Homonji Iaido Teachers
Homonji Iaido Instructors & Assistant Instructors
Head Instructor: Hoden Sensei
Contact: hoden@dharmagatezen.org
Hoden Sensei has been training in and teaching Martial Arts for over 42 years, including 26 years in Japanese Sword arts where he is ranked Godan (5th Degree) in Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. He also received Gengo (Kengo) through the organization and was previously Shihandai. In 2010 he started Dharma Gate Zen and created Homonji Iaido as a focused, holistic practice of Japanese Sword Arts to help bring a better understanding of Zen and culture to students.
Instructor Homonji Iaido: Damian Holter Sensei
Holter Sensei (Nidan) studied iaijutsu for two years at the Clarkston Tamiya-Ryu Iaijutsu dojo, and has been continuing to study under Homonji Iaido since 2015. In 2012 he graduated from Oakland University with a major in French and a minor in Japanese language and history. Outside of Dharma Gate he spends free time playing video games and collecting manga, and has a difficult time writing bios about himself.
Instructor Homonji Iaido: Jon Davis (Genshi) Sensei
Davis Sensei is a loving husband and dedicated father that currently works as an instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes - where he is currently ranked Nidan. He is owner and director of Dynamic Martial Arts in Shelby Township, where he operates a branch of Homonji Iaido. Davis Sensei has studied a variety of martial arts, including Shorinji Ryu Karate-Dō, Kobudo, Tai Chi Chuan, Aikido, and Modern Arnis. In addition to studying Iaido as a student of Hoden-Sensei, he is a member of the Zen Bei Butoku-Kai International and loyal student to Sensei Brian Ricci (Boston, MA). He looks forward to the opportunity to share his humble understanding of martial arts with all.
Instructor Homonji Iaido: Felise Erazo (Daesoo) Sensei
Erazo Sensei is an instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes. She has studied Homonji Iaido since 2016 and is currently ranked Shodan. She grew up in southern California before attending Purdue University for Computer Engineering. Apparently, the harsh winters did not deter her from the Midwest and she decided to move to Michigan to pursue work opportunities in cybersecurity in the automotive industry. When she isn't working or training to be a samurai, she likes to cook and subsequently eat all kinds of cultural foods.
Instructor Homonji Iaido: Angelo Bruno (Genju) Sensei
Bruno Sensei is an instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes. He began his training in 2018 and is currently ranked Shodan. Bruno Sensei has been a practicing martial artist for over 10 years, achieving his black belt in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do. He graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelors in Psychology and is a Senior HR Administrator for a variety of businesses. In addition to sword arts, Bruno Sensei practices Zen Meditation and is a regular volunteer with Dharma Gate Zen.
Assistant Instructor Homonji Iaido: Daniel Khalil
Daniel Khalil is an assistant instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes, and leads our satellite group at his dojo. He has trained in Karate in the Zen Bei Butoku Kai for over 33 years, training extensively in five arts including: Karate, Kobudo, Aikido, Tai Chi, modern Arnis and now in Iaido. He been teaching for 24 years and started his own dojo 9 years ago. Inspired by O’ Sensei Richard Kim's statement “ A Martial Artist is an Artist of Life” he is committed of the preservation and passing on of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts.
Assistant Instructor Homonji Iaido: Wyatt Clark
Wyatt is an assistant instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes. He began his training in 2021 and is currently ranked Ikkyu. He has been training in martial arts for over 18 years, and currently holds a Nidan in Shorin-ji ryu Karate-do. He graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Japanese language. Additionally, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.