Sachiko Yamauchi (Prough) Sensei (1959–2012) was a fierce and passionate practitioner whose life was deeply shaped by the art of Naginata. Her journey began in 1971 as a young student at the Naginata Club of Matsuyama Shinonome Junior High School on Shikoku, Japan. By the age of 16, she had already achieved the rank of Shodan, and in 1996, she became the youngest person at that time to be promoted to Kyoshi — a senior instructor rank that spoke to her skill, dedication and years of tireless training.
As a competitor, Yamauchi Sensei was bold and fearless. Her tournament record was remarkable: she claimed national titles as a high school student, university athlete, and adult competitor. But she wasn’t just a champion on the floor — she also gave back to the community through leadership roles in the Matsuyama City Sports Association, the Ehime Naginata Federation, the All Japan College Naginata Federation and more.
In 1999, she moved to the United States and married John Prough, an Iaido instructor and founder of the Japanese Swordsmanship Society. Together, they shared a life immersed in budo. In addition to continuing her own Naginata practice, she earned the rank of Yondan in Iaido while living in the U.S.
Yamauchi Sensei quickly became one of the driving forces behind the growth of Naginata in America, particularly the east coast. She founded Nichibukan Naginata (her home dojo) in New Jersey and New York and was a frequent guest instructor at seminars across the country and abroad. Her impact was deeply felt at places like Mount Holyoke College and Kearny High School, where she led and mentored young practitioners. She also helped nurture early naginata communities in Canada through the East Coast Naginata Federation (ECNF).
From March 2008 to January 2012, she served as president of the United States Naginata Federation, guiding with the same integrity she brought to the dojo.
Known for her firm, no-nonsense demeanor, Yamauchi Sensei also had a deep belief in the transformative power of training. With every bow, every strike, she called them to be present. To move with intention. To train with heart. To adhere to reiho. To her, martial arts was not a hobby but a way of life.
Tragically, she passed away on January 5, 2012, just days after suffering a sudden aneurysm on New Year’s Day. She was 52. Her passing left a profound void in the martial arts community.
Yamauchi Sensei is remembered as a devoted teacher, a trailblazer, and a guiding light for many. Her legacy lives on through the students she trained — some of whom now carry on her teachings as instructors and mentors themselves.
She was predeceased by her father, Moriaki Yamauchi, and followed a year later by her husband, John Prough (d. 2013). She is survived by her mother Chieko Yamauchi, sister Miwa Shigematsu and the extended family of martial artists she inspired across two continents.