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, proper Bushido etiquette and philosophy.  The most important aspect of any samurai warrior's martial education was that of Swordsmanship.  Shinkendo is a comprehensive reunification of what the 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 an historically accurate and fully comprehensive style of swordsmanship as was once practiced in feudal Japan.

Sword training includes Suburi (sword swinging drills), Battoho (simultaneous sword drawing and cutting), Kata (forms practiced alone, that simulate combat), Tachiuchi (2 person sword forms) and Tameshigiri (the cutting of straw and bamboo targets). Training always begins using a Bokuto (wooden sword), and later advances to the level of learning to use a Shinken, or “live blade”. At more advanced levels, the student begins to practice cutting on makiwara (rolled up tatami mats, previously soaked in water), and eventually green bamboo. Shinkendo involves 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 as relevant now as it was hundreds of years ago.  Practicing Shinkendo will help build a strong body, and a calm, clear and focused spirit. We are an authorized Shinkendo dojo affiliated with the International Shinkendo Federation. Toshishiro Obata Sensei is Kaiso (founder) and Soke (headmaster) of Shinkendo oversees our training and conducts a yearly seminar at the dojo.