Iaido, drawing and cutting using the Japanese sword, is not a sport but an ancient and unique traditional martial art for the development of mind, body and spirit. Iaido is one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, The purpose of Iaido is to develop awareness, centeredness, sincerity, a calm mind, and mental and physical harmony through the practice of traditional sword techniques or waza.
Each waza represent various situations that teach a calm definitive response using the Japanese sword to unjustified or surprise attacks. Iaido waza are performed individually against one or several imaginary opponents. It is the ultimate responsibility of each student to faithfully learn and with pride pass on these waza and the traditions of Iaido without any change to maintain the integrity of the art of swordsmanship and the respect of those who risked their lives for it.
Each of our practices starts and ends with a bow. Using the words of Esaka Sensei, "The bow reveals the heart of deep respect for others . Courtesy is an outward sign of this respect. I feel that if the spirit of the bow were properly understood the central theme of Budo, the spirit of harmony would help to bring peace to human society". By dedicating oneself to iaido practice, life' challenges can be championed through what we say... "Victory in the scabbard" means never having to draw your sword in battle to defeat the opponent.
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We would like to welcome Kobara Sensei as the new president of our organzation. He has replaced Esaka Sensei who has now deservedly retired. Esaka Sensei dedicated many years to iaido and was very supportive of our dojos in Canada. We shall miss his excellent instruction.
At a certain point Gunstone Sensei may recommend that you become a member IKR. Membership in IKR allows you to be tested for dan ranks amongst other things. The initiation fee is 10,000 yen and the annual fee is 5,000 yen.
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