Shinbukai Dojo

STOP BULLYING THE HANDLE! 🛑🥊

​If your veins are popping and you look like you have a personal vendetta against your sword handle while practicing Iaido...

​Let go. The handle is innocent! 😂

​Many people think a powerful cut comes from "Kirin Arms" (bulky muscles), but the secret to a lethal blade is actually "Tenouchi". And guess what? The engine of Tenouchi starts with your Pinky.

❌ Index Finger & Thumb: The more you bully the handle with these, the dumber your sword becomes. You’re not cutting; you’re just stiffening your own wrist and killing the flow.

✅ Pinky & Ring Finger: These are the real "Shadow Bosses." They lock the handle so your Tenouchi can actually "snap" at the moment of impact.

​Please hold it like your first love’s hand (afraid they’ll run away), but also like a raw egg (afraid you’ll crush it). ❤️

Official Textbook vs. Secret Ancient Sect: Who Wins?

​If you practice Iaido, you’ve probably heard your instructors constantly bringing up "ZNKR" and "Koryu."

​Ever wondered why we spend so much time practicing uniform, standardized moves when there are so many cool, ancient secret styles out there? Let’s break down in 1 minute! 👇

📖​ZNKR (Standard Standardized Iaido): Think of this as the "Universal Standard Language" of the sword world. Established in 1969, the federation gathered grandmasters from various old schools to refine 12 core Kata. It’s designed for modern self-cultivation, grading exams, and competitions. It also perfect for building solid posture and fundamental core mechanics.

📜​Koryu (Ancient Old Schools): Think of this as the "Battlefield Dialects" passed down from the samurai era. These are the ancestral secret techniques designed for real combat, castle defense, and survival. The moves might not look as "open or pretty" for a referee, but they are compact, deceptive, and packed with practical battlefield wisdom.

​Why do we all have to learn ZNKR first?

Simple! If everyone just showed up to a Dan exam doing their own secret clan moves, the judges would have no way to grade fairly, it would just look like everyone is doing their own random dance! 🤣

​ZNKR serves as the perfect "beginner village." It strips away the complex combat fluff to safely align your centerline and blade control. Once your foundation is solid, the doors to the ancient world open up, and that’s when you get to bring centuries-old battlefield secrets back to life.

👀 Stop Staring! You’re Falling for the Trap!

​Whenever you face an opponent (or visualize one during Kata), do you find yourself dead-staring at the tip of their weapon?

If so, congratulations - you’ve already fallen for the trap! 🤣

​In martial arts, there is an advanced looking technique called "Enzan no Metsuke" (遠山の目付), which literally translates to "Gazing at the Distant Mountain." Simply put: When in a confrontation, never be "too faithful" to a single spot.

​If you hyper-focus on their blade, your vision locks into a narrow tunnel. The moment they make a feint, shift their stance, or step in, you won't react in time. Plus, wherever your eyes glue to, your opponent instantly knows exactly where you want to strike. Your whole strategy is exposed!

​The Right Way: Treat your opponent like a landscape in the distance. Just like gazing at a far-off mountain, use your peripheral vision to take in their eyes, shoulders, knees, and the entire surrounding space all at once. By seeing the whole picture, you can read their intent and react ahead of time!

​Be honest, where does your gaze usually wander during practice? Let me know below! 👇

Ready to start your journey? Check out class info and book your trial here: https://www.shinbukai.com.sg/

The Origin of Iaido: A Story Written in a Split Second. ⏳

​The birth of Iaido wasn't found on a chaotic battlefield, but in the profound silence of a young man’s quest for justice and inner peace.

​1️⃣ The Moment of Enlightenment:
Over 400 years ago, Hayashizaki Jinsuke spent many days in solitary prayer and training at the Hayashizaki Myojin Shrine to avenge his father. Legend says he received a divine inspiration: the realization that the battle is won or lost at the moment of the draw.

​2️⃣ What does "Iaido" actually mean?
In an era where warriors fought with swords already drawn, Jinsuke shifted the focus to the moment before the blade leaves the scabbard.

​I (居): To be present / To exist.
​Ai (合): To meet / To harmonize.

​Iaido is the art of being ready for anything, at any moment, from any position.

​3️⃣ From Vengeance to Self-Mastery:
While it began with a vendetta, Hayashizaki ultimately created something far greater than a killing technique. He founded a philosophy of "Saya-no-uchi" — winning without even drawing the blade. Today, when we face the "invisible opponent" in the Dojo, we aren't just training our muscles; we are sharpening our minds.

​It is not just about drawing the sword; it is about drawing the best version of yourself. 🧘‍♂️

Ready to start your journey? Check out class info and book your trial here: https://www.shinbukai.com.sg/

📣 SG60 Wushu Fiesta 2025 | Iaido Enbu by Shinbukai Dojo

On 22 November 2025, our Shinbukai Dojo practitioners were honored to be invited to perform Iaido Enbu at the SG60 Wushu Fiesta 2025, held in Yio Chu Kang Community Club.

We are grateful for the opportunity to present the art of Iaido — the Way of the Sword, and to share the beauty of this martial art through our demonstration.

A big thank you to the organizer for this meaningful invitation, and to everyone who supported us.

Let’s continue to promote and grow traditional martial arts together! 🥋⚔️🇸🇬

📅 16 November 2025 (Sunday)

A big congratulations to everyone who took part in Shinbukai Dojo’s Iaido & Jodo Kyu grading today! 🥋🔥

To our successful candidates — your effort, discipline, and persistence shine through. This achievement is just the beginning, so keep training hard and continue to refine your spirit and technique! 💪✨

Congratulations to our newly graded students:

Iaido
1️⃣ Alayne – 5th Kyu

Jodo
1️⃣ Arton – 1st Kyu

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our senseis for their constant support and guidance.

Here’s to continued growth, progress, and many more achievements ahead! 👊💥

Special appreciation to:
🥋 Ramon Lawrence Sensei
🥋 Russell Lawrence Sensei
🥋 Jerry Sensei
🥋 Vincent Sia Sensei

ありがとうございました! 🙇‍♂️

Dinner with Jerry Sensei and his son tonight after so many years!
It’s been a long time since his last visit to Singapore. Jerry Sensei was one of the very first people who supported the development of Singapore Iaido in its early years — making the effort to travel from Australia to teach and help with gradings, greatly contributing to the growth of our community.

Although he has now retired due to health reasons, he will always remain an important person to us and a respected part of Singapore Iaido’s history.

Thank you, Jerry Sensei — for everything you’ve done and for the wonderful evening together tonight. 🙏