By Federation Chairman Jens Iversen
Another fantastic Shindenkan season has passed, and with an impressive effort from Kimu Sensei and the team around him, an extraordinary summer event was planned – the culmination of an intensive season focusing on competency development in Yakami Shinsei-ryu Taijutsu & Karate-do.
Shindenkan's 2025 Summer Convention was conducted with a perfect combination of balance, intensity and a fantastic atmosphere. The over 85 committed participants and more than 150 enthusiastic spectators showed great enthusiasm - clear proof that the competence boost created by Kimu Sensei is now fully taking effect.
Shindenkan Summer Convention 2025 – A tribute to our cultural heritage and shared efforts.
As a competence organization, we base our development on a solid and proven system and through holistic courses in the single-track competencies that each degree requires, it is our goal at Shindenkan to maintain and expand the level of competence high. But this requires continuous effort and that is why we are constantly developing – via the annual OBC KM courses, the local OBC trainings every fortnight and the six annual NKT trainings.
Shindenkan is a training place for those who want more. More depth, more understanding and more personal development. Through our strong set of values, we not only create skilled practitioners, but whole people. But we also set standards – for ourselves and each other. The annual OBC KM certification is our shared promise of quality. Every year we must prove that we still master it all.
This became clear at Shindenkan's Summer Meeting 2025, because here I experienced something quite special – an intensity, a balance and an atmosphere that I have never felt so strongly before. The joy and energy among the over 85 participants and more than 150 spectators was overwhelming.
Many came afterwards to express their enthusiasm – not only for the event itself, but for Shindenkan's entire positive approach to training and development. They thanked us for a season filled with inspiration, learning and community – both in the national activities and in the local training.
It is in moments like these that you feel that what we do works – that our collective efforts lift us all up and that our amazing cultural heritage lives on – stronger than ever before.
The annual OBC KM certification
OBC KM was created with one clear purpose: to shape the future with an increasing level of competence. It is a structure that not only reflects the individual member's level of competence here and now, but is scalable over time – and adapts to the different life cycles we all go through. It is nothing short of mega cool!
The annual OBC certification, conducted by Shindenkan Honbu-dojo's Chief Instructor, Kimu Sensei, plays a central role for both members and instructors. The certification is not just a test – it is a benchmark for our professional and personal development.
The system operates with four levels, and the certification you achieve is valid for one year – one season at a time. This creates a natural rhythm in our training and ensures that we constantly maintain our skills and build on what we have learned.
A fantastic celebration of competence, community and future
What a party it was – for both participants and spectators! The 2025 Summer Convention was another strong manifestation of everything Shindenkan stands for: skill development, unity and passion.
The convention offered it all: OBC KM certifications, competency graduations, lots of KYU, brown belt graduations – and not least black belt graduations. And this year was no exception. A total of 75 graduations and 15 new OBC KM certifications were completed in our multi-track system.
It was nothing short of amazing to stand in the middle of it all and feel the energy and the togetherness. To see OBC in action – as the continuous development spiral that not only maintains, but raises our shared level of competence. And it happened – as always – on a solid foundation of teaching and inspiration from Kimu Sensei.
This season we have seen a unique community blossom – both in the local clubs and across the national training seminars. Perhaps this is the strongest proof that Shindenkan Denmark is stronger than ever.
The future looks bright: We are in the process of filling the ranks again – with new members, more KYUs, more brown belt graduations and new black belts. This bodes well – very well for the future.
The path to brown and black belt graduation – fighting spirit, will and community
In Shindenkan, the journey towards brown and black belt graduation begins each year at the start of the season in August. Here, members voluntarily sign up for the national gross list – a list of those who wish to go all the way towards graduation at the season-ending summer tournament.
But the road is long – and only the most dedicated make it all the way. It is a requirement that all registered throughout the year prove their attitude and persistence at all SB-BB leadership seminars and joint competitions. Several times during the season, Kimu Sensei makes an assessment: Who is ready to move on to the net list, where the requirements are further tightened?
