Can I join without martial arts experience?
There are no restrictions based on gender, age or previous martial arts experience.
Katori Shintō-ryū’s kata are relatively long and include crouching and jumping. Practitioners should train according to their fitness and physical condition.
Can I observe a class first?
Observation is available. You are welcome to watch a regular practice session to see the curriculum and how we train.
What clothing and equipment do I need?
You may begin in suitable sportswear. We can lend you a wooden sword for practice.
You can purchase your own training clothes and wooden sword later.
Should I practise outside class?
We encourage students to practise solo swings (suburi) or train with fellow members outside class.
For safety, students must not practise Katori Shintō-ryū with people who are not members of the tradition.
Must I complete keppan (formal admission) before training in Hong Kong?
Following classical tradition, Shinbukan uses keppan, a blood-seal oath, as the formal admission ceremony.
We encourage long-term practitioners to visit the headquarters dojo in Japan for further training and keppan. Students who have not yet taken keppan may still practise the Omote series in Hong Kong.
Can I join if I study another martial tradition?
Yes. The Japanese headquarters does not prohibit members from studying other traditions at the same time.
If you currently study another martial or sword tradition, please consult your own instructor before joining, as a matter of responsibility and respect.