The meaning of Iaido is hard to translate literally, but it combines ideas of alertness with harmony: wherever you are and whatever you are doing be prepared, so that if necessary a situation can be resolved by force of spirit and decisive technique.
The Japanese sword is the tool used in this training, starting with a wooden sword (bokuto), and then progressing to a blunt training blade (iaito). Sharp swords (shinken) are only used by experienced practitioners. At Ojika NI men and women train in Iaido together but we only accept under-18s under exceptional circumstances.
Most Iaido training is done through learning and repeating solo forms (Kata), polishing and refining technique and spirit. At Ojika NI we practice modern seitei Iaido, used for gradings and competitions, as well as the classical Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu style which traces its lineage back to 17th Century Japan.
Ojika NI Begins Iaido Traning In April of 2018
We are very pleased to be able to say that Ojika NI has begun training for Iaido as of April 2018. This has been under the guidance of our our sister Club’s (Ojika New castle Upon Tyne) Dojo Leader Martin Chambers Sensei.
Chambers Sensei currently holds the ranks of 5th Dan Iaido, 4th Dan Kendo and 5th Dan Jodo.
So if you’re interested in Iaido or Jodo please do get in contact.
Iaido and Jodo Sessions run once per week:
Saturday 1pm to 2.30PM
Ojika NI Kendo Dojo 