Bushido is proud to announce that our deshi of 10 years, Mr. Woodrow Hall has been awarded the Dorokusho ( Diligent endeavor award)  at this years 57 th NBTHK Japanese Sword polishing contest.

Woodrow Hall

Woodrow first came to work for us in 1989 as a clerk. After several years of actual hands on experience handling of swords and kodogu he expressed a great interest in learning sword polishing. He had been watching polishing and repairs on a daily basis for several years and finally after seeing he could easily grasp the task of kanji removal and repair of yasurime, I agreed to have him as an apprentice.

My first apprentice was Ralph Oquendo in the early 80's. While he was here in Hawaii he studied kendo where Byron Shimizu was also a kendo student . Byron watched Ralph and I work on swords for several years and in 1985 I agreed to take him on as an apprentice. Byron's ability increased to being confident in handling of swords of Juyo Token class. He distinguished himself by the mid-90's of easily polishing blades that would be submitted for the Juyo Token shinsa. For numerous years the three of us, Woodrow, Byron and myself worked in the togi heya on the large togidai polishing swords. It was in this daily work schedule that Woodrow advanced to being a far above average sword polisher. His ability can be directly attributed to Byron Shimizu as the two would work side by side for long hours and Byron would give him guidance. The two of them experimented with how to best use hatsuya, jitsuya and  different nugui on all periods and schools of swords. I am confident in saying that these two have shown that they are well qualified in the true Honami style of sword polishing.

It is very pleasing for me to have Woodrow given the same award that I received 37 years ago when I was the first foreigner to ever submit a polished work and the first foreigner honored with an award by the NBTHK in their 20th polishing contest. This is a true example of the reward that is waiting for those who persevere in their work and study habits as  Woodrow Hall has done for years.