Shinn Taniguchi started Kendo at the age of 9 with Memphis Kendo, reaching the rank of 4.dan by 27. He is a fierce competitor, being a regular fixture in the Senpo (first) position of the Memphis Kendo 5-man Team for the past several years. In his youth, he was the Southeast U.S. Kendo Federation Champion on multiple occasions, and he was selected to the All-Southeast U.S. Kendo Federation Team as both an individual competitor and 5-man team member at the All-US Junior National Kendo Championships.
A graduate of Christian Brothers University, Shinn holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and works as a Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineer for HNA Engineering.