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HIUCHI-ISHI DOJO is dedicated to the study of the martial arts of feudal Japan under the
tutelage of Mr. Toshishiro Obata, Kaiso. We offer a comprehensive study of martial
techniques utilized by the samurai. Traditional methods and realistic techniques are
framed by the cultural and historical context in which they existed.
- As swordsmanship was a principal concern of the samurai
warrior, our fundamental martial art is Shinkendo
swordsmanship:
"Shinkendo has a number of meanings depending
on the calligraphy, or kanji, used to depict the various
characters. Shinken is what a real Japanese sword is
called; however, shin can also mean 'true' or 'serious', as
in your pursuit of life and training (therefore, the term
"Shinkendo" can also be interpreted as 'the way of living
your life seriously and fully.); shin can also mean "mind
and spirit", as the art affords you a way to forge both.
Shin can mean god, in that we should respect our world
and nature, and espouse world peace. Shinkendo does
not have to stop at the door of the dojo, but can be
thought of as a path to follow, and a strategy of mind to
apply in your life and its day to day activities. That is how
this art came about. I created the International
Shinkendo Federation to promote those ideals, because
the truth begets the truth..."
- ---Toshishiro Obata, founder of Shinkendo
Throughout their 1000 year history, the samurai habitually carried some manner
personal arms, as was the practice the general populace they served. "An armed
society is a polite society" is the axiom exemplified by feudal Japan, therefore we
recognise a variety of weapons techniques in the art of aikibujutsu, such that even
"unarmed" techniques anticipate the presence of weapons. Toshishiro Obata,
SoShihan, uchi-deshi (live in disciple) under the late Shioda Gozo Kancho, relocated
from Japan to the United States in 1980 and began development of the research
organization called the "Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai"---Aiki-Buken for short---with the
purpose of accurately rebuilding concepts and techniques from the older styles of
aikibujutsu used during the feudal times of Japan, as well as to study and continue
to develop the "softer" styles of modern aikido.
- The name Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai can be
translated as "Applied Aiki-Based Martial Systems
Research Organization". "Tanren" is the process during
the forging of a sword in which the blade is hammered
and folded, reducing the carbon content and
eliminating impurities to create a strong foundation for
the remaining steps of forging. "Kenkyukai" defines as a
research organization, or society. Being a research
organization, the Aiki-Buken has incorporated methods
and theories found in both pre and post war
aikido/aikijutsu systems that proved accurate. Though
there is a Yoshinkan Aikido influence, the approach to
training and application differs significantly from this root
art including classical weapons techniques of tantojutsu,
bojutsu, jo-kumite, torite (arresting techniques), Edo
torimonojutsu (Pre-Meiji, or Feudal Era arresting methods),
te-hodoki (unbinding methods) and various other
methods. Taihojutsu (control & arresting techniques) is
also part of the curriculum, and is an area tailored for use
in the law enforcement and security fields.
Toyama Ryu, originally a small sub-system of sword drawing techniques created for
officers of the Japanese Imperial Army, is now represented in various forms
throughout the world as an independent sword art and is included as part of
Michigan Bushido's swordsmanship studies. The Toyama ryu "gunto soho" (military
sword methodology) was created and standardized (seitei) in 1925 in response to
concern that officers would not be able to effectively draw and employ their sword
(gunto) should the need arise while operating in hostile environments.
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After WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army was disbanded, and three major lines of
Toyama ryu were adapted and taught independently - Morinaga style, Yamaguchi
style, and Nakamura style. Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei was one of Obata Sensei's
main sword instructors. In view of Obata Sensei's skill and dedication, the art of
Toyama ryu was charged to him upon his relocation to America as the Chief
Instructor of America.
Victoria Van Fleet is instructor and branch director or shibucho of Shinkendo and
Aiki-buken studies in Michigan. She is a direct student of Toshishiro Obata—the
founder of Shinkendo—having studied at Honbu Dojo in Los Angeles, California. In
2003 she established the first Shinkendo dojo in Michigan. Hiuchi-ishi Dojo is located
in Flint, Michigan. Students study both Shinkendo and Toyama Ryu sword arts as well
as the variety of Aiki-based arts as part of a comprehensive course. The name
"hiuchi-ishi" is translated as flint and steel, and the sparks made by the striking of the
two. It is our sincere hope that our endeavor will produce sparks that ignite others'
endeavors in budo. All ranking in Shinkendo, Toyama Ryu, Aiki-buken and Aikido
are issued directly by Toshishiro Obata.
- Mr. Obata trained in and was issued distinguished ranks in
several styles of swordsmanship, as well as being awarded “All
Japan Test Cutting Champion” for six consecutive years
before retiring from competition. Upon immigrating to the
United States, he founded Shinkendo as a conglomeration of
what he considered to be the most effective and relevant
aspects of his training, research and experience. He has had
a colorful career that includes acting in and choreographing
many films.
