Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword and cutting in a single motion.
Iaido, as we know it today, originated almost 450 years ago in the Sengoku period of Japan, a time of constant wars.
The originator, Jinsuke Shigenobu, formed the style that eventually became known as
'Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu,' which was based upon his wartime experiences.
Since that time, several related styles of Iaido have formed, but many which remain are based upon
Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu, and retain the core teachings of this style. As time passed and Japan
entered an era of extended peace during the Tokugawa period, those who studied Iaido and many
other martial arts, sought to find their place in a changing world. The need for pure combat
efficiency took on a smaller role, and the desire to define purpose and meaning for the austere
training methods of the martial arts gained importance.
Today, Iaido training is primarily a vehicle for personal development. Iaido training is
based on 'kata' and 'kumitach.' Kata are prearranged practice forms done by one person,
and kumitach are performed in pairs. Kata and Kumitach are the repository of the original
combat strategies. Iaido training methods require intense mental and physical concentration.
Repeating these forms, very precisely, over many years, provides a vehicle for physical and spiritual
improvement, and a chance for students to better understand themselves and their place in the modern world.
Our affiliation is with the Gakken Dojo near Ishikawa-dai station
in southwest Tokyo, founded by Furuoka Masaru (Nittosai). Furuoka Takashi Sensei is
the current headmaster of this line of Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu, as
follows:
Tanimura-ha Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu lineage -> Oe Masamichi -> Okiyama
Namio -> Fukui Harumasa -> Kono Hakuren (several branches) ->
Hirai Agisai -> Furuoka Masaru -> Furuoka Takashi
Furuoka M. Sensei also developed a modern variation of Iaido, called Hiken Muso ryu Iaigiri-do, with strong emphasis on tameshigiri as an integral
component of training.
*See the links page for more information.