Shinkendo was founded by Master Toshishiro Obata and is dedicated to the study of authentic Samurai Swordsmanship. The name, Shin (sincere, serious or truth) – Ken (sword) – Do (the way ) can be interpreted as meaning, "The way of the true sword."
Students learn the history and traditions of the Samurai and learn practical, real combat techniques passed down from centuries of battle-tested methods. Shinkendo is as much a philosophy as it is a form of martial art.
The 2010 update featuring the elements of the International Shinkendo Federation and Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai. A quick overview of the facets of solo, paired, and live-bladed sword techniques and aikido throws, arresting, and tanto techniques. Main shoot was shot within 3 hours. Special thanks to Toshishiro Obata Sensei and the Honbu (World Headquarters) Dojo in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. I trained with Obata Sensei for 8 years, and wanted to use the filming techniques I have been learning for the martial art I've been learning. Moving shots filmed with the Panasonic HMC150 mounted on a Steadicam Pilot. 2 Canon 7Ds with a Tamron 17-50 and Canon 70-200 2.8 were used in a tripod/handheld/slider combination.
Shinkendo offers a way to pursue truth with full sincerity, deep commitment, and to improve ourselves spiritually and physically. This should be one’s constant goal in life. Obata Kaiso teaches us, “Jin-Sei Shinkendo,” or “Life is Shinkendo.”
ACTIVITIES
Shinkendo is focused on the five core techniques that comprise a meaningful study of sword martial arts:
Suburi
Battoho
Tanrengata
Tachiuchi
Tameshigiri
Learn more about each in Shinkendo's "About" Page.