Homonji Iaido Teachers
Homonji Iaido Instructors & Assistant Instructors
Head Instructor: Hoden Sensei
Contact: [email protected]
Hoden Sensei has been training in and teaching Martial Arts for over 40 years, including almost 25 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 (Shodan) 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: Genshi (Jon Davis) 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 Shodan. 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.
Assistant Instructor Homonji Iaido: Felise Erazo (Daesoo)
Felise is an assistant instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes. She has studied Homonji Iaido since 2016 and is currently ranked Ikkyu. 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.
Assistant Instructor Homonji Iaido: Angelo Bruno (Genju)
Genju is an assistant instructor in our Homonji Iaido classes. He began his training in 2018 and is currently ranked Ikkyu. Genju 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, Genju practices Zen Meditation and is a regular volunteer with Dharma Gate Zen.