In the 2025 season, eight members were admitted to the gross list. Three of them passed all the tests, all the way – and passed their respective degrees. They have shown us all how it should be done. They have completed three different degrees, stuck together as a strong team, and shown fighting spirit and willpower throughout the process. They have developed, fought, sweated and fought a little more – and they have had the stamina to go the distance.
The result speaks for itself:
- A new multi-track 2. Kyu Ho
- A new multi-track 1. Dan Ho
- And another super cool female 1st Dan Sr. in our amazing Yakami Shinsei-ryu Taijutsu & Karate-do
All three have been role models in Shindenkan – for attitude, commitment, perseverance and, not least, diversity. They show us that you can do far more than you – or others – think possible.
For those of us who have followed them all the way, it has been moving and inspiring. We have seen genuine fighting spirit, steely will and a dedication that deserves deep respect.
I am MASSIVELY proud! There is only one thing to say: WOW! I take my hat off to you, I salute you and I send you a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS – because you have not just passed. You have helped create the very special atmosphere of balance, intensity and joy that culminated at Shindenkan's summer convention 2025.
Shindenkan Denmark – 60 years of strong values, community and competence development
In 2025, we proudly celebrate the 60th anniversary of Shindenkan Denmark! It is a unique milestone that testifies to the strength of our community, the continuity of our values – and the enduring passion for Yakami Shinsei-ryu Taijutsu & Karate-do.
We look forward to a season filled with strong memories – where a shared effort, with a bright youthful energy and dynamic training, has once again created development and joy. We have felt how both new and experienced members grow side by side on their journey in our 1,000-year-old Japanese cultural heritage.
Since its founding in 1965, Shindenkan Denmark has been a federation of local, municipally approved, independent and democratic associations. What they all have in common is that they teach and continue the authentic tradition and philosophy of Yakami Shinsei-ryu Taijutsu & Karate-do.
Since 1988, both Kimu Sensei and I have been part of the international competence organization Jokokan International, and the Jokokan Honbu Dojo in Lejre continues to be the heart of Shindenkan Denmark. This is where we ensure quality, authenticity and development – and it is from here that our national and international competence level is anchored.
As a true Competence and Leadership Development organization, we offer more than just martial arts - we offer a system for personal and professional growth.
One of the things that makes us unique – and strong – is that all Shindenkan member schools teach according to exactly the same curriculum manual. This means one common competency, one common standard – across the country and generations. This creates coherence, quality and a strong community.
The new season is almost here and I'm really looking forward to starting again 😊
In the 2024-2025 season, we have been delighted to welcome many new, fantastic members to Shindenkan. It has been a pleasure to see you all join our community and contribute with fresh energy and strong motivation.
My big wish for the upcoming season is that together we will welcome even more new white belts into our local associations – children, youth and adults – who will help create the special balance, intensity and great atmosphere that we know and love.
That atmosphere and energy is what gives us so much – whether we are JokoKidz, JokoTeens or adults. It reminds us “old” members of where we started, and gives us a fantastic opportunity to show the way forward: a new journey for both them and us.
This is where we put Shindenkan's strong values into practice – and this is where we can be the very best version of ourselves, and the upcoming season will be no exception. Because our goal in Shindenkan is clear: We are here to benefit – first and foremost, our members, but also the community around us.
Because all people need to feel the real energy. To be met as they are. To be taken on a journey where they develop – together with someone who is passionate about making a difference.
So come and join us! Take part in another fantastic season and make your mark – because there are no limits to what we can achieve when we honestly strive to go all the way.
We are both happy and proud of the development we have created in the 2024-2025 season – and now a well-deserved summer awaits all of Denmark. And honestly – what could be better than the unity, the joy and the level we have achieved together.
But we want to do more - be more - reach out - make a difference - show who we are 😊
Therefore, invite everyone who wants to, everyone is welcome – We are accepting new members as early as August 18, 2025.
We are looking forward to the upcoming season with ALL of you – because in Shindenkan and in all the local Schools there is room for everyone – the elite as well as the exerciser.
