Our Team

Sandy Ghodgaonkar

Owner, Eikobudogu USA

Sandy was born in Baltimore and raised in Tokyo, where he began practicing Kendo at the age of 8. After graduating from the International Budo University (IBU) with a major in Kendo, Sandy relocated to the United States to become a part of Team USA. Sandy has since competed in multiple All United States and World Kendo Championships. Sandy currently holds the rank of Renshi 7-Dan, and continues to practice regularly at the Gardena Kendo Club in Southern California.

With over a decade of experience in the Budogu industry, Sandy established Eikobudogu USA in 2010. Sandy is committed to providing access to the absolute best in Kendo equipment to his friends, teammates, and Kendoka of all levels across North America.

Nathan Gallinger
Marketing and Sales, Eikobudogu USA

Born and raised 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 4-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, where he was given the opportunity to practice Kendo while studying Budogu under some of the finest craftsmen in the country. He is dedicated to learning everything there is to know about Budogu, and extending his knowledge through world class customer service.

Toshiharu Madokoro
CEO, Eikobudogu

Toshiharu currently resides in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He began his lifelong Kendo journey at the age of ___, and currently holds the rank of _____ 7-Dan. He continues to practice at local Dojos while competing in high ranking tournaments with the Eikobudogu team. Both Kendo and the Budogu industry had always been a significant part of Toshiharu’s life. The ownership of Eikobudogu was passed down to Toshiharu by his father in ____.

Toshiharu is committed to increasing the Kendo population by making top quality products available to all. Toshiharu aims to provide only equipment that he is confident that Kendoka will love. He continually strives to improve the product line of Eikobudogu, providing the best available craftsmanship and equipment to Kendoka around the world.