Shinkage-ryū

[Hiten808]

Does this style still exist as a practiced form. I understand its founder conceptualized the first bamboo practice sword but I was wondering if the style itself is dead or has perhaps evolved into a different name.

[Are2]

Does this style still exist as a practiced form. I understand its founder conceptualized the first bamboo practice sword but I was wondering if the style itself is dead or has perhaps evolved into a different name.
Yes, several lines of the style and several derived styles are still practiced, most famous of which are the lines transmitted inside the Yagyū family (known to outsiders as Yagyū Shinkage-ryū). Josh Reyer of this forum is a practitioner, so he'd be able to give you more information.

Here's a demonstration in which they mostly use the fukuro-shinai you mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn-p19C8MAQ

[Taylor]

I practice Jiki Shinkage-Ryu which also uses fukuro-shinai. Ive also heard it was that school that decided to start using bogu and slap crap out of each other. Ill see if I can find out more.