The Shidogakuin dojo was established in 1984 by Shozo Kato and Tsuyoshi Inoshita, initially under the name of Doshikan. Shidogakuin has grown from a single dojo in Manhattan into an organization that includes many affiliated dojos along the east coast, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Florida.
Shozo Kato, head instructor
Kendo 7 dan Kyoshi, Iaido 7 dan Kyoshi
Kato sensei has been practicing kendo and iaido for almost four decades each. He served as head coach for the U.S. national kendo team for the 10th World Kendo Championships in Kyoto in 1997 and again for the 11th world championships in Santa Clara, Calif., in 2000. In 2006, he served as one of the judges for the 13th world championships in Taipei. As one of the highest-ranking iaido practitioners in the U.S., he has also served as head instructor for numerous regional iaido seminars.
At Shidogakuin, we welcome both novices and experienced students. We emphasizing the fundamentals that will enable practitioners to continuously develop their skills and hone their spirit for a lifetime of rewarding practice. We have classes specifically geared toward beginners to ease them into advanced practice.
Kendo is great physical exercise, but it is also much more than a sport. At Shidogakuin, approach kendo as a budo - the traditional Japanese concept of martial arts that emphasizes proper etiquette and self-development.
At Shidogakuin, we firmly believe that focusing on fundamentals also eventually leads to competitive success for those who are interested in participating in tournaments.
Our members include a number of accomplished practitioners in both kendo and iaido.
--Marvin Kawabata, kendo 4 dan, member of the 2006 U.S. national kendo team. Marvin was the taisho (anchor position) of the five-man U.S. men's team, which was the first ever to defeat Team Japan in the 36-year history of the World Kendo Championships. Marvin also garnered second place in the men's individuals at the 2005 All U.S. Kendo Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich.
--Kenichi Hatakeyama, kendo 4 dan, winner of the men's individuals at the 2002 All U.S. Kendo Championships in Los Angeles.
--Debi Farmer, iaido 5 dan and kendo 4 dan, member of the U.S. national kendo team for the 2003 World Kendo Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, two-time winner of the 3 dan-and-above division and winner of the 2 dan-and-below at the All U.S. Iaido Championships in 1998, 1999 and 2005.
--Paul Shin, kendo 4 dan and iaido 3 dan, winner of the 1 dan-2 dan division at the 2006 All U.S. Iaido Championships in Cincinnati.
--Andre Chen, kendo 4 dan and iaido 3 dan, winner of the mudansha division at the 2002 All U.S. Iaido Championships in Seattle.
--Aram Kailian, kendo 2 dan and iaido 2 dan, winner of the 1 dan-2 dan division at the 2007 All U.S. Iaido Championships in Omaha, winner of the mudansha division at the 2005 All U.S. Iaido Championships in Torrence, California.
--Marcus Altuna, kendo 1 dan and iaido 1 dan, winner of the mudansha division at the 2006 All U.S. Iaido Championships in Cincinnati
Shidogakuin Precepts
Hitotsu... Shoshin o wasureruna.
First... Do not forget the feeling you had when you started.
Hitotsu... Uso o iuna.
First... Do not tell lies.
Hitotsu... Hito ni meiwaku kakeruna.
First... Do not make trouble for others.
Hitotsu... Kuro doryoku oshimuna.
First... Do not avoid hard effort.
Hitotsu... Kansha no kokoro o wasureruna.
First... Do not forget the feeling of gratitude
Myomon Ryonin, Daiozan Chuzo Temple
Shidogakuin Affiliations
Shidogakuin is a member of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), and the The Greater Northeastern United States Kendo Federation (GNEUSKF).
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