Shinkendo & Fitness

Question: What's Japanese swordsmanship got to do with fitness?

Answer: Everything!

Face it. Here in the 21st century, it's unlikely that we will ever need to embrace the possibility of charging down a hillside headlong into a toe-to-toe, battle-to-the-death while wielding the equivalent of a 3 ft. long razor blade.

At least, I hope things don't come down to that! However, does this mean that there are no valid reasons for training in the ways of the Samurai in modern times? Absolutely not! I began my training in Shinkendo some 9 years ago with the goal of finding an interesting, physically and mentally enhancing activity, and I have yet to be disappointed! So, if you are you looking for a unique means of enhancing your fitness while challenging your mind (and I assume that you are or you wouldn't be reading this!), check out the following lists of what Shinkendo has to offer you!

Training in swordsmanship will strengthen your:

Hands (grip)

Forearms

Shoulder strength (and range of motion)

Hips/Glutes (your backside…)

Legs

Heart (yes, it's a cardio workout too!)

Training in swordsmanship will improve your:

Balance

Speed and agility

Eye/hand coordination

Concentration/focus

Coordinated whole-body movements

Composure in challenging situations

In addition to all of the above, training in Shinkendo:

Promotes stress relief

Enhances knowledge of martial strategy

Expands knowledge of the sword/Japanese history and etiquette

Preserves a time-honored art

Hooks you up with others of similar interests!

Is interesting, challenging, and fun!

Given the above list of benefits, what are you waiting for? Go to our ever-growing list of dojos ("doe-joe" or training halls), find the one closest to where you live or work and give it a try!

Marlene A. Harris, instructor

ISSA Specialist/Martial Arts Conditioning