Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing the sword and cutting in one smooth motion. One of many martial systems developed by the samurai, iaido techniques were originally designed to confront unexpected attacks in the everyday life of a samurai. Less well known than kendo, iaido is distinct from kendo in two important ways. First, all iaido techniques begin and end with the sword in the scabbard. Second, unlike modern kendo, iaido is not a sport. Instead, iaido is a koryu (traditional art) that is deeply rooted in feudal Japan. Iaido teaches practitioners how to handle and use the Japanese sword to deadly effect. Although battles are no longer fought with swords, training is serious, and mindful of the art’s lethal intent. In this way, iaido remains as vital today as it was hundreds of years ago. The historical founder of iaido was Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (1542-1621), who was inspired to develop iaido about 450 years ago. Most schools of iaido can trace their lineage directly to Hayashizaki, including that of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (MJER). Ikeda Takashi Seiko (born 1932) is the 22nd consecutive soke of MJER. Today, MJER is mostly practiced inside Japan, although there is growing interest in other countries, including the United States. *Note: Students should expect to train hard and diligently, even if there is a lack of understanding involving the reasons behind the waza. Whys and explanations only make sense when physically/mentally ready and many students struggle unnecessarily due an excess of knowledge but a deficit of experience.

Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing the sword and cutting in one smooth motion.

One of many martial systems developed by the samurai, iaido techniques were originally designed to confront unexpected attacks in the everyday life of a samurai. Less well known than kendo, iaido is distinct from kendo in two important ways. First, all iaido techniques begin and end with the sword in the scabbard. Second, unlike modern kendo, iaido is not a sport. Instead, iaido is a koryu (traditional art) that is deeply rooted in feudal Japan. Iaido teaches practitioners how to handle and use the Japanese sword to deadly effect. Although battles are no longer fought with swords, training is serious, and mindful of the art’s lethal intent. In this way, iaido remains as vital today as it was hundreds of years ago. The historical founder of iaido was Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (1542-1621), who was inspired to develop iaido about 450 years ago. Most schools of iaido can trace their lineage directly to Hayashizaki, including that of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (MJER). Ikeda Takashi Seiko (born 1932) is the 22nd consecutive soke of MJER. Today, MJER is mostly practiced inside Japan, although there is growing interest in other countries, including the United States.

*Note: Students should expect to train hard and diligently, even if there is a lack of understanding involving the reasons behind the waza. Whys and explanations only make sense when physically/mentally ready and many students struggle unnecessarily due an excess of knowledge but a deficit of experience.