At the Iwanami Dojo, we teach Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido founded by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu over 450 years ago. Iaido or iaijutsu is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship which emphasizes simultaneously drawing and cutting in a single fluid motion. Iaido requires extreme precision and great devotion to detail in its techniques and demands tremendous focus and discipline.

    The curriculum of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido encompasses three main pratices. First, that of solo waza (techniques)
involving specific situational defense and offense. Second, tachi-uchi no kurai which are paired patterns of attack and
defense using a bokken (wooden sword). Last, the pratice of tameshigiri which is the actual cutting of tatami or bamboo
targets with a shinken (live steel blade).
   
Iaido by its nature is non-competitive. However, the perfection of technique and skill is both physically and mentally
challenging. Despite the fact the Iaido is more at home on the streets of feudal Japan, students find that Iaido training offers
some very real modern benefits. Practitioners often report after training of being in a calm and relaxed state, having
a greater sense of well being, and having a good time. Whether your interest is from the movies, Japanese anime,
Kendo or you were once a little boy wielding a stick, Iaido has something to offer you.