The Way of the Brush & the Sword Sacred Fist Karate International Ken To Fude No Ryu Kenshu Kai Karate Solly Said's Solly Said's Karate,Kickboxing & Gym
Ken To Fude No Ryu Kenshu Kai Karate International Karate, Kickboxing & Gym
The Way of the Brush & the Sword Sacred Fist Karate International Embracing the spirit of never quitting
SHINKENDO(真剣道, 眞劍道)

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Shinkendo (真剣道, 眞劍道) is a martial art that teaches the way of samurai swordsmanship. Literally, "Shin" can be translated as 'real', "ken" as 'sword', and "do" as 'way', thus-
 "Way of the Real Sword". Another way of interpreting the name is by the parts "Shinken" and "Do". "Shinken" by itself can literally mean 'real sword,' but a more colloquial Japanese meaning is 'seriousness' or 'earnestness', thus the other interpretation of the sword art's name is
"
Way of Earnesty".
Shinkendo was founded by
Toshishiro Obata (小幡 利城)

Mr. Obata joined the Tokyo Wakakoma (an elite group of martial artists, who serve as fight scene choreographers, actors and stuntmen for Japanese television and movies). Through the experience with the Tokyo Wakakoma and the martial arts connections made during this time, Mr. Obata was able to seriously study classical sword arts as well as other Budo (Japanese war arts) while concurrently developing skills as an action coordinator and actor. He was named Bushido Shihan of the Tate dojo (internal to the Wakakoma) and led instruction in Bajutsu (archery from horseback), Yoroi (the wearing of traditional clothing and armor), Yarijutsu (spear) and Naginata (Japanese halberd).

In 1980, Mr. Obata came to the USA to pursue the development of his career as an actor and stunt choreographer. After 10 years as the Soke (Chief Instructor) of the USA Toyama and Nakamura Ryu Battodo Federation, Mr. Obata redirected his efforts into developing the fundamentals of the sword art "Shinkendo" - a system based upon his vast experience, knowledge and historical research.

Shinkendo revolves around the structure of Gorin Goho Gogyo. Gorin Goho Gogyo are five equally balanced interacting rings that symbolize the five major methods of technical study. These include Suburi (sword swinging drills), Tanrengata (Solo forms), Battoho (combative drawing and cutting methods), Tachiuchi (sparring), and Tameshigiri/Shizan (cutting straw and bamboo targets).

Students of Shinkendo train with a Bokuto, which is a wooden sword. They advance to training with an Iaito or Mugito, a non-sharpened sword. Finally they use a Shinken, or a "live blade." At more advanced levels, the student may test his skill by test cutting practice on tatami omoto makiwara, which are rolled up tatami mats which were previously soaked in water. Eventually the student test cuts using Nihondake or Mosodake, Japanese or Chinese bamboo. Test cutting alone is not the ultimate goal. A full and complete integration of sword and practice and its concepts should be achieved before students touch a real sword.

 

Suburi
- Isolating and practicing the basics of ken sabaki (sword movement), tai sabaki (body movement), ashi sabaki (foot movement), and toho jussinho (the basic ten sword methods).

Tanrengata
- Solo forms simultaneously utilizing multiple aspects of suburi with complimentary movements.

Battoho
- Like tanrengata with an emphasis on powerful and efficient cuts from the draw. Drawing and sheathing is practiced in all directions.

Tachiuchi
- Paired sparring forms that develop the practitioner's coordination and ability to harmonize with an opponent. Specifically the practitioner develops awase (timing), maai (distance to target), hohaba (balance), rhythm, and kiai.

Tameshigiri/Shizan
- Test cutting with a live blade (a shinken). Typical target materials include tatami omote and bamboo (either Nihondake or Mosodake - - Japanese or Chinese Bamboo). Tameshigiri offers practical insight into principles such as hasuji (edge angles), tachisuji (sword swing-angles), and tenouchi (grip).

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