Reccomendations and Testimonials

for Yama Oroshi Iaido Dojo

                                                                               November 27, 2005

To Whom it May Concern,

As the most senior representative of the Yamaguchi school of Eishin-Ryu Iaido in North America, and Co-Director of the Iaido Division of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, I strongly encourage all those interested in pursuing Japanese swordsmanship in the Salt Lake City area to seek out Sensei Max Roach.

Sensei Roach teaches iaido and aikido at the Yama Oroshi Dojo, a beautiful training hall with a warm, introspective, and inspirational atmosphere. He is also the Chief Instructor of the Aikido program at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.

Sensei Roach is uniquely qualified among North American instructors to convey both the technical and internal aspects of the traditional Japanese arts.  His approach to iaido focuses on strict adherence to etiquette, careful attention to the physical checkpoints, and deep consideration of the spiritual aspects.

He has trained directly with many important figures in the traditional martial arts, including Ochiai Tadao, Hanshi 10th Dan in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido, and Tsutsui Shinji, Kyoshi 7th Dan in Aikido. He brings both a youthful energy and a deep understanding to his teaching and study of the arts.

The quality of Sensei Roach’s students is a testament to his skill as an instructor.  My first hand contact with the iaidoka at Yama Oroshi Dojo has shown that they are polite, skilled, and tireless in their efforts to master iaido.  Moreover, Sensei Roach teaches with an egalitarianism that is rare among martial arts instructors, and has become close friends with many of his students.  In my experience, you are unlikely to find a better iaido instructor in the inter-mountain West.

Sincerely,

Nicklaus Suino

6th Dan, Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido

Co-Director, Iaido Division, SMAA

Author of:

           - Art of Japanese Swordsmanship

           - Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship

           - Arts of Strength, Arts of Serenity

          - Budo Mind and Body: Training Secrets of the Japanese Martial Arts

To Whom It May Concern,

I have been a student of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido for three years. My Sensei, Michael Cimino-Hurt, holds a Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in MJER.  My Sensei has given me approval to train at Yama Oroshi with Max Roach Sensei.  Roach Sensei, of the Yama Oroshi Dojo has offered me instruction while honoring the lineage from which I have studied.

I have studied with Roach Sensei and with members of the Yama Oroshi Dojo on several occasions. During one such trip I tested for my Shodan rank with Nicklaus Suino Sensei.  I worked with Roach Sensei in final preparation for my examination.  My experiences at Yama Oroshi have been first rate. Both the teaching and the students are sincere and dedicated. The atmosphere at Yama Oroshi is warm and supportive, while being extremely rigorous as well.

Roach Sensei provides instruction that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of Iaido. The environment at the dojo is also beautiful and adds an element of deep spirituality too. The shomen is a powerful presence at the front of the dojo. The structure is filled with light and has a strong natural energy that is evident from entering. The meticulous care taken of the padded floor and wood speaks to the level of sincerity and attention to detail that imbues all of the efforts taken there. There is a type of friendliness in the dojo amongst the students, which I find very conducive to learning traditional budo. I travel to SLC regularly and make every effort to come to the dojo when I am in town. I highly recommend the teaching of and learning experience within Roach Sensei's Yama Oroshi Dojo.

Sincerely,

Peter Robbins, MD

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry

The Child & Family Counseling Group, P.L.C.

To Whom it May Concern,

Max Roach Sensei has been a guest instructor, on a number of occasions, at our Utah headquarters.  He taught numerous sword, bokken, and aikido techniques to our students.  In addition to this, he has been a personal instructor to my wife and me in the art of classical iaido.

As martial arts instructors, we are often reluctant to bring in outside instructors.  However, Roach Sensei has been very respectful towards our school, students, staff, and to me.  He does not teach with arrogance, rather confidence and mutual respect.  He recognizes the class’ level of skill and immediately adapts his lessons accordingly.  His knowledge of his arts is always superb.

I consider Max Roach a fine example to those of us in the martial arts and to those interested in traditional Japanese budo.  I consider him a good and loyal friend.  I am proud to support him in all his endeavors and can recommend him in any course of action.

Sincerely,

Master David G. Pierce

Bushi Ban International