Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iaido - Bendigo

02/09/2026

Beyond Martial Arts
Looking back on Iaido over the years - a discourse from a beginner, eight years on.
https://www.mjersg.org/post/beyond-martial-arts

"Many start martial arts seeking to pick up self-defense skills or a way to improve health and fitness through a regime of physical activities. There were two reasons why I started on Iaido; the first seeking to better understand and appreciate the katana, and second, a physical activity that doesn't require much space to practice and is something that I could continue regardless of age."

Looking back on Iaido over the years - a discourse from a beginner, eight years on.

23/08/2026

19/08/2026

Awakening
https://www.mjersg.org/post/awakening

In Budo, progress often begins not with bold leaps, but with the patient sowing of effort — daily movements, small corrections, quiet repetitions... Like roots pushing gently through soil, we build the foundation for growth not through force, but through consistency. To begin is to awaken — not only to technique, but to the inner stillness and attention that sustained practice demands.

Growth in Iaido lies not in force but in consistency and patience

13/08/2026

In 2007 members of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iaido travelled to Japan on a Cultural Study Tour. It was an incredible trip which included visiting Reigando Cave west of Kumamoto, meditating at Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha, and a tea ceremony in Nagoya. A particular highlight was demonstrating and training on the grounds of Himeji Castle.

11/08/2026

Hasuji: Mastering the Cutting Line in Kenjutsu
https://ploiestikenjutsu.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/hasuji-mastering-the-cutting-line-in-iaido/

Miyamoto Musashi highlights the connection between mental clarity and sword technique: “the way of the sword is like a mirror. If your mind is cloudy, your movement will be confused; if your mind is clear, the cut will reflect it.”

Similarly, Takuan Soho said: “when the blade follows the mind, it encounters resistance. When the mind is empty, the blade advances effortlessly.”

The essence of Hasuji lies in a clean and precise cutting line that arises from a mind free of doubt. Takuan suggests that practitioners should become one with the movement, free from unnecessary thoughts.

03/08/2026

Finding the Beauty of Each Moment: Exploring Breathing in Iaido and Ichigo Ichie
https://www.mjersg.org/post/finding-the-beauty-of-each-moment-exploring-breathing-in-iaido-and-ichigo-ichie

Guided by the steady cadence of their breath, Iaidokas seamlessly transition between the intricacies of each kata, exploring and infusing the motions with intent and purpose. Through mindful breathing, they gently nudge aside distractions, allowing for a clearer perception of the body's motions and the nuances of technique—a testament to the essence of "one breath one cut."

In Iaido, practitioners (Iaidokas) find solace and strength through the regulation of the breath. As Iaidokas attune to the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, a profound sense of tranquillity settles within, allowing the body to relax and the mind to focus. This harmonious alignment of breath and....

28/07/2026

A Martial Arts Mindset Can Bring Clarity to Daily Life
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/black-belt-brain/202406/a-martial-arts-mindset-can-bring-clarity-to-daily-life

"When we think we know what's going to happen we bias ourselves and constrain our reactions. Instead, prepare for everything, remain immovable and aware, and respond appropriately. Through extensive training, many different kamae postures are learned in variable contexts to allow for fluidity of application.

Applying this means letting go of preconceptions about what we think we know and how well we think we can control ourselves and others. Too often we think we are responding to a situation when instead we are having rapid (and often wrong) reactions to the perceived intentions of those around us. We can practice and train this, though, and an effective (but not the only) means is traditional martial arts training."

Personal Perspective: Martial arts training can help us be ready mentally to respond appropriately, and yet never take action just for the sake of taking action.

21/07/2026

Membership cards have arrived! Pick them up in the Dojo next class.

20/07/2026

The Mindset of the Learner
https://iaidojodotraining.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-mindset-of-learner.html

"In fact even being annoyed at oneself for not doing this correctly in the first place is not only wasteful, it could even be considered to be slightly arrogant and self-centred. I mean, of course we are all doing something wrong at some point, what's the point of having a teacher in a dojo if the point wasn't to have these errors identified and resolved?"

It can sometimes be very rewarding to teach beginners as they have few expectations and biases and are a mostly empty cup to fill. Putting y...