Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin studied shakuhachi in Kyoto, Japan, with Kurahashi Yodo Sensei. Upon returning to New York in 1978, Nyogetsu was awarded the rank of Shi-han (Master), for his efforts to spread the teaching of this instrument in America. In April 2001, he received a Koku-An Dai-Shihan (Grand Master, Ninth Level) and was given the name Reishin (Heart or Mind of the Bell), being the first non-Japanese to receive this high honor.