Sam West

Sam began kyudo in Boulder in 1980 with Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX, Sendai. In 1984, Sam became responsible (Somo) for Toko Kyudojo in Manhattan. He traveled to kyudo programs with Sendai during the 80’s and, in 1987, became responsible for Kozan Kyudojo in Nova Scotia. From there, Sam helped Sendai foster kyudo and develop dojos in Europe and the US.

Later, Sam lived with Sendai in Boulder, Colorado, where he cared for him and supported him in teaching. He studied and practiced kyudo at Ryuko Dojo, organized programs internationally and traveled with Sendai.

In 2007, Sam moved back to Nova Scotia from where he continued to assist Sendai in teaching kyudo at major programs until Sendai’s passing. Today, Sam teaches kyudo under the current lineage holder of the Heki Ryu Bishu Chickorin Ha school of kyudo, Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XXI.