Shin Ken Kai began in1989.  Ken Maneker had returned from studying in Kyoto, Japan and three years later established the Shin Ken Kai home dojo.  

Omori Masao Sensei (hanshi hachidan), one of Maneker sensei's teachers in Japan, chose the name for us. With his help and guidance we chose the name Shin Ken Kai Dojo (Spirit Sword Group).

Each year once and sometimes twice, Maneker sensei has returned to continue his studies in Japan.  In 1999, Maneker sensei challenged rokudan in Tokyo, Japan and was successful.  In 2000, he returned to take his renshi {first level teaching certificate} examination and again was successful. He is the living connection of Shin Ken Kai with the traditions and knowledge of Iaido as it is practiced in Japan. He has returned every year for one to two months to practice with Omori-sensei and other teachers.  Omori sensei passed away late in 2006 at the age of 96.  In his memory we have established the Omori Masao Scholarship.

Maneker sensei was lucky in having Konaka Hiroyuki sensei (hanshi hachidan) teach him the finer points of Seitei  Iaido and Iwata Norikazu sensei (hanshi hachidan) who focused on Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido. Maneker sensei has spent much time in one to one practice with each of his teachers.  More recently, Maneker sensei has begun learning Hoki Ryu from the current soke, Kuze Takashi sensei {hanshi hachidan}.  Furthermore, in 2008, Shin Ken Kai dojo aligned itself with the Dai Nihon Iaido Renmei.

We are ever grateful to the Hastings Community Center for their support as part of their community outreach mandate. In return, we ensure that all of our members join the Hastings Community Centre Association and support it in any way we can.  We are also indebted to the Steveston Martial Arts Centre, where we hold our special seminars.

We now have a rokudan, three godan, several yondan and sandan as well as a number of lower dan and kyu ranked students. We hold annual gradings.  Shin Ken Kai now has several dojo in Canada. 

What started as a pastime has, for many of us, become a way of life and the Shin Ken Kai Dojo has become our home. If you are in the Vancouver area on either business or pleasure, please pack your sword and uniform and plan to visit us.

Shin Ken Kai dojo practice both Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kata as listed below, and the Dai Nihon Iaido Renmei Toho Kata.