Patrick Register was the first kendo (and iaido) student in Memphis. He is the only current MKA member to have traveled to Japan to train directly with Memphis Kendo's 'grandfather,' Takaaki Nakahama-sensei (Kyoshi, 7.dan), prior to his death.
He is a 3-time selection to the All-Southeast U.S. Kendo Team, having competed at the All-U.S. Kendo Federation National Championships in 1996 (Cleveland) (Top-16 finisher of the Men's Individual Division), 1999 (Las Vegas), and 2020 (canceled due to COVID). In 2019, he was selected as a Shinpan for the All-US Kendo Junior National Championships. In 2023, he was selected as the Head Coach of the All-Southeast US Kendo Federation Junior Team.
Pat is a professional musician/singer/songwriter, having been on the Memphis music scene for many years with such bands as
Come In Berlin,
The Lost Boys, Voodoo Village, and
Justus Brothers. He is a regular fixture as a solo artist in many clubs and restaurants around Memphis and continues to tour with bands across the country. Pat regularly contributes to the music ministries of several local churches, and has toured and worked directly with such music legends as Al Jarreau, Al Green, Kirk Whalum, Rufus Thomas, Toto, and Survivor. His professional website is
http://www.patregister.com/
