New York Shin Budo Kai
(Submitted by Alison Stevens with photographs by Andrew Bordwin and Bob Tullman.)

Welcome to Shin Budo Kai. We are an independent dojo under the direction of Shizuo Imaizumi, 7th Dan, a direct student of O-Sensei and also of Tohei-Sensei. Shin Budo Kai of New York is the hombu dojo of the organization, which has affiliated dojos in Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, New Mexico and Texas.

Imaizumi Shihan established Shin Budo Kai in 1988, with the intention of providing instruction in traditional aikido, genkido (ki training), jodo and bokkendo. We not only study aiki-joho and aiki-ken as taught by the founder, but also forms from Yagu Shinkage Ryu and Itto Ryu schools of swordsmanship and Muso Ryu jodo. We are one of the few aikido schools to offer instruction in both the Nihon Jodo Kata and Nihon Kendo Kata as part of our regular curriculum.

The dojo offers classes daily, with Imaizumi Shihan teaching evening classes Monday through Friday. Senior students teach the daytime and weekend classes. Special topical sessions are offered several times a year in New York, and seminars are presented at affiliated dojos as well. Please refer to our website, http://www.shinbudokai.org for a current class schedule and seminar information. Seminars with Imaizumi-Sensei are held regularly in Austin, TX, Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV and at the New York dojo.

Shin Budo Kai is located at 425 West 14th Street in the heart of New York City's West Village, in what is known as the meat packing district. Despite its colorful (and aromatic) past, our neighborhood is now home to galleries and boutiques. In fact, Shin Budo Kai was one of the first non-meat related businesses to enter the block over 12 years ago. Our current dojo is a street-level, storefront space which attracts not only passers by interested in martial arts, but also an assortment of art lovers and fashion mavens who come in to watch class for a while. Our student population reflects the diversity of New York City. We have students from all professions, ages and ethnicities, and we see our dojo as a place where each person's unique talents and attributes contribute to the greater whole of our community. Students are encouraged to test at their own pace, and while our dojo's attitude is traditional, we follow the founder's dictum to practice in a spirit of joy.

Visitors are always welcome, and we invite you to practice with us during your next visit to New York. More information about the school can be obtained through our web page, http://www.shinbudokai.org and questions can be posed to Bob Tullman through links on that page.