Shinken Trader

I was invited to a 2 day teaching seminar held in Jakarta. The new Shinkendo study group has 7 members and is is headed by Chris Kinetik, who is a skilled Aikido practitioner.

The seminar went well, with the 2 day seminar covering material that is normally taught over two months! I remember how it was like for me when I first started, with so many new terms, concepts and techniques. The Indonesian group is very enthusiastic, and they have asked me to visit them again in July. If they practice well, they may even qualify for Shinkendo’s first ranking.

Today was the first time that I striped my Iaito for cleaning and inspection. The tang is in good condition, and the mekugi is still sound and usable. After cleaning, I duly reassembled the Iaito. This reminds me of my National Service days when stripping and cleaning the AR15 was a daily chore!

I read recently the story of a 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. Continue Reading »

Today, I had the opportunity to observe an learn how a katana is stripped from its mountings and furniture. The purpose is to clean and inspect the blade and tang, checking for flaws and cracks that can compromise safety. All thanks to Lonnei sensei, who took the time to explain this to me even though he has retired from Shinkendo

Today was the first class of the new year 2007. We welcomed the new year with a good training session, made more enjoyable by the return of some old students who have decided to return for training in 2007.

Our dojo has been renamed as Shimbukan Singapore by Obata sensei. I have been appointed as Kenshuin and am now tasked to sustain and develop interest in Shinkendo here in Singapore. It is with humility that I accept this responsibility and am resolved to do my best for Shinkendo Shimbukan Singapore with the assistance of all  Singapore Shinkendo-ka and other well-wishers.

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Today, I welcomed the new year 2007 with my personal “Keiko Hajime”, going through all the Shinkendo syllabus that Lonnie sensei has taught me.

Shinkendo Shimbukan Singapore will hold “Keiko Hajime” on Saturday 6 Jan

I have updated the “About Shinkendo” page to include video clips of my execution of basic Shinkendo Suburi and Battoho (combative cutting, drawing and resheathing of the iaito).

Emperors of Japan had 3 treasures that symbolised their authority. The Sword was the Sword that protected the people. The Jewel symbolised wealth for the country and its citizens. And the Mirror… ah the mirror…

Lonnie sensei always said that the mirror never lies. “If you smile, the mirror smiles; if you perform poor technique, mirror also performs poor technique. …”

Today, I came across this very concept in a very interesting post and it relates to trading…

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At today’s shinkendo practice, I incorporated a forward roll on concrete. I remember Lonnie sensei explaining that the samurai occationally lost their swords on the battlefield, and had to pick up discarded swords scattered on the ground, using forward ukemi.

I am none the worse for wear, and executing the ukemi felt good. Will continue with ukemi practice in my future personal training sessions.

The Art of War, written by Sun Tzu, states that victory in war (as in trading) requires knowledge of the enemy (the market) and also knowledge of oneself. 

Today, I came across this quiz for traders. It requires a TRUE or FALSE answer. Score one point for every answer that is TRUE for you. Continue Reading »