Our Instructors

Sungmin Ro, 6 Dan, Head instructor and Founder

Sungmin Sensei is a 6th Dan kendo practitioner and founder of Tampa Kendo Club. He began his kendo training in 2003 at San Jose Kendo Club before relocating to Tampa, Florida.

After moving to the Tampa Bay area, he continued his training at Gulf Coast Kendo Club in Palmetto and later founded Tampa Kendo Club in 2009. Since 2005, Sungmin Sensei has also been actively involved in holding the Florida Taikai.

In addition, he has trained with Maeda Sensei and Someya Sensei at Lakeland Kendo Club.

Shinobu Maeda, 7th Dan Kyoshi

Honorary Sensei

Shinobu Maeda Sensei held the rank of 7th dan, kyohi, and is the Head Instructor of Bartow High School Kendo Club and Summerline Kendo Club. From 1995 to 1999, and 2001-present.

He has been a member of the boards for the Southeastern US Kendo Federation.. Maeda Sensei participated in the All U.S. Kendo Championships five times, and was elected to the board of the All United States Kendo Federation during 2006-Present.

Southeastern US. Kendo Federation (President : 2003-2004, 2012-2013) (Vice-president : 1995-1999, 2001-2002, 2005-Present)

All United States Kendo Federation (Board of Directors 2006 - Present).

President of All United States Kendo Federation, 2022-2023

He also shinpan(referee) at 16th World Kendo Championship, 2015

Roberto Someya, 7 dan Kyoshi

Honorary Sensei

7 Dan Kyoshi
Someya Sensei is known for his long-standing contributions to international kendo development both as a competitor and as a coach.
He represented Brazil in multiple World Kendo Championships (WKC), beginning with the 4th WKC in Japan in 1979. Throughout his competitive career, he earned significant achievements, including silver medals at the 5th WKC in Brazil (1982) and the 6th WKC in France (1985), as well as a bronze medal at the 10th WKC in Japan (1997). In 1991, at the 8th WKC in Canada, he was recognized with the Fighting Spirit Award (Kantosho).
As a coach, Someya Sensei’s leadership, teams from the United States earned silver and bronze medals at the 11th WKC in 2000. He later guided teams to additional bronze medal finishes at the 14th WKC in Brazil (2009) and the 15th WKC in Italy (2012), particularly contributing to the success of the women’s team.