Shinbudo, What? and Why?

In 1999, after dedicating 36 years to the practice of martial arts and achieving a 6th dan rank in both karate and jujutsu, I recognized the importance of merging these disciplines into what I now call “karate jutsu.” This fusion laid the foundation for the creation of a new martial art, known as Shinbudo.

Shinbudo, which can be translated as “the heart of Budo” or “the spirit of Budo,” was born from the idea that most martial art practitioners reach a point in their journey where they begin to ponder, “What’s next?” This innovative concept of Shinbudo offers a pathway to take your martial arts practice to the next level.

But what exactly is Shinbudo, and how can it elevate your martial arts journey? Shinbudo is, essentially, the art of Budo itself. It involves integrating the principles of Aikido, such as irmimi, tenkan, and taisabaki, into your existing martial art, whether it’s karate, aikido, judo, or any other classical Japanese martial discipline. The goal is not to abandon your current art but to enhance your understanding of it.

With Shinbudo, you can become Shinbudo karate, Shinbudo aikido, or Shinbudo judo, while still honoring the traditional Japanese martial way. It’s important to note that Shinbudo stands apart from the realm of sports. It is not driven by competition, self-aggrandizement, ego, or the desire to be superior to others.

Instead, Budo, and by extension Shinbudo, are centered on the relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. It’s about striving to be more knowledgeable and skilled today than you were yesterday. Shinbudo aims to help you refine every aspect of your martial art and, indeed, your entire life.

Shinbudo is the fusion of martial arts disciplines, particularly Aikido principles, into existing practices, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and continuous improvement. It’s a path that allows martial artists to evolve and refine their skills while maintaining a deep respect for the traditional values of Budo.