FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Shinkendo Singapore Student Promotion/Ranking Process

There are several prerequisites that the Shinkendo Singapore requires before a student is recommended for a promotion:

  1. Sufficient Dojo hours

  2. Complete and satisfactory knowledge of basic techniques

  3. Attendance during the Shibucho's class hours

  4. Must be able to attend the testing class on a Saturday. Grading at the Mokuroku level and above is administered by Kaiso/Soke

  5. Must be able to at least satisfactorily demonstrate the techniques required to pass the rank

Students who have met these requirements are then referred and recommended to Obata Toshishiro Kaiso and Obata Yukishiro Soke for approval of their promotion.

Shinkendo Singapore practitioners receive their approval and menjo for promotion from honbu via the stated process above.

Currently, the promotion/ranking process is done annually.

Q1: Are there any pre-requisites for joining the Beginner’s Course? What do I need to bring? Do I have to wear a uniform to class?

ANS:

Pre-requisites are 1) At least 15 years of age

2) Possess a passion for learning

3) Own a white oak bokken for class training

4) A notebook and pen for note-taking

5) Have a Facebook account for access to group training materials and news updates.


There is no need to wear any martial arts uniform at this stage. Simply turn up in casual physical training/work-out clothes. Bring along your own white oak bokken, as well as a pen and notebook for note-taking.

Be punctual for class. The dojo is usually opened earlier on Wed and Fri evenings (around 6.30pm), so you are free to turn up early to warm-up/revise/discuss with the other seniors and instructors.

For pricing information, please contact the respective CC or Instructors directly. Generally, it is $220 (inclusive $10 cash portion) per 12 weeks course, with discounts applicable for PAssion Card holders.

The White Oak Bokken, as the name suggests, is white in appearance. This can be purchased locally at <SGD$80. The local bokkens are typically sourced from Taiwan. You may also choose to source a Japan-made White Oak Bokken which is typically superior in quality, balance and geometry. However, these range from SGD$100 to $130.

Q2: Is there a code of conduct in the Dojo or rules I should take note of? What if I happen to be late for class?

ANS:

Kindly refer to our "Train with Us" page relating to proper Dojo Etiquette (listed at the bottom of that page).

Q3: I have completed the Beginner’s Course! Where do I sign-up as a regular student? What are the fees like? What do I have to do next?

ANS:

Firstly, congratulations on completing the Beginner’s Course! And we are glad to have you join us!

1) Kindly refer to our Facebook Group for the start of the next Regular Class term and sign up at the CC. One class term is 12 weeks and excludes public holidays. Should you wish to still continue training before the start of the next Regular Class term, kindly contact the instructors to make arrangements and pay a mat fee.

2) You are required to sign-up as a member of the International Shinkendo Federation (ISF) in order to learn Shinkendo. Kindly collect the ISF Application form from your instructor, complete it and pay the SGD$80 annual fee. If you are below 18yrs of age, parental consent is required.

3) Proceed to purchase a Japanese Martial Arts Uniform consisting of a plain white Gi-Jacket, Gi-pants and a white belt. This is usually sold as a set. Ensure that there are no markings/emblems on the jacket. A Japanese Hakama (pleated-pants) is not necessary at this stage until you have attained the first rank. A basic uniform set will cost between SGD$80 to $140. You may choose a material that is both cooling and thin due to our hot climate and it can be from: Aikido/Karate/Judo/Iaido.

Q4: Are there any other training equipment that Shinkendo-ka (term for Shinkendo students) use?

ANS:

Yes, of course! However, there’s too many to name! For starters, most of the senior students own a variety of wood bokuto with different geometry and weight. This is for specialized grip and strength training.


We also use a variety of tools:

1. Wooden Bokken with Sheath

This is recommended for novice level students. It is an inexpensive tool for training sword draws and re-sheathing techniques. It can be purchased locally, usually between SGD$80 to $110. However, do not use this item for contact practice as the wood structure is very weak.


2. Fukuro Shinai (Leather-padded bamboo shinai for medium to full-on contact practice)

Typically made from Bamboo but of a different construction to the Shinai commonly used in Kendo. The Fukuro Shinai is wrapped in leather and padded to allow for full-on contact practice without causing serious injury. The construction allows one to launch heavy strikes without much blade flexing and the material can withstand/absorb impact, thus reducing any blunt force on the body.

3. Katana Iaito (Unsharpened Katana for Professional Martial Arts Practice)

Upon attaining an intermediate rank, a student will be informed that they may now move on to Iaito training and purchase an Iaito for themselves. Strict guidance and supervision is required for Iaito usage. Although the blade is unsharpened, it is still made of metal and the tip is pointed, therefore absolute care is necessary.

Before making a purchase, seek guidance from your instructors on the customization of Iaito length/geometry/design based on your individual body type. Proper Iaitos for Japanese Sword Arts Practitioners typically cost upwards of US$750, good ones costs in the range of US$1000-$1300.


4. Katana Shinken (‘Live-Blade’; sharpened steel katana for cutting practice)

Prior approval from the Dojo Head Instructor is required before one is allowed to carry a Shinken to class and only for the purposes of Tameshigiri (Live-Cutting) training.

One is also required to keep the sword locked up safely at home at all other times!

Only intermediate to advance students who have attained the necessary rank and passed all technical handling will be invited to participate in Tameshigiri. Such sessions are supervised by at least 4 senior members with at least two being certified instructors.

Tameshigiri practice is carried out in a tightly controlled environment to ensure the safety of all present participants and spectators. Only ISF members are allowed to attend/view these sessions; they are not open to the public.