Thursdays 8pm  
Saturdays 11:30am

(Immediately following Adult Karate class)

"Shin (True) - Ken (Sword) - Do (Way)" is a comprehensive system of Japanese swordsmanship.

• Suburi (sword swinging drills)
• Tanrengata (solo forms)
• Battoho (combative drawing and cutting methods)
• Tachiuchi (sparring)
• Tameshigiri/Shizan (cutting straw and bamboo targets)

Students typically train using a Bokuto (wooden sword), and later advance to training with Iaito (or mogito, non-sharpened sword) and finally Shinken, or 'live blade'.

At more advanced levels, the student begins to test their acquired skills through test cutting practice on tatami omote makiwara (rolled up tatami mats, previously soaked in water), and eventually Nihondake (Japanese bamboo).

While Shinkendo requires rigorous physical training, depth of coordination, and intense focus, one of the most important aspects of Shinkendo is the emphasis on spiritual forging, which inspires "Bushi Damashii" (the Samurai/ warrior spirit), a quality that we feel is as relevant now as it was hundreds of years ago. Proper practice of Shinkendo should provide one with not only a strong body and mind, but also a calm, clear and focused spirit.

Previous martial arts experience is NOT required.

>> For more information

Obata-Kaiso

The Shinkendo World Headquarters is in Los Angeles, CA, USA.  www.shinkendo.com

The Shinkendo New York main branch is in Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY - www.shinkendonewyork.com

Videos

Tameshigiri Shizan by Lou D'Agostino, Shibucho - Shinkendo New York

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEFz3x-DWlk

More Tameshigiri and Tachiuchi by Lou D'Agostino with Michael Mason, Instructor, Brooklyn Dojo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrxUraScnk4

Shinkendo Videos featuring Obata-Kaiso and Honbu students 

http://www.youtube.com/shinkendotube