First photo: Grandmaster Sekiguchi Komei of Tokyo (above) demonstrates a maneuver while teaching his students at the Maui Okinawa Cultural Center in Paukukalo on Wednesday afternoon as Guy Junker looks on. Sekiguchi sensei is the 21st Grandmaster of Muso Jikinden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu and travels the world teaching students in 50 countries. Iaijutsu means “fast drawing of sword in defense” and is designed to teach students to try to diffuse conflict with little or no force. If attacked, retaliation can be light or harsh depending on how the opponent applies the attack. Negotiation is deemed a better way to resolve issues than fighting.

Second photo: Eddie Maiwa (right) and Robert Montgomery practice under the tutelage of Sekiguchi sensei Wednesday.

Third photo: Students Lyn Yamamoto (from foreground), Eddie Maiwa, Robert Montgomery and Guy Junker practice a sword-fighting technique.