Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Campbell.
Pete, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Began studying iaido- the “way of the drawing” the Japanese sword in 2000, and karate the following year. Became a direct student of Mukushin-ryu 15th soke (Headmaster) Ohashi sensei in 2002 while training in Japan.
2007 – Opened Rising Sun Dojo along with Haider sensei.
2008 – Received first dan (1st degree black belt) in karate.
2009 – Became “shibucho” (group leader) of Mukushin-ryu US Branch.
2010 – Received 2nd dan in karate.
2020 – Received 3rd dan in karate.
2023 – Named “kancho” – technical and administrative head of Mukushin-ryu.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I began my training late in live…40 years old…and have had to balance the training, and opening a dojo with a career.
Maintaining the integrity of the dojo, with traditional teaching and values has been difficult. Since opening the dojo in 2007, it has operated as a not for profit school- neither myself or Haider sensei receive any payment for teaching classes in the 18 years since opening. We don’t advertise, our goal has always been quality over quantity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Mukushin-ryu is what is known as a koryu- ancient martial art. It was founded over 600 years ago in feudal Japan as a family style, and has survived as such since that time. Ohashi sensei accepted me into his family, and since his passing in 2023, it has been my mission to maintain preserve this ancient martial art for future generations as it was 600 years ago.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Traditional koryu martial arts are slowly fading away, even in Japan, many old martial arts have become extinct. They don’t lend themselves to the mass marketing business approach of so many modern martial arts schools. It is my mission to preserve, and pass on this ancient martial art for future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rising-sun-dojo.com
