Norio Yasui sensei began practicing Kendo when he was 6 years old and has a total of 20+ years of experience. He currently holds 5th Dan.

He founded BKC (formerly known as Briarwood Kendo Club at Birmingham) in 2018, with the purpose of promoting Kendo and Japanese culture in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Apart from being a Kendo master, Yasui sensei holds a PhD degree in chemistry and is currently a scientist in the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Takayuki Imanaka sensei began practicing Kendo when he was 7 years old. He currently holds 4th Dan in Kendo with 20+ years of experience. 

Imanaka sensei joined BKC in April 2023. Besides being a Kendo master, Imanaka sensei is the Plant Coordinator of Hayashi Telempu North America Corp., an automotive interior part manufacturer in Jasper, AL.