Kaijokan
A dojo dedicated to teaching traditional Japanese swordsmanship, Shinkendo. Kaijokan teaches how to use the Japanese sword effectively. Shinkendo combines practical ability with the strategy, etiquette, and philosophy of classical swordsmanship. To learn more, please scroll.
- 開Kaiopen, as the waves part
- 城Jocastle, the gate within
- 館Kanhall, where we train
Named by Shinkendo founder Toshishiro Obata Kaiso for the open sea around the Bay.
Traditional Japanese swordsmanship in the SF Bay Area
Kaijokan has been an official International Shinkendo Federation branch dojo since 2013.
The five elements of Shinkendo
Founded by Toshishiro Obata, Shinkendo rests on five elements. Practiced with sincerity, they combine into something greater than the sum of their parts.
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素振り
Suburi
Fundamental swingsThe basics in isolation: ken sabaki (sword movement), tai sabaki (body), ashi sabaki (footwork), and toho jussinho, the ten basic sword methods.
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鍛錬型
Tanrengata
Solo formsSolo forms that use several aspects of suburi together, joined by complementary movements.
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抜刀法
Battoho
Drawing and cuttingDrawing the sword and cutting in one motion, then chiburi and noto, returning the blade to the saya.
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太刀打ち
Tachiuchi
Paired formsPaired forms that develop coordination with a partner: awase (timing), maai (distance), hohaba (balance), rhythm, and kiai.
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試斬
Tameshigiri
Test cuttingCutting tatami omote or bamboo with a live blade, for practical insight into hasuji (edge angle), tachisuji (swing angle), and tenouchi (grip).
Paraphrased from Obata, T. (1999), Shinkendo: Japanese Swordsmanship, International Shinkendo Federation, p. 29.
Raheem Syed
Studying Shinkendo since 2004
Raheem began Shinkendo in Illinois under David Fazo Sensei and Trevis Crane Shihan at the Iwanami Dojo. From 2005 he also trained at the Yamakaze Dojo under Stephen Bertsch Shihan and Blake Meyer Shihan, studying and teaching at both.
In 2013 he moved to the Bay Area and opened Kaijokan as Shibucho, under the direct supervision of Toshishiro Obata Kaiso, and now Yukishiro Obata Nidai Soke.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shinkendo?
Shinkendo is traditional Japanese swordsmanship, founded by Toshishiro Obata. Training covers five elements: suburi, tanrengata, battoho, tachiuchi, and tameshigiri. Kaijokan Dojo is an official International Shinkendo Federation branch.
Do I need martial arts experience?
No. No martial arts experience is necessary. Every student begins with a wooden sword, the bokuto.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. Students must be 16 or older.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes. You don't need any equipment to start.
How much does it cost?
Your first three classes are free, with no obligation. After that, dues are $125 a month. Private lessons are $50 an hour.
When and where are classes?
Monday and Wednesday, 8:00 to 9:00 pm, at Davenriche European Martial Arts School, 395 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112.
How do I start?
Email the Shibucho at shibucho@kaijokan.org to arrange a time to watch a class, and arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.
Watch and Try
New students are always welcome. Write to the Shibucho to arrange a visit, arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, and hold questions until class ends.
Schedule
Monday
Wednesday
8:00 – 9:00 pm
Starting
First three classes free
No obligation. Comfortable athletic clothes are all you need.
Dues
$125 a month
Regular classes, Monday and Wednesday
$50 an hour
Private lessons, by arrangement
Seminars and schedule changes are posted on the dojo calendar, with photos and dojo news on Facebook.