Empty Hand

The Shingen Academy teaches Karate for all ages to Black Belt level.

Find out more about Karate here

The Way of the Stick

Jodo is a weapons art
which is taught at Black Belt level only.

Find out more about Jodo here

The Way of the Sword

Iaido is a weapons art
which is taught at Black Belt level only.

Find out more about Iaido here

Kata

The kanji character for kata is composed of three simple characters. The one in the upper left means "shape" The one in the upper right means "cut." The bottom character means "ground." A kata is a shape that cuts the ground.

Kata can be defined as a predetermined series of blocking, evading and countering techniques that are executed against one or more hypothetical opponents who may be armed or unarmed.
When practicing, students should be aware of the five elements of correct kata performance:

• Eye control metsuki

• Breath control kokyu

• Power control chikara no kyojaku

• Speed control waza no kankyu

• Alert, concentrated awareness zanshin

The study of kata embraces these elements whilst remaining focused on the application (bunkai) of each technique. The study of kata bunkai enables the student to begin to understand the underlying meaning of the kata. It allows them to interpret kata techniques into other situations which will then be reflected in the performance.

Firstly, the student should try to understand the meaning of certain techniques and discover the meaning of the various movements in the kata.

Secondly, the student should understand the way the kata is to be executed - smoothly and with good balance.

Thirdly the student should understand the rhythm of the kata.

To master good kata performance, the student must develop harmony of mind and body.

Zazen

Zen means to understand the essence of the universe;
za, to sit without moving, like a mountain.

The fundamental practice in zen is meditation called zazen, which is a Japanese word that literally means "sitting zen" or "sitting concentration."

Zazen is the practice of awareness, of bringing your attention, or concentration, to the present moment - this whole and complete moment - by bringing your awareness to your posture, your breathing, and your state of mind.

TRUE MEDITATION IS THE MIND OF SINCERITY
AND THE HEART OF COMPASSION
SEATED
AS THE BODY OF ORIGINAL FAITH

Bushido

The Code of the Samurai

Bushido infuses all aspects of martial arts training. Including :
Kiai - the union of spiritual energies
Zanshin - the visible and invisible presence of spiritual energy
Reishiki - etiquette is vital to keep practice safe and efficient. The most obvious expression of etiquette in the dojo is the rei, or bow, the use of the title Sensei, and the proper treatment of training partners. However, the concept of reishiki extends beyond the dojo and into everyday living.

Rei - All traditional martial arts practice begins and ends with the bow. The bow is a symbol of respect for the traditions and humility in the face of the great teachers that necessarily precede one in the art.

One of the principles of Shingen is that martial arts are not a means of learning how to fight, but a tool for perfecting the character of its students.

Budo will teach a student to learn to sense what is correct, and develop an aptitude for doing it.
Long time practitioners of the martial arts often become the most insightful and gentle of human beings.

A student with the right attitude can learn any technique, whereas techniques done with the wrong spirit can never purify the heart.