A Samurai Art of yesteryear... ...Still taught today
What is Shinkendo?
Shinkendo is a style of Japanese swordsmanship based on realistic, practical strategy and gradually, but solidly built technique. Founded by Toshishiro Obata, a martial practioner who's skill is the result of many years of training and teaching experience, the study of Shinkendo is divided into five main areas: kata, suburi, tachiuchi, battoho, and tameshigiri.
Kata is the study of forms
Suburi are solo exercises
Tachiuchi involves practicing with a partner
Battoho are drawing techniques
Tameshigiri involves test cutting
Other areas of study include sword safety, sword etiquette, the history of the Japanese sword, the samurai, and other sword-related subjects. Shinkendo teaches a person to use a sword safely and effectively. Test cutting enables a student to learn the proper handgrip,correct cutting angles, proper stances, and the correct combative engagement distance. Normally, straw matting-type materal and bamboo are used as targets. Since a real sword is used, Shinkendo must be studied and practiced carefully and seriously. At first, bokken (wooden swords) are used in training, while later an iaito (sword without an edge) is utilized. After that, a student moves on to using a shinken (real sword).
It is important to note that no Shinkendo practitioner has ever been injured while using a live blade. This is because Shinkendo is taught as a step-by-step method, always stressing safety in handling of a weapon, from the bokken through a live blade.
Shinkendo, seeks to preserve bushido, "the way of the warrior," in its techniques, power and effectiveness.
For further information in Arizona Contact one of the schools listed below. Outside Arizona check the directory on the Shinkendo Honbu Page
Kata is the study of forms
