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Martial Arts Info

Shinkendo - Aikibujutsu - Bojutsu - Toyama Ryu

More detail on the type of training done is listed below.  This will describe the type of activities performed and give an overview of the impact and intensity of training.  Each art has an impact and intensity rating to give you an "at a glance" view of the physical requirements for the art.

Impact

The Impact rating describes the overall stress that is placed on the body while practicing.  Students should take this rating into consideration if you have physical conditions that would be aggravated or injuries that could result because of impact stresses on the body as a whole.  Common points of impact stress are feet, knees, lower back, neck or nerve injuries or permanent disabilities like limited range of motion or damage to the skeletal system where pins or prosthetics are involved.

Intensity

The Intensity describes the pace of an average practice session.  Intensity is relative to overall physical fitness in terms of cardiovascular stamina and personal strength.  A higher intensity rating signifies a higher minimum physical fitness requirement for that particular art.  Low intensity is open to nearly all levels of fitness although classes will be a challenge for all participants.  Medium intensity requires a moderate level of physical fitness.  Obese or those with poor cardiovascular fitness may find the classes too difficult or may sustain injury from practice.  High intensity classes not only require good physical fitness but physical experience in the art so the body can develop specific strength & physical resistances relative to the art form practiced.

Shinkendo

Impact: Low                                        Intensity: Low - Medium

Shinkendo involves extensive practice with the wooden sword called a bokken or bokuto.  Basic body movement,  footwork & swordwork make up a large part of the Shinkendo workout.  There is no contact involved in the and there are few dynamic impact movements such as jumping & falling, making it a very low impact art.  It is an ideal art for adults & those looking to begin to strengthen their bodies.  As students advance, practice becomes more intense and strikes become more powerful to challenge the body and mind.  The gradual increase in intensity makes it ideal for those new to the martial arts, stimulating physical and mental strength.  Practitioners learn to enhance life through training that is both technically and spiritually meaningful.  After sufficient practice and saftey training, students learn to use a real sword to cut straw and bamboo.  Through our unique, holistic approach to swordsmanship, one can understand and improve life which is the meaning behind our motto "Jinsei Shinkendo" which means life is Shinkendo.  For more information on the history and technical information goto:  www.shinkendo.com

Aikibujutsu

Impact: Medium/High                           Intensity: Medium/High

Aikibujutsu is an "empty hand" art, meaning it teaches self defense without weapons.  Basic striking with hands and feet are taught but by far the most intense component is falling and rolling.  Aiki involves taking a person's balance through throwing and body manipulation.  This  means that the "Uke" or person who has the technique applied to them usually ends up falling to the ground.  Because of this, students are taught to fall and roll to prevent injury.  This is where the high impact from the art is derived.  At higher levels, students learn to "break fall"; they are thrown from increasingly higher positions and land flat.  Done improperly, this can lead to injury.  If you are not physically fit, you can injure yourself even if you fall properly due to the stress placed on the body.  One of the most unique and humane aspects of our system is the use of techniques that do "No Harm".  Through joint manipulation and balance control, an attacker can be subdued through the application of subtle force and joint pain with no lasting injuries.  The ultimate ability to blend with one's opponent is the highest expression of the art and stimulates a unique prospective on approaching life's trials.  When one learns to blend with the energy of an opponent, one can control the direction and outcome of any situation. For more information on the history and technical information goto: www.aiki-buken.com

Bojutsu

Impact: Low/Medium                             Intensity: Low/Medium

Bojutsu is a sister art to both Aikijutsu and Shinkendo.  It involves the use of the 6-foot staff, which is sometimes shortened depending on practitioner height.  Bojutsu enhances personal coordination and builds greater body motion and flexibility.  Coordination drills are a large part of basic drills involving manual dexterity and body twisting.  Low stances are a big part of bo work and deep knee bending elevate the impact level of this art slightly.  A unique part of Bojutsu is the emphasis on creativity and "fun".  Much of the staff spinning or "twirling" drills are much more light hearted than Shinkendo, where you mush treat your sword like a live blade at all times.  Bojutsu is also very useful as the staff is still a common tool used in daily life.  For more information on the history and technical information goto: www.aiki-buken.com

Toyama-Ryu

Impact: Low                                                       Intensity: Low

Toyama-Ryu was created in the 20th century to teach military officers to use the Japanese sword. Because of this, it is a very simple system to learn.  Its techniques are primarily comprised of "Batto-ho" or sword drawing and are brief in length.  There is no jumping or falling of any kind associated with Toyama-Ryu and is both low in impact and intensity on the body.  Toyama-Ryu is taught as a "borrowed" system, students learn the art as an adjunct to Shinkendo.  For more information on the history and technical information goto: www.toyama-ryu.org

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