Todd Schlafer

First Branch Bonsai is located in Lakewood, Colorado and is run by Todd Schlafer. When Todd began to become obsessed with bonsai, he sought out one of the best teachers in the United States which landed him with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai. Todd began going to Mirai in 2012. He continues to travel to Mirai to work with Ryan and further his education. Todd’s goal is to teach and educate students at the highest level possible without cutting corners. He keeps everyone at a high standard. He wants to promote bonsai, to think outside of the box and to collaborate with others to reach encouraging and stimulating outcomes. His intention is to move each student’s practice forward and help them discover and become aware of their own unique style.

Hugo Zamora Luna

Hugo Zamora Luna’s first experience in the world of bonsai was through a basic bonsai course at the age of 16. Hugo has since been involved in bonsai for over 24 years. In 2000, he started giving demonstrations and presentations at the local congresses in Mexico City. Not long after, he started working at different places around the countryside. Hugo has been teaching courses since 2001 and was the Mexican Bonsai Federation Didactic and teaching leader for 6 years. Hugo studied in Tokyo with Japanese Bonsai Master Kunio Kobayashi, one of the most respected Masters in the world. He completed his apprenticeship in 2015. Hugo has continued to travel back to Japan for several months at a time to work at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and meet with Mr. Kobayashi on a regular basis. This has allowed Hugo to continue to practice the art of bonsai at the highest level.

Will Baddeley’s first tree came from a petrol station back in 1997. It didn't survive long. However, in the meantime, he bought a book by Colin Lewis and was hooked by the idea of using native trees to make bonsai. He then went about collecting as many different species of trees as possible, bought as many books as he could afford and joined a local club. In 2001, his club entered him in the New Talent Competition. Will won the UK heats and represented his country in Trevarez, France in 2002 and came in third. Will is self-taught if there is such a thing. Observant and committed would be another way of putting it as he soaks up information like a sponge. Will’s main influences have come from the likes of Colin Lewis and his passion for native trees and in particular, Ulmus minor. Will was also influenced by Kevin Willson and his work with wild material and deadwood work with power tools.

Will Baddeley’s first tree came from a petrol station back in 1997. It didn't survive long. However, in the meantime, he bought a book by Colin Lewis and was hooked by the idea of using native trees to make bonsai. He then went about collecting as many different species of trees as possible, bought as many books as he could afford and joined a local club. In 2001, his club entered him in the New Talent Competition. Will won the UK heats and represented his country in Trevarez, France in 2002 and came in third. Will is self-taught if there is such a thing. Observant and committed would be another way of putting it as he soaks up information like a sponge. Will’s main influences have come from the likes of Colin Lewis and his passion for native trees and in particular, Ulmus minor. Will was also influenced by Kevin Willson and his work with wild material and deadwood work with power tools.

Todd Schlafer

First Branch Bonsai is located in Lakewood, Colorado and is run by Todd Schlafer. When Todd began to become obsessed with bonsai, he sought out one of the best teachers in the United States which landed him with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai. Todd began going to Mirai in 2012. He continues to travel to Mirai to work with Ryan and further his education. Todd’s goal is to teach and educate students at the highest level possible without cutting corners. He keeps everyone at a high standard. He wants to promote bonsai, to think outside of the box and to collaborate with others to reach encouraging and stimulating outcomes. His intention is to move each student’s practice forward and help them discover and become aware of their own unique style.

Hugo Zamora Luna

Hugo Zamora Luna’s first experience in the world of bonsai was through a basic bonsai course at the age of 16. Hugo has since been involved in bonsai for over 24 years. In 2000, he started giving demonstrations and presentations at the local congresses in Mexico City. Not long after, he started working at different places around the countryside. Hugo has been teaching courses since 2001 and was the Mexican Bonsai Federation Didactic and teaching leader for 6 years. Hugo studied in Tokyo with Japanese Bonsai Master Kunio Kobayashi, one of the most respected Masters in the world. He completed his apprenticeship in 2015. Hugo has continued to travel back to Japan for several months at a time to work at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and meet with Mr. Kobayashi on a regular basis. This has allowed Hugo to continue to practice the art of bonsai at the highest level.