Gorin Goho Gogyo of Shinkendo

Suburi

Isolating and practicing the basics of ken sabaki (sword movement), tai sabaki (body movement), ashi sabaki (foot movement), and toho jussinho (the basic ten sword methods).

Tanrengata

Solo forms simultaneously utilizing multiple aspects of suburi with complimentary movements.

Battoho

Isolating and practicing the basics of ken sabaki (sword movement), tai sabaki (body movement), ashi sabaki (foot movement), and toho jussinho (the basic ten sword methods).

Tachiuchi

Paired sparring forms that develop the practitioner's coordination and ability to harmonize with an opponent. Specifically the practitioner develops awase (timing), maai (distance to target), hohaba (balance), rhythm, and kiai.

Tameshigiri/Shizan

Test cutting with a live blade (a shinken). Typical target materials include tatami omote and bamboo (either Nihondake or Mosodake - - Japanese or Chinese Bamboo). Tameshigiri offers practical insight into principles such as hasuji (edge angles), tachisuji (sword swing-angles), and tenouchi (grip).

(Paraphrased from Obata, 1999)

These five elements form a comprehensive curriculum that, when practiced with sincerity and commitment, interweave to form a style of swordsmanship that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Shinkendo students begin training with a wooden sword called a bokuto, and as their skill level and control of the blade progress they will advance to training with an iaito (or mogito, an unsharpened blade).  Given sufficient time and ability, students eventually learn to use a shinken (live blade).

In addition to being a licensed ISF dojo, we are also a member dojo of the Kokusai Toyama Ryu Renmei, established by Shinkendo founder Toshishiro Obata

References

Obata, T., 1999, Shinkendo: Japanese Swordsmanship, International Shinkendo Federation, p. 29.

Scott, N., 1998, Written transmission.

International Shinkendo Federation

The International Shinkendo Federation is an organization dedicated to teaching authentic Japanese swordsmanship. Shinkendo emphasizes traditional and effective swordsmanship, which, with serious training, leads to both practical ability as well as an understanding of classical martial arts. It is steeped in the traditions of the Samurai, such as Heiho (strategy), physical training, and proper Bushido etiquette and philosophy (Scott, 1998).