Board Leadership - Trustees, Emeritus Trustees, and Advisors


Board of Trustees


The Kokusai Iaido Hozen Kyokai is registered with the state of Iowa and recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization. Per state and federal law, the KIHK does not exist to generate a profit for owners, investors, or members. Its sole purpose is to preserve and promote the study of and communities that teach iaido with legitimate Japanese instructional lineages.


The Board of Trustees sets broad policy, serves as fiduciaries, and ensures the organization operates under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal nonprofit laws.


Committees work to address ongoing operational matters and make recommendations to the Board of trustees, which are then voted upon to make decisions collaboratively. No individual trustee speaks on behalf of the organization or holds any institutional authority, except as approved by the Board. Instead, the voting process determines Board communication — and the vote itself is the ultimate authority.

Advisors and emeritus trustees receive all agendas and are welcome to attend Board meetings, offering their perspectives and advice in advance of any vote. They may also serve as advisors on matters of particular importance.


Trustees

  • (President) Andrej Diamanstein, California USA, Iaido 7th Dan, Kyoshi

  • (Vice President) Isaac Pryka, California USA, Iaido 6th Dan, Renshi

  • (Secretary) Gregory Lemieux, California USA, Iaido 3rd Dan

  • (Treasurer) Joseph Townsend, California USA, Iaido 3rd Dan

  • Neal Estrella, Ecuador, Iaido 2nd Dan


Advisors

  • Philippe Sabatier, France, Iaido 7th Dan, Kyoshi