Simply turn up in clothing that is easy to move in – a tracksuit or other martial arts uniform if you have one. A Bokken (wooden practice sword) will be provided for you to begin with. Once you decide to take part you can purchase a bokken at low cost. If you practice with us for a while you may think about getting a sword. You will know when you are ready and we will make appropriate suggestions. All blades are either wooden or blunt and need to be approved for use. Please do not think a £20 wall hanger bought at a boot fair will do the job. It won’t.
Fitness
Unlike other Martial Arts, Iaido and Iaijutsu sword arts can be taken up by anyone at any age. In the main, it is a solo practice so this is not Kendo or fencing and you do not have to be super fit to take part. It is suitable for men or women of any age. Currently we are only accepting those aged 18 or over.
There is a lot of kneeling and movement from a kneeling position but if this is an issue we do have standing variants that you can use.
We do have sessions for paired kata practice and also we do offer test cutting practice (Tameshigiri) workshops from time to time.
What we will cover?
There are a huge number of different Iaido and Iaijutsu schools. We practice and teach Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu MJER, which is one of the most popular schools.
Do you belong to an organisation?
We are members of the DNBK. The DNBK was the first Official and premier Martial Arts Institution to be sanctioned by the Government of Japan it became the subsequent centre for the proud heritage and elitism of Japanese Budo, stressing the martial virtues of Samurai warrior and incomparable historical excellence in Martial disciplines.
Dojo members are also members of the YNBK who are the preservers of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu and train directly under Marc Mebis, Soshihan.
