Alex Bennett has two doctoral degrees in Japanese literature and history from Kyoto University and the University of Canterbury (NZ). He is a professor in Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He is Vice President of the International Naginata Federation, International Committee Member of the All Japan Kendo Federation, Director of the Japanese Academy of Budo, and he is Head Coach of the NZ Kendo national team. He co-founded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts--Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.