Obituary
Guest Book
1938
2012
Yamaguchi sensei , kendo kyoshi nanadan and iaido kyoshi nanadan, was born in Los Angeles, California on April, 1938. He and his family were incarcerated at one of the internment camps, starting with Manzanar, where his name and names of all the members of the family can be seen in the official camp register. After being shuffled between several camps, they ended up in Texas. Following WWII's end, the entire family went to Japan so his father could help the people in some way. He later made the trip back to the U.S. by himself as a child.
He started Kendo and Iaido in January, 1963 under the tutelage of Torao Mori sensei (among others). The two arts quickly became his major avocations. He has served as the President of the Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) and member of the Board of Directors of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) for many years. He co-founded three SCKF dojos: Norwalk Kendo Dojo (1965), Covina Kendo Dojo (1969), and Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo (1975).
Yamaguchi Sensei was the first Iaido sensei for most of the founders of the Northern California Iaido Association (NCIA) and was a nurturing adviser and mentor to their group of kenshi through their formative years. He also founded the Southern California Iaido Association (SCIA) and served as its head instructor and advisor.
He has mentored many people who have held offices on the SCKF Board. He was the coach for Team USA in the 6th World Kendo Championships in France in 1985. He has been active in Kendo and Iaido activities for many years. All those that knew him were touched in some way by his kindness and/or his wisdom. He died at Norwalk Kendo Dojo, about to do the one thing he loved on Friday October 5, 2012.
Yamaguchi sensei is survived by his younger brother (Makoto), two sisters (Yuriko and Machiko), daughter (Elaine), son (Masashi), and two grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 15, 2012
Bobby Rivera
I will miss your smile and I will pray for your family
Bobby J Rivera your brother-in law
Margaret M Yamaguchi your sister
October 13, 2012
It's my honor to serve your family at this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences to your family. Sensei has earned the greatest respect of all. Mr.Walter Yamaguchi will forever be treasured by his family and friends.
Take care
Hannah Wong
Arrangement Counselor
Rose Hills
October 13, 2012
James Yamasaki
RIP Sensei. I still remember the trip to Arizona. We talked about many things during the flight from kendo, life, and of course, the weather. I will always appreciate all of your teaching and help during my many years of kendo. I will never forget.
October 13, 2012
Tsuyoshi Inoshita
Yamaguchi Sensei:
Thank you very much for your dedication and constribution to kendo and iaido in the Unitede States. Had it not been for your support, we would not have made these giant steps forward. RIP.
Inoshita
GNEUSKF
October 11, 2012
Monica Iwakabe
Sensei: Thank you for developing Iaido in the USA. And, I am grateful to have met you and share Iaido. I will miss the laughs we had at the seminars and camps. Rest in peace!
October 10, 2012
Dennis Ralutin
Hi Sensei, this is Dennis. How's the weather where you are? I'm sure it's perfect. I can't thank you enough for everything that you have taught me in iaido, kendo, and life. I am grateful and honored to have known you and will cherish all the times we spent, especially all the road and plane trips we took for iaido and kendo. I will never forget what you have taught me and will pass it along the best way I can...and I'll try to do it natural. I will miss you and never forget you. Thank you and enjoy your eternal rest.
October 9, 2012
Davis Begay
Sensei, I am very grateful for your support and friendship plus the times we spent together. You will always be remembered. You are sorely missed.
October 8, 2012
Susan Zau
Rest in peace Sensei. We miss you and we thank you with all our hearts all that you have done for SCKF and San Diego Kendo Bu. I greatly appreciated your encouragement and your words of wisdom. I am so sorry that I didn't convey how grateful I was to you in person. Arigatou gozaimashita!
October 8, 2012
Sensei, you'll be missed maybe more than you ever would have realized. I'm grateful having met you, and will try to pass what I can along of the spirit behind all your hard work.
David Bressler
Ken Zen Institute, NYC
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