 2003 for the British Kendo Association. Paul has also worked on many PR & media projects including: LEGO\u00ae Star Wars\u2122, Channel 4\u2019s \u2018the Games\u2019 and for Nintendo in their Wii promotions. Most recently, he has worked for the \u2018Disney Channel\u2019 on a Star Wars Rebels Trailer as a Fight Director.<\/p>\n Paul sadly passed away in March 2026 following a sudden decline during his battle with acute leukaemia. His legacy lives on through Kodokan, where he served as founder and Kancho, and through his unwavering commitment to authentic kendo, which we continue to uphold.<\/p>\n His interview with <\/span>Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow<\/span><\/em><\/a> in November 2025 most accurately reflects his views on kendo. The article is available here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_team_member name=”JUMPEI MATSUMOTO” position=”EMERITUS INSTRUCTOR: SENSEI-KYOSHI, NANADAN (7-DAN)” image_url=”http:\/\/kodokankendo.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Matsumoto.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” border_radii_image=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all_image=”4px” border_color_all_image=”#FFFFFF” border_width_bottom_image=”11px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal_image=”4px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n