International Shinkendo Federation in Alabama and Georgia (ISF-AL/GA) Represented by Kaiso Toshishiro Obata Founder and Chief Instructor of ISF Hanshi Paul Couch and Shihan Yumiko  Matsuoka Chief Instructors of ISF-AL/GA Authorized Shinkendo  instructors since 1988.

ISF-AL/GA is a group dedicated for practicing Shinkendo, traditional Japanese Swordsmanship developed by Soke Toshishiro Obata.  Paul Couch and Yumiko Matsuoka, students of Soke Obata have practiced under Soke Obata beginning in 1988 as members of USA Battodo Federation, which Soke Obata was the chief instructor.  Upon the foundation of International Shinkendo Federation by Soke Obata in 1990, we became the first Shinkendo instructors in this area and introduced Shinkendo in the Southeast United States.

Birmingham Dojo is the first Shinkendo Dojo in Southeast.  Since 1990, we have been maintained a small but quality group.  Atlanta Dojo was founded in 1993.  Initially located in Marietta area.  After several relocations, we are currently located within the city of Atlanta.  Dojo in Huntsville, AL was established in August, 2003 led by Sensei Jesus Hernandez.

Students within the group are encouraged to interact with each other through semi-annual clinic by Soke Obata, joint training and demonstrations organized by ISF-AL/GA including Japan Fest in Stone Mountain, GA, Asian Cultural Experience in Atlanta, GA, Sakura Matsuri in Tuscaloosa, AL and Japan Festival in Huntsville, AL.  Students are permitted to train in all Dojo within the ISF-AL/GA in addition to the regular training in their home Dojo.

Whereas we feel the need for students to become more familiar with and involve themselves in more in depth study of Japanese culture and history in general and the study of the Samurai sword in particular, we conduct periodic lectures and discussions on these subjects.   These studies aid students in their appreciation of Soke Obata's Shinkendo.