July 2026
ShinBuKan members attended a day of Kendo Kata training at the home of ShinBuKan in the UK lead by Vic Cook Sensei and Roger Pimlott Sensei. The kata curriculum consists pair practice of seven forms using a longs sword and three forms using a combination of long sword and short sword. Usually with Bokuto (Wooden swords). The kata, practitioners take on one of two specific roles, which are rotated during practice.
Uchidachi: The teacher or senior practitioner. They are the initiator of the attack and generally play the role of the defeated party.
Shidachi: The student or junior practitioner. They are tasked with observing, reacting properly to the attack, and delivering the final counter-cut.
The Tachi No Kata and Kodachi No Kata curriculum can be found here.
To further his study of Japanese Nihonto, sword care and appreciation Martin Robertson attended a meeting in London of the To-Ken Society of Great Britain, where a fellow member (John Miles) gave a presentation on the topic of Birds in samurai symbolism and heraldic crests. In Japanese culture Birds such as Crane, Heron, Eagle and Geese were often depicted in Japanese Art, woodblock prints and on Samurai sword guards and fittings.
Those present were then able to view a selection of bird themed Japanese Tsuba (Sword Guards), Fuchi (Metal Collars) and Kashira (Metal Pommels). There was also the opportunity to view and handle some fine antique Nihonto (Traditionally hand-forged Japanese Swords).
Since its founding in 1964 the role of the To-Ken Society of Great Britain has been to encourage and support the study, appreciate and preservation of Japanese swords, sword fittings and associated artefacts within the UK.
June 2026
A humbling experience, visiting the home of ShinBuKan in the UK while Vic Cook Sensei was hosting visiting ShinBuKan Sensei from the Czech Republic; Michal Kolisek Sensei – Iaido Renshi 6th Dan & Pavel Balvin Iaido 6th Dan. Experiences like these really help to put your own training and knowledge into perspective and gives motivation for continued depth of study and self-improvement.
May 2026
Members of ShinbuKan (Bognor Regis), met with Roger Pimlott Sensei and other members of ShinBuKan attending the British Kendo Association National Iaido intensive training session, in Didcot on the 31st of May. The day was led by: Kevin McNeill, 5th Dan (Squad Manager) and members of the (Squad coaching team); Martin Clark, 6th Dan Renshi, Robert Townson, 6th Dan, Renshi, Oliver Jarvis, 6th Dan, and Mark Snowdon, 5th Dan.
Not only were the ZNKR Seitei Kata “Chakuganten” (Grading points) and Reiho covered in depth, there was also emphasis on the “Ju-Ei-Shi-Zan” (Impression) of our kata performances in regard to Gradings and Taikai.
柔 Ju/Yawarakai – Preparatory, interstitial movements should be soft, flexible and with the capacity to adapt to change.
鋭 Ei/Surudoi – decisive movements should be sharp, fast, large and strong AND without excessive power.
姿 Shi/Sugata – mental focus should be on straight, correct and beautiful posture throughout.
残 Zan/Nokoru – The tail of the kata is as important as the head. Maintain focus and control during post-cut zanshin sequences of chiburi and develop good quality noto.
There was much to take away from this experience and we would like to express our gratitude to the above Sensei for the time given to passing on their extensive knowledge.
March & April 2026
It is always an honor and a privilege to have the opportunities to be invited to train at the heart of ShinBuKan in the UK. Moments like these should never be taken for granted, they should be cherished and reflected upon.
Considered and focused practice of the Suwari-waza forms from the Muso Shinden Ryu Koryu Iaido – Okuden (“Inner transmission”) level & also Tachi Uchi No Kurai (Paired sword forms) was undertaken, under the watchful guidance of attending Sensei.
Preservation and continuation of the transmission of Koryu “traditional style” forms (and the associated context and psychology of the techniques) is an important part of practice within ShinBuKan. It is not just a matter of copying the forms, with practice there should be understanding.
March 2026
Members of ShinbuKan (Bognor Regis), accompanying Roger Pimlott Sensei attended the British Kendo Association Southern Iaido intensive training session. The day was led by regional squad trainers; Andrew Thrower, 5th Dan and Mark Snowdon, 5th Dan. Those in attendance benefited from a session of rigorous Seitei Iaido training and given feed back on fine-tuning their kata performances throughout the day. It was an unforgettable experience and highly recommended for those looking towards grading preparation or refining their techniques to meet the current requirements expected within the BKA for gradings/taikai.
February 2026
Martin Robertson attended the 13th Tomodachi no iaido Keiko in Kosice, Slovakia (Hosted by Shin Jun Sui Dojo) and successfully graded to Nidan.
Grading Panel (Left to Right):
Michal Szczepanski Sensei – Iaido Renshi 6th Dan.
Gabor Habermajer Sensei – Iaido Renshi 6th Dan.
Andy Watson Sensei – Iaido Kyoshi 7th Dan.
Lukasz Machura Sensei Iaido Renshi 6th Dan.
Michal Kolisek Sensei – Iaido Renshi 6th Dan.
