No one under the age of 18 is permitted to train. Contact the Dojo to set-up an interview.. COVID
Seishin Tanren Dojo has both a Corona/COVID-19 Policy and Waiver in place for those that are invited to train. Both documents, along with the standard Dojo Waiver, will be reviewed and signed prior to training. Only those individuals that have completed the COVID-19 inoculation protocol will be allow
ed to train or observe a class at Seishin Tanren Dojo. The original hard copy (not a photo or digital copy) of the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will be presented for review. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to abide by the Policy and Waiver requirements. Keep in mind that training in the traditional Japanese koryu arts is practiced by only a few dedicated individuals. Let’s put the health and welfare of those people foremost when we come to train. Being respectful of other’s wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. We take pride in providing a safe, clean, and tranquil environment for people to train in. The Dojo will be cleaned and sanitized prior to your scheduled training event and directly after it completes. You will not be training in an environment where someone trained previously and it was not cleaned and sanitized. We thank you in advance for your support of the Dojo Corona/COVID-19 Policy and Waiver. Iaido
Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword and cutting in a single motion. It 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. Since that time, several related styles have formed, but all which remain are based upon Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu and retain the core teachings of this style. Today, Iaido training is primarily a vehicle for personal development. Iaido is based on kata and kumitachi. Kata are forms done by one person, and kumitachi are performed in pairs. Training methods require intense mental and physical concentration. Repeating these forms, very precisely, over many years, provides a vehicle for physical and spiritual improvement. Class Structure
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu has 4 basic sets each consisting of 8-10 kata. Each set gets progressively more complex and requires greater control of breathing, balance, focus, and control of the sword. There are also kumitachi kata that are incorporated once the student has a firm grasp of the basics. Students begin with learning proper dojo and sword reshiki (etiquette), followed by correct sword temoto (grip), and basic drawing, cutting, stance, and movement. Correct Japanese terminology is used during practice. To watch a skilled kenshi (swordsman) the motions seem effortless and simple but in reality, they are broken down into detailed minutiae. While at the higher levels, especially for testing or demonstrations, shinken (real sword) may be used, in class an Iaito and bokken (wooden sword) are used. Required Training Equipment
- Uniform. Consists of white Iaido-gi top, obi (belt), knee pads, and hakama.
- Iaito. The Iaito is a practice sword that has the weight and appearance of a real sword, but is made of an alloy metal that is not sharpened and therefore much safer for beginners.
- Bokken (wooden sword).
