shinkendo

SHINKENDO OF Huntsville – Madison

JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP

Shinkendo (真剣道) is a comprehensive system of Japanese swordsmanship founded by master swordsman Toshishiro Obata.  Shinkendo balances fluid movement with accuracy, power, and speed to develop practical skills with the sword.  Shinkendo offers a well-rounded and cohesive curriculum with training divided into five separate areas of practice

Suburi (素振り) – sword swinging and body movement exercises

Battoho (抜刀法) – sword drawing methods

Tanrengata (鍛錬型) – solo forms

Tachiuchi (太刀打ち) – partnered training

Tameshigiri (試し切り) – test cutting with a live blade

Toyama Ryu Battodo (戸山流抜刀道), a system of swordsmanship once used by the Japanese military, is also taught as an adjunct to the Shinkendo curriculum.

The practice of Shinkendo requires rigorous physical training, depth of coordination, and intense focus.  But perhaps the most important aspect of Shinkendo training is attaining an understanding of the warrior spirit (bushi damashi), which is as relevant today as it was in the past.

The Huntsville-Madison Shibu (branch school) is a fully licensed dojo, operated by Shibucho (branch chief) Kevin Swanner. He holds an instructor’s license of Shoden Renshi from the International Shinkendo Federation. Training will be held at the Quiet Storm Dojo. Joint training opportunities will be available at the USA Martial Arts Bluff Park Dojo in Birmingham, Alabama, with Michael Philpott Sensei.

The Birmingham Shinkendo shibu (branch) was one of the earliest branch schools authorized by Toshishiro Obata.  Started by Hanshi Paul Couch and Shihan Yumiko Matsuoka in 1988, it remains the oldest Shinkendo branch in the Southeastern United States. For more information about Shinkendo and Toshishiro Obata, please visit the International Shinkendo Federation’s website.

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