The Shin Bu Kan Dojo at Bognor Regis is located in West Sussex, UK. It is one member of a group of dojos that practice iaido.
Iaido is a Japanese martial art or budo, usually translated as ‘the way of drawing the sword and cutting’, although ‘the way of being prepared’ is possibly more accurate. In Iaido the practitioner performs kata, or forms, using a Japanese sword. The empthsis is on perfecting techniques – such as drawing, cutting, and sheathing against a imaginary opponent(s) through solo kata.
We practice both Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido and Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei no Gata. A brief list of the syllabus can be found here.
Seitei Gata
Seitei Gata Iai comprises of 12 forms, when practicing this set there is an emphasis on accuracy.
This set of kata is learnt by all Iaidoka who practice under the ZNKR. This gives us a common set of kata that we can be graded on consistently. Within each kata there are specific Chakuganten or ‘Points of attention’ that must be adhered to by practitioners and are a focus for graders/judges.
Koryu
All dojo should have a lineage that relates them to a koryu (old school) set of kata. In the Shinbukan we practice Muso Shinden Ryu.
Muso Shinden Ryu
Muso Shinden Ryu has three levels of kata, Shoden (beginners), Chuden (middle), Okuden (highest), that represents about 40 forms with kaewaza (variations) also adding to that number.
Tachi Uchi No Kurai
Paired structured sword forms using wooden long sword (Bokuto) and sometimes include the use of a saya (Scabbard) to simulate drawing from the Obi (belt). The practice of fundamental techniques, distance, and timing between an attacker (Uchidachi) and a receiver (Shidachi).
Kendo Kata
There are two sets of kendo kata, Kendo kata is done in pairs, so it is practised with Bokken (wooden swords) only.
This allows us to explore distance and control with a partner, this knowledge should enhance our Iaido.
The Shin Bu Kan
The Shin Bu Kan in the UK was founded by Victor Cook Sensei, 7th Dan Kyoshi, in Brighton in 1979. Cook Sensei was introduced to Iaido by Ishido Shizufumi Sensei, 8th Dan Hanshi, who runs the Shin Bu Kan dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Our Dojo
The ZenShin ZenRei Iaido dojo in Bognor Regis was initially started in 2025 and training was carried out under the Zen Judo Family insurance. In 2026 the dojo was given permission to carry the ShinBuKan name and the dojo registered with the British Kendo Association and is led by Martin Robertson, 2nd Dan. Level 1 Iaido coach.
The dojo currently practices on Mondays. See Contact Us for more details.
Dojo fees are currently (2026) £5 per session (pay as you go). This allows the individual to train at any of the Monday 1hr Iaido sessions. After your initial trial session you will be required to register with the British Kendo Association Here for a three month Temporary Membership (2026) £10. (This is a reduced insurance cover for dojo only practice). Upgrading to Full Membership at any time within the three month period is easy.
There is a yearly dojo membership fee (2026) £20.
Additional costs are charged for training sessions outside of the dojo (e.g. visiting Portsmouth Iaido dojo, or seminars).
Existing ShinBuKan / BKA Iaidoka
You are invited for attend any Monday evening session for ‘free practice’ by appointment. Please contact us in advance as provision may also be available for extended earlier ‘free practice’ times. (Dojo fee may vary).