Paul Martin

Paul Martin, World-leading Japanese Sword Expert. Paul Martin, a former curator of Japanese swords at the British Museum in London, is now one of the foremost non-Japanese specialists on Japanese swords (nihonto). He has played a pivotal role in opening up the world of Japanese swords to international audiences through his social media efforts; TV appearances; regular talks, both in Japan and abroad. As well as being a government-acknowledged expert in his field, he has provided translations for all of the major sword organizations in Japan; is a trustee of The Foundation of Japanese Sword Culture for the Purpose of Public Interest (NBSK): and is the first Samurai Spirit Tourism ambassador for the Tohoku region. He has appeared in may documentaries on Japanese swords around the world; produced award-winning documentaries, and produced/translated many books and texts for exhibitions at major institutions in Japan and abroad. He is also a high-level rank holder in both the martial arts of Iaido (drawing and cutting with a sword), and Kendo (Japanese fencing). He was also a former three time all England Karate Champion (U65 kg) and England International.