Since the age of 5 years old, Shimada Mitsutoshi has dedicated his life to the way of the Samurai. Born into a Samurai family, his destiny seemed already predetermined. Like many Samurai today, he lives by a code of the warrior known as the Bushido. Following this code gives his life a full meaning and purpose.
Shimada Sensei is well versed in the many skills that make up the Samurai cache of martial arts. These include expert knowledge of such weapons as the Naginata, Eku, Yari, and of course the Katana (sword). Unarmed combat strategies like ju-jitsu and ninjitsu complete the Samurai Bugei (military arts). As if mastering these are not enough, Samurai Shimada holds several black belts in various Karate styles. These include Meibukan Gojyu-Ryu, International Karate Goju-Ryu Association, and Kyokushin Karate. He also has extended his traditional weaponry knowledge to include the Motobu-Ryu system of Kobudo from Okinawa like nunchaku, kama, sai, and bo.
Although born in 1964, Shimada Sensei grew up within an extended family of Samurai so his exposure to the Samurai culture includes generations of rituals. Members in both his mother’s and father’s side of the family are either professors or practitioners of a Samurai art. These include Sado – the tea ceremony, Kado – flower arrangement, and Shodo – calligraphy. He brings his culmination of knowledge and experiences to his family system called Mugen-Ryu, the Way of Infinity.
As the succession of Mugen-Ryu’s leadership passes through the generations, Shimada Shihan finds himself holding the torch today as the 18th in line. It is our good fortunate that he wishes to share this rare glimpse of the Samurai’s secretive world outside of Japan. Wanting to share his love for the Samurai ways, in 2011 he has branched outside of Japan starting with North America. You can meet and train with him in Markham, Ontario at the NOX Dojo or even sponsor a seminar with him in your own dojo.
Achievements:
7th Dan Mugen-Ryu (Samurai Arts of Kendo, Iaido, Ju-Jitsu, Sado, Kado, and Shodo)
5th Dan Motobu-Ryu (Kobudo)
3rd Dan Meibukan Goju-Ryu
2nd Dan Kyokushin Karate
1997 All Japan Kyokushin Championships – Silver Medalist in Heavyweight Division
You can find out more about Mugen Ryu classes by clicking HERE.
