Morgan Hooper began practicing kendo, Japanese fencing, when he was 13-years old. In 2002, he competed in the youth division of the All United States Kendo Federation national tournament, placing in the country’s Top 8. Since then, he has trained with several of the most recognized kendo practitioners within Japan and abroad, notably Keishicho - the practitioners of Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department.

In 2013, Hooper began his study of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu, a koryu, or classical martial art, and one of the oldest and premiere forms of Japanese swordsmanship still thriving to this day.

He is the founder of Enshinkan Kendo Dojo, School of Traditional Japanese Sword Arts, now celebrating its 10th anniversary of imparting the teachings and methodologies of the samurai to the Queens’ community, instructing both adults and youth. 

Hooper holds the ranks of godan (fifth degree black belt) in kendo, and shodan (first degree black belt) in iaijustu. He often travels to Japan for international seminars and demonstrations. 

With more than 25-years of assiduous study of Japanese sword arts, and Japanese culture and tradition, his training has had a significant influence on his approach to performance and writing. Whether acting or working on a new piece of creative writing, like the Japanese aesthetic, Hooper distills his creations to their essential nature. 

Fox5 Good Night New York - Enshinkan