Sensei Corella first started his martial arts training in Judo in September of 1961 and achieved the rank of 4th-Dan. His iaido training began in September of 1983 in Himeji, Japan. At his passing, he was a 4 dan in Araki Ryu Iaido.

Sensei Corella held a B.A. in Education and a Masters degree in Education Leadership. His minor was Japanese language and he also obtained an Asian Studies Certificate from Arizona State University.

Sensei Corella had lived in Japan and traveled back over 20 times to study Judo and Iaido. While in Japan he learned how to repair various parts of Japanese swords, including making scabbards, lacquering and wrapping handles. His hobbies included collecting Japanese antiques and bonsai.

Sensei Corella had been president of the Japan-America Society of Arizona for over 9 years and was active in many local and national Japanese organizations. He was also the first person to introduce Iaido to the state of Arizona in 1985.

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