Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai-jutsu

Tuesdays: 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Sundays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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Iaido or Iaijutsu is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship as practiced by the samurai of feudal Japan which emphasizes drawing and cutting with the samurai sword (called a 'katana') in a single fluid motion. The style of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu is a 'koryu bujutsu' (which means 'traditional martial art') with a direct lineage back over 450 years to its founder, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, who developed this particular style of swordsmanship.

Iaido is usually practiced with an un-edged sword called Iaito (Iai sword), Bokken (wooden sword), or Shinken (‘live’ sword). Curriculum includes Waza (solo techniques similar to kata), Katachi (paired patterns) and Tameshigiri (rolled mat cutting with a live blade).

Iaido requires extreme precision of its techniques and develops intense concentration on the practitioner. Safety and awareness are extremely emphasized during practice at the dojo as well as a constant observance of etiquette. Students learn about samurai history and philosophy, continuous practice of its precepts permeates the practitioner’s everyday life with a sense of respect, commitment and compassion for others as well as a deep understanding of different aspects of society. Therefore sword techniques become a tool for shaping and perfecting character.