Grand Rapids Kendo Kai	Member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation
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No Kendo club can exist unless it has a dedicated group of people working together. On this page, you can get to know a little about the sensei and the members who make our program the top Kendo Dojo anywhere.

Chief Instructor

Yutaro Matsuura All-United States Kendo Federation Godan (5th Dan) Has been practicing Kendo since 1983. He started Kendo growing up in Montreal under the guidance of the late Douglas T. Funamoto Sensei. He has been the chief instructor of the Grand Rapids Kendo Kai since 2004. Matsuura Sensei is still very active in competition and attends many seminars including the Foreign Leader's Seminar in Kitamoto, Japan (2007). Recently enjoyed great success as the Team Coach for the Midwest Kendo Federation at the 2008 US Nationals. Works as a Quality Analyst at a Japanese auto parts manufacturer.

Assistants

Stephen Chaffin

Travis Hill Travis Hill began Kendo at the age of 13 and has quickly become one of the top Kenshi in the United States at the age of 18. He is the reigning Midwest, Detroit, Northeast, Student, and Michigan champion (the only one to ever hold all five titles simultaneously). He is also a National silver medalist. Travis currently training in Japan under the sponsorship of a major Kendo equipment company.

Senior Members

Dave Noonan Most senior member of the Grand Rapids Kendo Kai and was recently promoted to 1st Kyu. Dave is employed at a large food distribution center.

Vlad Trusevich Vlad has recently advanced to 2nd Kyu. Recently placed 2nd in Michigan Family Tournament, Mudansha division. Vlad is a software designer and a photographer. In spare time he enjoys traveling, sailing and driving fast cars.

Kam Robles

Tarra Den Besten

Jordan Holmgren Jordan began Kendo in 2004 and is our second most senior member. A 1st Dan, he is a 9-time medalist including the Team Championship in the GNEUSKF Tournament in Cleveland '07 alongside Stephen Chaffin, Travis Hill, and Matsuura Sensei. Jordan is a student at Michigan State University and is studying Marketing.