Sword Forum Bugei

I was wonding if anyone knows anything about shinkendo, there is a dojo close to where i live and im curious about the art and how it realates to other JSA. Any light anyone could shed would be really appreciated.



Jason Barbere

Being internet savy, I'm sure you've found www.shinkendo.com. It is a creation of Toshishiro Obata. I can't tell you much more than what you'll find on that website, however I can tell you that people tend to either love or hate Shinkendo. Not much middle ground from what I've experienced. I know that Obata Sensei is one heck of a cutter, so his training must work to some degree.

I would encourage you to check it out, especially if nothing else is available in your area. Training under an instructor is necessary to learn, and there are definitely much worse schools of practice than Shinkendo.

i have just started training with my first sensei in 6 years, although I went through hell to acomplish this, if you read my post on the general announcements part of the forum youll see the particulars, i trained for two years 6 years ago and had to give it up due to various things, training in shinkendo would have been much more of a normal route than what im doing now, but i have several problems with shinkendo, the art to me almost seems like a religion worshiping its founder Toshishiro Obata, while searching hard for particulars about the art i would find constant repetitive information on obata sensei, I certainly agree with your love hate point, I visited a class and did some research and nearly everyone i find who practice shinkendo love it to the point of disdain for other arts and revere obata sensei with an almost religious vigor, while many others ive spoken to who do not prcatice shinkendo but know of it see it as way to rigid in its methods of teaching and again, near worship of obata sensei. shinkendo ii seems isnt for me, but i certainly like to have all the information i can when making choices. Just began katori shinto ryu-iaijutsu and this however is for me, this is something i see as a lifelong commitment and i am extremely happy with my choice


jason barbere

For me, Katori Shinto Ryu would be a better choice. Since getting involved with a Koryu, the knowledge, along with the living history it represents, is something that is not easily found. I have heard many stories about Obata Sensei, and while I have no doubt about his martial prowess, I do question his motives. The "worship" of him drives me nuts. From people I know who have had direct run-ins with him, his ego has gotten out of control. However, I'm not here to judge. I know it isn't for me, but I'm not here to tell other people it isn't for them.

I don't know if travel is an option for you, but there is a Tai Kai in October in Bakersfield CA, where I'm sure you could meet some good people. Here's a link to more info: http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread ... ost1088272

David,
Really, thank you so much for all of your responses and information, its all really helpful to me, i feel that no matter what art that is personally trained in that it only benefits to aquire as much information as possible. I try to apply that philosophy to all areas of my life, there is nothing in my opinion that isnt worth knowing, especially when it pertains to something you are passionate about, I truly wish more people sought knowledge and information with some vigor, i feel like most people disregard to much of the world and wind up missing out on some amazing things. But back to your question of travel, oh yes, I will certainly be traveling all over , as much as i can, i come from a very privleged family and that allows me the time to focus on what interests me in life, so ill certainly be at the Tai Kai(s) and many seminars, will certainly be traveling to japan at least once in the next 6 months to train in my sensei's dojo and just to experience a country i havent visited in a long time after finding a renewed appreciation for things japanese.


Jason Barbere

Glad to hear it. Robin's event should be pretty good. If I hadn't just gotten back from Alvarez Sensei's gasshuku, I would be heading out myself. Unfortunately, I don't have quite the freedom to travel as others. Good luck in your quest for knowledge. It's out there for those who seek it, sometimes it just takes more work than some people are willing to put in. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions you don't want to post in open forum. Best wishes in your training.