Samurai Sword Soul

Koji Nishiyama was born and raised in Nagoya, Japan. After completing his civil engineering degree, he decided to pursue his long time passion – acting. He came to New Yorin in 2009 where he graduated from New York Film Academy acting program. He then joined Samurai Sword Soul theater company where he trained in sword fighting. He has been working and performing with them ever since. Koiji is not a stranger to dramatic, action and comedic roles. Theatre credits include She-Wolf, Assassin, The Wrestler, Red Bull and The Infinite Spirits. Film credits include Bounty Warz, Vampire Hunter, Afro Samurai, Chase and Wax Museum. Koji’s hunger for new knowledge and experiences encorages him to continuously advance in his acting career.

Sandy Chase went from studying mechanical engineering to touring the world as a professional modern dancer, performing with both MOMIX and Pilobolus. He helped start Sal Anthony’s Movement Salon in 1998, and was certified in Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® by Juliu Horvath. Along the way, he studied Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, earning a second degree black belt, while cross training and competing in Judo. He began training and performing with Samurai Sword Soul in 2010. In his latest incarnation, Sandy is a cinematographer and media producer, working in TV and independent film. He has produced or collaborated with SSS on several exciting film projects. Check out the latest projects at FluidFilm.com

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Saori Goda was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. In 2009, Saori moved to NY and brushed up on her acting skills at HB studio and Stella Adler. Her TV debut was as Janet Fujimoto on Travel Channel which led to a number of roles in the following years, including Love Your Selfie (NBC), Related Parts’ film A Man Full Of Days, Global Film Network Inc’s  film Cocktail Party and Disney Vacation Club Video. Besides, Goda has been appearing on NHK’s North America Cable’s TV Japan Club, has hosted at Carnegie Hall, Cherry Blossom Festivals at BBG and in DC, and also has done voice works for Apple, NFL, Panasonic etc. 

Please visit www.saorigoda.com

Driven by a deep interest in mixed martial arts, fantasy (especially Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series), sci-fi (Star Wars) and classical and medieval history Dom began training Waki Style Tate under the direction of Yoshi Amao in October 2012. He quickly immersed himself in Japanese swordsmanship and began studying Shinkendo (traditional Japanese swordsmanship) at Modern Samurai Dojo under the direction of Sensei Lou D’Agostino in June 2013.After nearly a year and a half of training Dom made his debut with Samurai Sword Soul in March 2014. Dom’s strong motivation and desire to learn continues to drive him in his study of stage and traditional Japanese swordsmanship.

Masaya Okubo started his acting career in 2006 in Tokyo. He began as an assistant/apprentice for the renowned Japanese actor, Masachika Ichimura. During his four year tenure, Masaya made numerous appearances in TV dramas with Mr. Ichimura, as well as in the Japanese language adaptation of the musical Sweeney Todd (2011 and 2013).

Masaya moved to the United States in 2015 and is now based in New York. He has continued his training at HB Studios studying the Uta Hagen Acting Technique, while also garnering regular appearances in TV, film and theater.

Masaya is currently a featured performer in Samurai performance group, Samurai Sword Soul, performing at the Brooklyn Sakura Matsuri as well as many other festivals and events all over the United States.

Online and print Japanese language media have dubbed him a "Chameleon Actor" because of his ability to completely inhabit the roles he plays.

He has also worked as a judge in international Japanese film festivals.

Website : https://www.masaya.website/

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Kenny Fong was born in New Jersey. He studies Hung Ga Kung fu under his father, Sifu Bill Fong. He has deep interests in cooking, martial arts as well as acting. When he is not working, he cooks food or he trains his fighting technique. He currently attends the East Brunswick high school as a student. Kenny studies under Yoshi Amao with the Samurai Sword Soul sword fighting. He is motivated to learn more and immerse himself with the knowledge of acting and the arts of fighting.

George grew up in Rockland County, New York, and moved into the city after receiving his degree in fine arts. He first saw Samurai Sword Soul perform in 2012 Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Two years later, he began studying under Yoshi Amao. He made his stage debut in 2018, and looks forward to future performances. George also practices Shanxi Seven Star Praying Mantis under Master Longfei Yang, and has been studying the style since 2015. When he's not practicing martial arts, George teaches high school history and English, coaches debate, and works on writing and game design projects. He continues to commit himself to both teaching and learning.