October 2026
Members of Shinbukan Bognor Regis joined other Shinbukan members, for an “extended” Sunday Keiko lead by Vic Cook Sensei. The session was a continuation of practicing and refining our standing techniques (and kaewaza – alternative forms) from the Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido Okuden kata set. This session there was more time to discuss and practice various Kaewaza to many of the forms.
Tachi-waza (standing forms):
- YUKIZURE (SIDE BY SIDE)
- TSUREDACHI (BEING ACCOMPANIED)
- SOMAKURI (DEFEAT ALL)
- SODOME (STOP ALL)
- SHINOBU (STEALTH SWORD)
- YUKICHIGAI (CHANGING DIRECTIONS)
- SODESURIGAESHI (BRUSH ASIDE WITH THE ARMS)
- MONIRI (ENTRY THROUGH A GATE)
- KABEZOE (AGAINST A WALL)
- UKENAGASHI (RECEIVING & PARRYING)
- ITOMAGOI (BID FAREWELL)
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Martin attended the To-Ken Society of Great Britain Southern Area Regional Meeting, Hassocks.
The day’s presentations included: The importance of studying Nakago- Michael Spasov, The Art of Soft metal koshirae- Ian Chapman and Changes in Steel from Koto to Shinto- Paul Bowman.
The day ended with a Panel Q and A session. There was also an opportunity to view Top Drawer display- swords from the collections of Token members and discuss during the day.
It was a pleasure to attend the event and soak up all the information provided by the day’s speakers and fellow members. I have only just began to scratch the surface in my attempt of gaining a deeper understanding of the Japanese sword and the history of Japanese Sword making and I thank all those who took their time to pass on their knowledge.
September 2026
“Only those who do nothing don’t make mistakes!!”
Sunday Keiko for Shinbukan members, lead by Vic Cook Sensei was standing techniques (and kaewaza – alternative forms) from the Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido Okuden kata set. The day was a great opportunity to practice forms that are more and more rarely covered in weekly dojo keiko. Where ZNKR Seitei iai has become the common curriculum and global standard for practice, grading and competition by the All Japan kendo Federation, we must not loose sight of our Iaido Koryu “Classical” heritage, which draw from prior iaijutsu and battojutsu traditions. These katas although appear more simple, are difficult to master and focus more on quick draw techniques and sudden counter attacks.
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Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club (Zen Judo family) & Zen Shin Zen Rei Iaido Dojo (ShinBuKan Bognor Regis) hosted an introduction day focusing on Zen Judo, Zen Nippon Kendo Remei Seitai Iaido and Kendo Kihon Kata.
The day of training was lead by Shihan John Robertson (6th Dan Judo) & Sensei Roger Pimlott (4th Dan Kendo & Iaido).
Seminar Overview:
The seminar introduced three core Japanese martial arts – Zen Judo, ZNKR Seitei Iaido, and Kendo Kihon Kata. It covered basic philosophy, fundamental body movements, etiquette, and practical demonstrations over the course of the day.
Zen Judo: The roots of Zen Judo and it’s philosophy, focusing on the gentle way, balance, and yielding to overcome force. Safe mutual practice. Learn safe falling techniques and practice balance breaking without using brute strength.
ZNKR Seitei Iaido: Focusing on mindfulness, smooth drawing and focus. Safe handling of a botuko (wooden sword for beginners) and sword etiquette. Basic Iaido kamae (postures) and practice of baseline drawing and cutting motions within the Seitei kata forms.
Kendo Kihon Kata: Designed to teach beginners correct mechanics, distance (maai), alertness (Zanshin), and understanding of the Japanese katana.
The day concluded with an Iaido Embu (demonstration) of ZNKR Seitei kata and Muso Shinden Ryu Kata by members of ShinBuKan Portsmouth and Bognor Regis Dojos.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the visiting Sensei and students from Trowbridge Zen Judo Club and ShinBuKan Portsmouth Iaido Dojo for their support and participation.
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Martin Robertson travelled to Slovakia to visit Shin Junsui Dojo, Kosice. During the visit ZNKR Seitei Iaido training was carried out under the instruction of Sensei Robbie Kulcsar, Iaido 5th dan. Seitei forms 1-12 were performed, under a critical eye and as always some gratefully received refinements were suggested.
Iaido practice is a continuous pursuit towards internal perfection and self-discipline. Overcoming the inner battle requires both immense patience and a resilient spirit. We must seize every opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners on the same path. There will be those who will guide you, those with whom you can walk alongside, and others who will follow your example. Every individual, dojo or seminar holds equal value to passing on a valuable teaching moment within the art.
After the Iaido training there was an opportunity to witness a demonstration of the 12 Seitei Jodo (Paired katas), performed with Jo (short wooden staff) against an opponent wielding a Bokuto (Wooden sword). In 1968 the All Japan Kendo Federation recognized the importance of Jodo and felt that its study would be beneficial to the students of Kendo and Iaido.
Currently we do not teach Jodo at our Bognor Regis Dojo. Further information about Jodo and where you can train can be found here.
August 2026
日々是好日 “Every day is a good day.”
Members of ShinBukan Portsmouth, Guilford and Bognor Regis Dojos attended a days training led by Vic Cook Sensei on Seitei kata fundamentals and a discussion on the 2026 proposed revision of the All Japan kendo Federation Seitei Iaido points to note in instruction. (Which includes the proposed intended direction of ZNKR Iaido and revisions to Seitai iai Etiquette & Technical Skills). There was much to digest and we will be further looking at these proposed changes over the coming months in our own dojo training sessions.
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.
