Loss of A Master

Interview with the late Master Kato Isao of Shunpukan Dojo

In June of 2022, Kato Isao Sensei of the Nagoya based kobudo, traditional martial arts school, Shunpukan Dojo, Master of the Owari Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, passed away aged 88. He was a remarkable man, even in his 80’s he was physically fast and able with a sword or spear. He was humble, quiet in an unassuming way, yet always open and friendly. Kato Sensei was highly respected by those who attended his lessons at the Shunpukan over the years, and by the international traditional martial arts community. His death is a great loss for the Owari Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, and for samurai history and culture.