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Shinkendo, "The Way of the Real Sword."
What is Shinkendo?
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| Toshishiro Obata, Founder of Shinkendo |
Shinkendo emphasizes very traditional and effective swordsmanship, which with serious training,
leads to both practical ability as well as an understanding of classical martial arts. Shinkendo is steeped in the traditions
of the samurai, in such ways as strategy, physical training, and proper bushido etiquette and philosophy. The
most important aspect of any samurai warrior's education was that of swordsmanship. Shinkendo is a comprehensive reunification
of what a Japanese Samurai once practiced and depended upon, and is an amalgamation of several styles of Japanese sword that
were forced to evolve and splinter over time. Unified, Shinkendo is a historically accurate and comprehensive style
of feudal Japanese swordsmanship.
Sword training includes Suburi (sword swinging drills), Battoho (simultanious sword drawing and cutting),
Tanren Kata (forms practiced alone, that simulate combat), Tachiuchi (sparring) and Tameshigiri (the cutting of straw and
bamboo targets) Training always begins by using a Bokken (wooden training sword) and later advances the the level of learning
to use a Shinken, or "live Blade". At more advanced levels, the student begins to practice cutting Makiwara
(rolled-up tatami mats, previously soaked in water), and eventually Bamboo. Shinkendo requires rigorous physical
training, depth of coordination, and intense focus - but the most important aspect of shinkendo is
the emphasis on spiritual understanding, which fosters a Warrior spirit, and is relevant now as it was hundreds of years ago.
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| Barry Burtt, Chief Instructor at Aikido of Mariposa |
Shinkendo will help build a strong body, and a calm, clear and focused spirit. We are an authorized
Shikendo Dojo affiliated with the International Shinkendo Federation. The Founder and Soke (Headmaster)
Toshishiro Obata Sensei certifies all Shinkendo rank certificates at this Dojo.
*For the new Shinkendo student no equipment is required to start your training. Just wear something loose and comfortable.
It's not the destination, it's about the journey.