The CA Budogu Team

What makes California Budogu unique? We’re not just another Bogu shop - we’re a passionate team of Kendoka who practice regularly and truly appreciate the equipment that we offer. With team members spread across the United States, as well as South America and Asia, we're here to assist you with all your Kendo-related needs. Our dedication to Kendo and our commitment to quality ensure that you receive the best products and support possible!

About the Owner

Growing up in Southern California, Nathan discovered his love for Kendo at the age of 13. Nathan continues to practice Kendo regularly at Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo in Southern California, and currently holds the rank of 5-Dan. He is also both a founder and instructor at the University of California, Irvine’s Kendo club.

After graduating from UCI, Nathan spent years in Japan, and was given the opportunity to practice Kendo while studying Budogu under some of the finest craftsmen in the country. He has worked directly with and maintained relationships with some of Japan's most renowned Kendo suppliers - including the Kendogu Workshop of Japan, Zennihon Budogu, Eikobudogu, and more. Dedicated to learning everything there is to know about Budogu, he hopes to extend his knowledge through world class customer service. 

About the California Budogu Team

Patrick Lam
World’s Best Kohai
Kendo 5-Kyu, Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo (California)

Patrick began his Kendo journey at the University of California, Irvine under Nathan. Patrick has helped provide top quality Kendo equipment for the community, attending numerous events across California and beyond as a vendor. Despite having just five years of Kendo experience, he’s already been to Kendo events across the country, as well as the 19th World Kendo Championships in Italy. Stop by our booth at the next event to discover why Patrick is truly the world’s best Kohai!

Vishwaas Gangeddula
World’s Best Budogu Designer
Kendo 1-Dan, Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo (California)

Vishwaas started Kendo at the University of Michigan and has gained recognition as a traveling Kendoka, participating in events all across North America, including the AUSKF Nationals. Along with his role as a vendor, Vishwaas specializes in custom Bogu design and embroidery. From creating intricate Mune designs to collaborating with our customers on one-of-a-kind Bogu pieces, his unique pieces of work stand out in the Kendo world. If you’ve seen a unique Mune on a California Budogu set, chances are Vishwaas was behind it!

Shamina Chang
World’s Best Merch Designer
Kendo 5-Dan, Houston Kenshikan (Texas)

Shamina, owner of Kenshimerch, is not only the Vice President of the Southern United States Kendo and Iaido Federation but was also one of the coaches for Team Peru at the 2024 World Kendo Championships. As a creative force behind some of California Budogu’s most fun items—keychains, stickers, and T-shirts— much of Shamina’s work is available only at in-person events. If you've grabbed any of our awesome Kendo swag, chances are it was made by her!

Aydee Trujillo
World’s Best Saleswoman – South America
Kendo 2-Dan, Renshinjuku (Ecuador)

Aydee, based in Ecuador, represented the Peruvian National Team at the 19th World Kendo Championships in Italy. Since meeting Nathan at the 6th Latin American Championships in Lima, Peru, she has become an invaluable part of California Budogu, playing a key role in delivering top-quality Kendo equipment across South America. Aydee’s vibrant personality and expertise make her the go-to person for any Bogu inquiries in the region! 

Xian Fan
World’s Best Saleswoman – Caribbean
Kendo 1-Dan, Houston Kenshikan (Puerto Rico)

As a member of the military, Fan has traveled extensively across the United States and is currently based in Puerto Rico, where she practices Kendo regularly. She has trained at Dojos from Texas to New York and has represented California Budogu as a vendor at international Kendo events with Nathan in both Canada and South America. With her incredibly positive spirit, Fan is always ready to assist you with any Budogu needs!

Yong Back
World’s Best Budogu Buddy
Kendo 4-Dan, Hampton Roads Kendo Dojo (Virginia)

Yong is one of California Budogu’s top competitors. He is the owner of another Bogu shop Hokubei Budogu… But don’t let that fool you - he’s also the world’s best Budogu buddy! As a friendly face in the Kendo community, Yong has helps represent California Budogu at events we cannot attend. Our collaboration allows us to offer some of the best selections and top-quality Kendo equipment in North America. With strong ties to leading Korean Budogu manufacturers, we regularly trust and recommend Yong for products that we can’t source ourselves. 

Sandy Ghodgaonkar
World’s Best Budogu Sensei
Kendo Kyoshi 7-Dan, Gardena Kendo Club (California)

Sandy is a former member of Team USA who has competed multiple times in the World Kendo Championships. With years of experience in the Budogu industry, he is the owner of Eikobudogu USA. Yes – another competitor. And yes - another exceptional source for high-quality Bogu. Nathan has known Sandy for nearly two decades, and together they collaborate often to bring you the best in Kendo gear. In addition to selling his own products, Sandy also helps supply California Budogu products to the local market, making him an invaluable partner on the California Budogu team.

Eri Watanabe
World’s Best Budogu Supplier
Kendo Kyoshi 7-Dan, Saitama (Japan)

Behind the scenes, Eri, manager of Budogu Watoku in Tokyo, tirelessly works to fulfill all the unique requests we receive at California Budogu. If there's something Budogu-related that we don’t know about, Eri is the one who will find it for you. While we have direct relationships with several manufacturers, Eri acts as a distributor - ensuring we can access anything our manufacturers might not be able to provide. With decades of experience in the Budogu industry, she has become an essential part of California Budogu’s supply chain. Plus, she's just a genuinely friendly person if you ever have the chance to visit her in Tokyo!