Shin-Budo Kai

Shin-Budo Kai is a national Aikido organization founded by Shizuo Imaizumi, Shihan, in order to teach martial arts concepts and techniques. Literally, Shin-Budo means ‘The True Martial Way’, and Kai means ‘Association’ or ‘Organization’. In Imaizumi Sensei’s system, the arts of Aikido, Bokkendo (the way of the wooden sword), Jodo (the way of the short staff), and Genkido (the way of cultivating one’s body, mind and spirit through training in ki exercises for coordinating mind and body) are the cornerstones of training.

Among these four elements, the main emphasis in most classes is on Aikido. However, the other elements play important, integral parts in a student’s development, and practice in genkido and the use of the bokken and jo starts in the earliest stages of training.

For centuries in Japan, budo (the martial way) has been a path that includes both rigorous practice and sustained introspection. Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, noted that in real budo there are no enemies and emphasized the concept of agatsu or “self victory.” In Shin-Budo Kai Aikido, we strive to hone our abilities to clearly perceive an adversary’s intent, to remain calm when threatened, and to apply effective martial strategy and technique when needed. We do so not so much to defeat others, but to achieve that level of self-control that allows us to follow a more harmonious path – a path on which we invite you to join us.

Albuquerque Shin-Budo Kai (ASBK)
ASBK is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the instruction of Aikido and its related arts. Our history as a martial arts dojo dates back to 1985 when Wade Ishimoto Sensei formed the Albuquerque Ki Society along with Steve Casalnuovo and Jennifer Yazawa. Ishimoto Sensei began studying Aikido in 1965 in Hawaii and became a student of Imaizumi Sensei in 1982 after retiring from the United States Army Special Forces. With a martial arts background that also includes judo, boxing, and Goju Ryu Karate, he is also noted for his contributions to combating terrorism. Ishimoto Sensei joined with Shihan Shizuo Imaizumi in October 1988 when Imaizumi Sensei established his national Shin-Budo Kai organization. Ishimoto Sensei remained as the ASBK Chief Instructor until his move to Washington, DC in 1996. Jim Redel Sensei, a student of Ishimoto Sensei, was ASBK Chief Instructor until his resignation from Shin-Budo Kai in early 2006.

We are a diverse group of aikidoka (aikido practitioners) that appreciates the camaraderie instilled by energetic, cooperative practice. During practice, safety and respect for others on the mat are among our highest priorities. Ours is a traditional dojo where the ideals of budo and the spirit and teachings of Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, are ever present.

As an Albuquerque Shin-Budo Kai student, you can expect to learn:

Aikido
Cooperative practice with a partner emphasizes self-defense techniques using wrist and arm immobilizations (katame waza) and throws (nage waza). The techniques are used in response to many different types of attacks such as wrist grabs, head strikes, punches, and knife attacks. The number of possible aikido techniques is virtually limitless, however beginners start by focusing on a core group of basic techniques. From this foundation, a student gradually builds up his or her "repertoire" and practice expands to include freestyle techniques (jiyu waza) and handling multiple attackers (randori).

Bokkendo
Basic practice with the bokken, or wooden sword, involves several solo kata (forms or routines) found in many Aikido schools. These kata help to develop a student’s breathing, balance, and footwork. More advanced bokken practice involves kata known as awase and kumitachi – both of which are performed with a partner. As a student progresses, he or she will study kata from traditional swordsmanship schools such as Shinkage Ryu and Itto Ryu.

Jodo
Basic practice with the jo, or short staff, starts with several solo kata developed by O’ Sensei and his direct students. As with bokkendo, practice also includes awase and kumitachi. Advanced students learn kata from a traditional school of jodo, the Muso Ryu.

Genkido
The concepts of genkido permeate all levels of instruction and include exercises that emphasize proper breathing, maintaining balance, and moving with mind-body coordination.

Affiliated SBK Dojos
New York - Hombu Dojo
Durango Colorado
Connecticut
Bedford Hills, NY
Ft. Worth, TX
Austin, TX