Shinkendo Boston — Local services in Boston

I have attended yesterdays (10/26) Zoom session of Shinkendo Boston class with Sensei Shaffee Bacchus.

About three topics were covered today, as seems usually to be the case. The class involved practice of basic stances/footwork/forms combined with introduction of new and advanced techniques.

Class can be vigorous at times with this art demanding development of balance, coordinated movement/footwork, with both upper and lower body fully activated (as occurs in all martial arts). (Note: in my attendance of dozens of classes at this dojo over many years, I have really never seen groups watching while more advanced members are coached; all are active at all times).

All students are engaged regardless of level; all questions answered and all observed in practice by Sensei Bacchus; different levels are matched for practice and are also drawn aside for individual instruction at their particular level. There is a strong sense of community in this small dedicated group; there is zero sense of any type of clique behavior or “level/rank related” separation.

This Sensei clearly has a passion for the art form, and is an exceptionally articulate instructor; always eager and proud to “develop up” his students in the established Shinkendo ranking system (ISF, or, International Shinkendo Federation). Several are now instructors as well.

This Zoom class is regularly offered and those attending in this live-stream video class live in several cities. I have always felt welcomed and “present” and there is often a short post-class discussion especially for the zoom participants.

That being said, the physical school itself is in the heart of Boston’s historic and vibrant original Asian community in a landmark school building on Tyler Street. (A Chinese cultural center, within which one can sometimes hear the echo of traditional music.) It is very close to South Station and therefore easy to get to even from outer boroughs if you don’t have a vehicle.

The Shinkendo Boston dojo is a great place to learn this unique, interesting and demanding martial art form. You will feel welcomed; you will...

Shinkendo Is a great place to learn a lot about Japanese Kenjutsu swordsmanship . The Dojo run by Shaffee Bacchus is a great place to train and learn new skills of swordsmanship ,he is a great instructor . From my own personal experience i can attest that i learned a great deal from my experience there . A great welcoming atmosphere . I gained core strength balance and posture from the practice due to the requirements they be developed to advance in the art .His instruction provided a method for me to attain better performance in these areas.There are tactical teachings of timing and technique in application of strategies in combat from the movements and katas. In addition to all of this he runs the establishment with his family making it one of the best family businesses I have had experience with . I have watched his children /now young adults be shaped into some of the best instructors I have seen . And now his youngest son coming up the ranks . Beyond that Shaffee I am proud to call a teacher and friend has always been supportive in any pursuit I have shared with him both in and out of the school .The crazy thing is I know he does this with all of his students ,something rare in todays world this kind of engagement with people .Like a shepherd over his flock he has a watchful eye on everyone . You won't see me there anymore as I have moved to another state to seek some training in some other areas of my practice ,but i will always be grateful for my shinkendo experiences. I have and still will continue to visit the school ,again because of the schools welcoming...

I have practiced different martial arts for a long time from Chinese Tai-Chi and Kung-Fu to Judo and Karate Kyokushin. I have to admit that Shinkendo Boston is the best martial arts school I have attended. It has a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that combines Japanese martial art culture with modern teaching approach that can be adjusted to students of any level. The dojo has currently several instructors as the founder of the dojo - Shaffee Bacchus trained them over the many years he leads it. I have joined over a year ago and I love having lessons and tips from different Sensei as that allows me to learn faster and correct common mistakes before they engrain. I highly recommend the dojo for students of any level, especially those who are not only interested in learning "the Way of the True Sword", but also the Japanese culture and the philosophy that goes with it which allow one to grow on many...