Shinkendo (shin = "true/real," ken = "sword," do = "way") is a modern Japanese sword art created by Kaiso (founder) Toshishiro Obata in 1990 and formally organized within the International Shinkendo Federation (ISF).  While Shinkendo is a modern sword art - created in 1990 - its influences date back hundreds of years.  Before creating his own school of swordsmanship, Toshishiro Obata became highly ranked in several sword arts in Japan, including Nakamura Ryu, Ioriken Battojutsu, Toyama Ryu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, and Kashima Shin Ryu.  Japanese sword arts like these are historical relics, remaining largely unchanged as they pass from generation to generation.  While he noticed strengths and weaknesses in each art, he felt that none offered a true, complete system of swordsmanship.  Thus, Toshishiro Obata compiled his extensive knowledge of these Samurai arts and created what is known today as Shinkendo.  It is a martial art based upon techniques and principles of traditional Japanese swordsmanship and is structured around the unified study of five inter-related aspects of training: suburi (swinging), battoho (drawing techniques), tanrengata (solo forms), tachiuchi (partner practice/sparring), and tameshigiri (test cutting). In addition, Shinkendo is based upon philosophic precepts that emphasize, through serious training, the forging of the mind, body, and spirit; the development of greater respect for nature and living things; and the promotion of peace in order to improve the quality of one's life path as well as the lives of others.
The mission of the UCLA Shinkendo Study Group is to facilitate the physical, mental, and spiritual development of its students through the serious study of the philosophy, principles, and techniques of Shinkendo. The UCLA Shinkendo Study Group will also promote the understanding and cultural recognition of Shinkendo within the UCLA community.
