About ShinShin Mugendo
What is ShinShin Mugendo?
A martial arts training method that translates to 'Way of the Infinite Mind and Body.'
The movements in this method are designed to maximize the techniques of any martial artist and assist them in becoming smoother in those techniques while at the same time moving into a positional advantage against an attacker. Training focuses more on using techniques efficiently and appropriately and less on combinations or competition.
Who created it:
Ben Otake – Otake’s extensive experience with martial arts stems back to the early 1950’s, beginning with Judo. From there he studied karate and kempo and was one of Ed Parker’s first students. He then moved on to study with Tak Kubota of the International Karate Association, earning the rank of 6th Dan—some 50 plus years ago. Otake taught the Gosoku Ryu system (IKA) in Puerto Rico from 1967 to 1972. During his time as an instructor for the IKA he taught Pan American champion Manuel Gonzales and world class champion Tony Tulleners (to name just two).
Today, Ben Otake teaches martial arts and self-defense the way he feels it was taught originally – for self-preservation rather than trophies. In order to better achieve this goal he began a new association with co-founder John Sells; they named it Shindokai. The focus of this association is to concentrate on those movements and techniques that are the most efficient and effective for self -defense without needing to be the biggest or strongest. As Otake says, “A sword that doesn’t cut is just a symbol. Self defense must be grounded in reality and accessible to anyone in order to be effective."
Jeff Learned - Jeff began his martial arts journey in Colorado studying Judo. At the age of 17, he moved to California and soon started studying with Otake sensei and has been an avid student for the last 45 years. Along the way, he also began studying Iaido with Masa Tazaki--eventually assisting and teaching Tazaki's style to others. Today he is Shinshin Mugendo's official Uke but is currently interviewing for a younger replacement.
Caitlin Learned - Caiti has been studying martial arts from the age of 7. She began with Shotokan karate taught by John Heyl in Culver City, California. In her teens she studied with Masa Tazaki learning Iaido. By the age of 16 she started practicing with Otake sensei and with a few gaps in time, continues to practice today. Caiti manages the social media for Shinshin Mugendo and often participates in the filming and demonstrations.
A martial arts training method that translates to 'Way of the Infinite Mind and Body.'
The movements in this method are designed to maximize the techniques of any martial artist and assist them in becoming smoother in those techniques while at the same time moving into a positional advantage against an attacker. Training focuses more on using techniques efficiently and appropriately and less on combinations or competition.
Who created it:
Ben Otake – Otake’s extensive experience with martial arts stems back to the early 1950’s, beginning with Judo. From there he studied karate and kempo and was one of Ed Parker’s first students. He then moved on to study with Tak Kubota of the International Karate Association, earning the rank of 6th Dan—some 50 plus years ago. Otake taught the Gosoku Ryu system (IKA) in Puerto Rico from 1967 to 1972. During his time as an instructor for the IKA he taught Pan American champion Manuel Gonzales and world class champion Tony Tulleners (to name just two).
Today, Ben Otake teaches martial arts and self-defense the way he feels it was taught originally – for self-preservation rather than trophies. In order to better achieve this goal he began a new association with co-founder John Sells; they named it Shindokai. The focus of this association is to concentrate on those movements and techniques that are the most efficient and effective for self -defense without needing to be the biggest or strongest. As Otake says, “A sword that doesn’t cut is just a symbol. Self defense must be grounded in reality and accessible to anyone in order to be effective."
Jeff Learned - Jeff began his martial arts journey in Colorado studying Judo. At the age of 17, he moved to California and soon started studying with Otake sensei and has been an avid student for the last 45 years. Along the way, he also began studying Iaido with Masa Tazaki--eventually assisting and teaching Tazaki's style to others. Today he is Shinshin Mugendo's official Uke but is currently interviewing for a younger replacement.
Caitlin Learned - Caiti has been studying martial arts from the age of 7. She began with Shotokan karate taught by John Heyl in Culver City, California. In her teens she studied with Masa Tazaki learning Iaido. By the age of 16 she started practicing with Otake sensei and with a few gaps in time, continues to practice today. Caiti manages the social media for Shinshin Mugendo and often participates in the filming and demonstrations.