We would like to take this moment to show our appreciation and to thank our beloved and respected teacher, Yoshiyuki Ota Sensei. For the past three months this dojo has had the privilege to be under the guiding, capable hand of Ota Sensei. He has graciously shared with us his seemingly unending knowledge of kendo, his compassionate leadership and his dedicated friendship. Whether in the dojo or in his living room, Ota Sensei has never ceased to challenge us and to lift us to a new level, a level in which we will strive to maintain and progress in his absence.

During his stay, Ota Sensei decided to focus on some key elements of kendo. Every Tuesday since his arrival he taught us kata. He said that he wanted our kata to be "perfect" no matter our rank. He personally corrected each kenshi's kamae, twisting and adjusting our hands, hips and bokkuto until we resembled his impenetrable stance. He took us step by step through each kata, explaining each one in intimate detail. Nothing was withheld. In kendo he pushed us to always give our best. "Step in and give your best strike as if you were saying, Here I am and this is my men-uchi!". He taught us to be proud yet showed us through example and in word that the most important element of kendo was in kenkyo - humility. He both pushed us and edified us during keiko. If we didn't give what he knew we could one would hear "NANI?", but as we increased our efforts he would yell out "YOSHI!" Each of us took something with us. Something we will never forget.

Ota Sensei is leaving now, going back to his home in Japan. But, we hope he always knows that he has a home in America as well. A home here in Georgia. And a dojo with faithful students. We will be practicing our kata, our kenkyo and struggling toward our goal to be a little more like him with each passing year. We await your return, Ota Sensei, we are your students, you are our sensei.