Zitat von
Ellis Amdur
Unfortunately, the idea of a non-Japanese citizen at the head of a traditional Japanese martial art was offensive to the leaders of some other martial traditions, and in particular, the leadership of several koryū ‘umbrella organizations.’ Mrs. Tachiiri was instructed to communicate Sorensen sensei’s wishes to these organizations—this was her sole responsibility. Instead, she conspired with their respective leadership groups to have them recognize her as soke. Because of this, she was made hamon (expelled), and a public letter to this effect was sent to relevant koryū organizations. Notwithstanding, one prominent organization took it upon itself to declare her as soke of Toda-ha Bukō-ryū, something she now claims. In fact, no outside organization or individual, no matter how prestigious, has any authority to make such a declaration. This is only done by direct transmission, teacher to disciple.
Even more reprehensibly, she took out a trademark on the name, Toda-ha Bukō-ryū. This issue has been in various court proceedings for years, and has resulted in many other koryū taking out their own trademark so that their legacy is not stolen from them in a similar manner.
Perhaps some will take the position that this is an unimportant matter, and will say something like: “There are ‘two sides to every story.” However, as in this case, it is merely a matter of truth countering lies.
In short, Mrs. Tachiiri Hisayo is an individual with a rudimentary knowledge of Toda-ha Bukō-ryū, who was expelled from Toda-ha Bukō-ryū by her own instructor, because she betrayed our soke on his death bed.
—Ellis Amdur, Shihan, Toda-ha Bukō-ryū
December 8th, 2020 - Statement From Kent Sorensen, Toda-ha Bukō-ryū, Sokedairi