The ProShop

"Shinkendo - Samurai Swordsmanship" $40.00

- This video incorporates stunning historical imagery and inspiring narration, with emphasis on swordsmanship fundamentals, test cutting and total control of the sword. Also features exclusive footage of Obata kaiso's record setting kabutowari (helmet splitting) test at the end. Shinkendo is a traditional, but contemporary school that teaches practical and effective swordsmanship. Approx. 50 minutes.

"All in all, I would have to call this the finest film documentary on Japanese swords and swordsmanship I've run across so far."
- Review by Steven Dick, TACTICAL KNIVES Magazine; Vol. 2, Number 3 1996.

"Shinkendo - Japanese Swordsmanship" $25.00

- Intended as a resource for current students as well as an introduction for non-students, "Shinkendo - Japanese Swordsmanship" is the first volume of several books scheduled to follow that detail various aspects of this art. A must for shinkendo students and anyone interested in Japanese swordsmanship, volume one touches on Japanese military history, shinkendo strategy, philosophy and all five major areas of swordsmanship study. This is the first and only book on the dynamic art of shinkendo to date, written by it's founder and headmaster. 177 pages.

"Shinkendo Tameshigiri: Samurai Swordsmanship & Test-Cutting" $25.00

- The second book on shinkendo written by its founder and headmaster, Shinkendo Tameshigiri focuses exclusively on tameshigiri (test-cutting) -- its history, its current practice, the different types and purposes of tameshigiri, including shito or sword-testing -- and its role in shinkendo. Obata-soke has been instrumental in implementing and raising the standards of the practice of tameshigiri in swordmanship training worldwide, starting from his participation in the tameshigiri championships in Japan and perhaps culminating in the publication of this definitive volume. Included are detailed diagrams of cutting techniques and sword anatomy, step-by-step photos of maintaining swords, preparing tatami-omote, tameshigiri waza, and more. This book also extends beyond the scope of shinkendo to incorporate Obata-soke's extensive experience as a shitoka, or professional sword-tester. Intended as a resource for students and anyone interested in finding out more about shinkendo and the practice of tameshigiri. 180 pages.

Available April 2nd, 2005