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My interest in Asian arts began while studying  Kenpo at the age of 13, and that put me on a path to study other styles, including Shaolin gung fu, Tang Soo do, Shoto-kan, and laido. I continue and teach at my own school, named Dao Shi Feng ("way of the wind"), although having roots in Chinese arts I have always honored the art of the Samurai. I started collecting Japanese military swords while a teen; having moved up through the years, after studying military blades I dove into antique Nihonto and am still learning to this day. I have had to take my lumps along the way in Nihonto but have learned much in doing so.

My collection of Japanese military swords gave me my first lessons in restoration; having swords with missing or untied ito, I bought a book on Japanese military swords with illustrated examples of tying ito and sageo. I started to teach myself how to do tsuka-maki and, after working on some of my own swords, showed my finished work to Mr. David Pepper, a great friend and knowledgeable Japanese sword collector and restorer.

Mr. Pepper is the owner of Okame Japanese Antiques and has been a curator of museum and private collections for many years. He is a former colleague of the late Mr. Karl Wiest. Mr. Pepper has taught me the fine points he learned doing tsuka-maki while living in Japan, including how to create a uniform fine wrap, how to use hishi-gami (paper wedges), how to make proper finishing knots, proper placement of menuki, and too many other techniques to name.

I still continue to study and learn more, as well as traveling to Nihonto shows and exhibits. As with any art, I have invested many years of training; I have been performing tsuka-maki for over seven years and believe that I can offer an affordable, yet high quality, service. I do not claim to be a professionally trained Japanese tsuka maki-shi, but my work is good quality: clean, tight, and done all by hand.

I use only the finest quality Japanese materials, including both natural silk and premium cotton ito in several colors.

My goal is to provide a quality service for people who need to repair or replace the ito of their cutting blades or antiques without busting the bank. In addition, I strive to offer modern collectors the same ability to personalize and customize their swords by changing the furniture and wrappings. The Samurai of old customized their swords to reflect their own spirits, and this is no less important today.

My professional affiliations include membership in the Japanese Sword Society of the United States (JSSUS), and the International Iai-Tate Do Federation. I am also a member of the Shinsuikan Dojo.