SHINJINKAI
WELCOMES YOU
Modern Life. Ancient Path.
Shinjinkai is a community united by a common purpose: intensive study of Japanese warrior arts. You'll find our culture to be one of camaraderie, hard work, and the joy of practice. Our association of dojos is known worldwide for traditional, rigorous training. Today, society judges individuals by what they do or own. In the dojo, however, our only interest is what you use your life to become. This is the spirit of shugyo: deep mind-body training to live fully and benefit others. New members are welcome at all of our locations. Read within to learn about our group classes and how to get started. We also offer private instruction, and conduct special training events worldwide.
OUR STORY
The roots of Shinjinkai go back to the early 1980's, when the original Shinjinkan dojo was established by the famous Aikido and Zen master, Tenzan (Fumio) Toyoda Sensei. In 1991, Toyoda Sensei appointed his principal student Meido Moore Sensei as the chief instructor.
Moore Sensei founded Shinjinkai as a community in 2002, and in 2003 Moore Sensei was ordained in the Zen Buddhist tradition. A Rinzai Zen lineage holder, he today serves as abbot of Korinji, a rural monastery near Madison, WI, and as guiding teacher of the Madison Rinzai Zen Community. He continues his personal martial art practice, serving on the advisory board of our national organization, Aikido Shimbokukai.
OUR CLASSES
AIKIDO 合気道
Aikido is a powerful, graceful art founded early in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. Its decisive techniques include throws, joint locks, strikes and immobilizations, practiced within a context in which weapons (knife, sword, staff and others) are assumed to be present. Aikido philosophy is to avoid harming others whenever possible.
A potent distillation of centuries of martial knowledge, Aikido transmits the most noble teachings of Japan's samurai tradition. It is practiced by thousands worldwide not only for fitness and self-defense, but for deep personal development. Aikido techniques also serve as the core of many defensive tactics programs instructed to law-enforcement personnel, in Japan, and worldwide.
Our Aikido program is affiliated with the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo through Aikido Shimbokukai, a peer association working to foster exchange, mutual support, and friendship
among Aikido teachers from different traditions.
YOUTH AIKIDO 合気道
Shinjinkai’s Youth Aikido program is ideal for children 6-14 years of age. Our curriculum and teaching approach are energetic, disciplined, and revolve around three core principles: Focus, Compassion, and Effort. Through cooperative games, exercises, and basic Aikido techniques, children learn to develop physical, mental, and emotional wellness and fitness. The paired training of Aikido lends to the development of positive social interactions. There is no competition, and it is all conducted in a safe and empowering environment.
IAIDO 無外流
Meishi-ha Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo is a koryu (feudal era) school of swordsmanship founded in 1693. Emphasis in Mugai Ryu is placed on practical, close-quarters techniques of drawing and cutting against single or multiple opponents. Training in Mugai Ryu begins with practice of the 20 fundamental seated and standing kata (forms). Later practice includes more advanced kata and partner practice with both long and short swords. Mugai Ryu students also practice tameshigiri: the cutting of targets using live blades.
Shinjinkai's program is affiliated with the Suimokai, an organization in Japan dedicated to the preservation of several martial arts including Mugai Ryu. It is led by Niina Toyoaki Gyokudo, the soke (headmaster) of Meishi-ha Mugairyu Iaihyodo.
SHINBUKAN KURODA RYUGI
(振武舘黒田道場)
The Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo was founded by Yahei Masayoshi Kuroda in 1848 to transmit four styles of martial arts inherited by the Kuroda family: Komagawa Kaishin-ryu Kenjutsu (founded in the 16th century), Tamiya-ryu Iaijutsu (founded approximate 350 years ago), Shishin Takuma-ryu Jujutsu (according to tradition, founded in the 10th century), Tsubaki Kotengu-ryu Bojutsu (founded in the Keichou era, 1596-1615). Kenjutsu, Jujutsu, Iaijutsu, Bojutsu; together, these comprise the Shinbukan Kuroda Ryu-gi, or style, today led by Headmaster Tetsuzan Kuroda Sensei.
Shinjinkai hosts one of only four study groups outside of Japan authorized by Kuroda Sensei.
RINZAI ZEN 臨済宗
What am I? What is this life for? Why is there suffering? These are universal human questions that demand answers. Zen, however, is not a system of belief or dogma. It is an experiential recognition of your own deepest nature, and a mind-body training to embody that. With guidance from the teacher and through devoted practice of things like meditation, we may awaken to our intrinsic wisdom.
Anyone who is determined to live life in a manner manifesting wisdom and compassion can do so, and Zen provides the path. We welcome all sincere seekers.
