Kōshinkan Dōjō: Dedicated to a Martial Tradition
Kōshinkan Dōjō Berlin is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha.
Our primary goal is to faithfully transmit the ryū’s martial tradition, encompassing not only physical techniques but also the knowledge, mental discipline, moral values, and cultural practices that define it. We believe that cultural exchange fosters peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds. Our training is guided by the spirit of the ancient Japanese bushi, focusing on both the physical and non-physical aspects of the samurai tradition. Kōshinkan Dōjō opened its doors to the public in 2024, welcoming anyone. The dojo is a member of the Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Berlin and thus actively contributes to the cultural exchange between the two countries.
Teachers
Katori Shintō-ryū is currently guided by Otake Nobutoshi-shihan, and every monjin (member) is considered his student. One of the shihandai appointed by Otake-shihan is Malte Stokhof-sensei, who has taught both in Japan and internationally. He introduced Katori Shintō-ryū to Vietnam when he openend Shobukan Dojo in Ho Chi Minh City, where Sebastian Graetz began his training. After over a decade of training, Sebastian Graetz has been appointed shidosha for the shibu in Berlin.
Our dojo
Every dojo is shaped by its students: Our students, of all genders, come from many countries including Germany, Vietnam, Russia, India, Egypt, and the US. The youngest student is 18 years old, and our oldest is around 50. The classes are held in English and German.
People start to train for all sorts of reasons — whether it's the physical challenge, a love for Japanese culture, or the desire to find a community. Over time, these initial motivations often change, deepening their connection to the ryū. For many, key experiences like taking the blood oath or studying under Otake Nobutoshi-shihan mark significant milestones in their journey. Participating in international seminars with high-level instructors also plays a crucial role in strengthening their dedication to the tradition.
“Turn no one away, nor rope them back in.”
This is the fundamental stance of our tradition toward students: the doors of the dojo are open; in both directions. We do not actively seek new students nor chase those who do not return. This applies to individuals who behave as expected of martial artists of the ryū. While we welcome new students every month, we make no exceptions in training and supporting the dojo: all of us, young or old, male or female, share the same responsibilities.
This includes honest and vigorous training with everyone in the dojo. We were all beginners once and continue to need help from our seniors. In return, it is our duty to welcome and assist our juniors with a respectful and supportive spirit. Other duties include supporting the dojo by helping out when needed, such as organizing trips, events, or seminars.
In our dojo, we set expectations not only for skill but, more importantly, for conduct. We hold our members to a higher standard of behavior, following our founder and sensei in their teachings. We strive to maintain peace, but certain lines cannot be crossed; specific actions will not be tolerated. Any behavior that negatively impacts the dojo's atmosphere or compromises people’s safety is unacceptable.
