Beginner Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons

Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons Classes

Iaido (pronounced ee-eye-do) is the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. It focuses on methods of drawing and cutting with the sword. There is no contact in Iaido - it is performed solo and helps develop mental discipline and physical skills through the practice and perfection of forms called kata. The kata, consisting of sequences of movements that evolved from battlefield techniques of feudal Japan, are executed against one or multiple imagined opponents. We study and practice the curriculum of the Muso Shinden Ryu style of Iaido as established by Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. Iaijutsu is a quick-draw sword art, part of the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu, a school of kobudo or ancient martial arts. This system originated from traditional Japanese swordsmanship techniques that have been transmitted over hundreds of years, distilling the wisdom, discipline and determination of generations of masters.The current headmaster of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu is Kunikazu Yahagi Soke. Weapons practice is part of the Aikido curriculum but can be practiced independently of Aikido body arts. Practice takes place with bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff) and tanto (wooden knife), and focuses both on solo practice (e.g. bokken suburi, jo suburi) and practice with one or more partners (e.g. kumi tachi, kumi jo).
● FOR WHO	Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons practice are suitable for practitioners with or without previous experience, and whether or not also enrolled in Aikido body arts practice.
● BENEFITS	Among many other benefits, Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons practice sharpen reflexes, enhances coordination, improve body alignment and promotes relaxation. And of course they are a fun and excellent way to learn Japanese martial arts.

When and where are the classes held?

Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons (bokken and jo) classes take place at the dojo as per the schedule below.
On the first Saturday of the month Weapons classes take place outdoors at High Park from 10:00 to 11:30 am and the Iaido class is canceled that day. If due to bad weather classes cannot be held outdoors, then classes at the dojo are reinstated.

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
					IAIDO Eric 9:30-10:30 am	CHILDREN Jo, Kelly 9:30-10:15 am
					WEAPONS Sensei 10:45-11:45 am	AIKIDO Joel 10:30-11:30 pm
	CHILDREN Jo, Roxana 5:00-5:45 pm	YOUTH Joel 4:45-5:45 pm			AIKIDO Sensei 12:00-1:00 pm	IAIJUTSU Joel 11:45- 1:00 pm
IAIDO Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	WEAPONS Sensei 6:00-7:00 pm	IAIDO Sensei/Yelitza 6:00-7:00 pm	AIKIDO Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	YOUTH Alireza 5:45-6:45 pm
AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Alireza 7:00-8:00 pm

First Saturday of the month:
Weapons classes (bokken and jo) take place outdoors in High Park at 10:00 am, and all classes at the dojo are canceled. If due to bad weather classes cannot be held outdoors, all classes at the dojo are reinstated.

Can I visit the dojo to observe a class?

Yes. You do not need an appointment to observe any of our classes.

Can I try a free class ?

Yes. To participate you need to register by following the instructions below.

How do I register for classes?

To register for classes please complete and submit this form.
Once we receive it we will contact you with further details.

What should I wear and bring for a class?

For classes at the dojo: appropriate clothing, such as a martial arts uniform if you have one, or gym or comfortable clothes if you don’t.
Shorts are not allowed.
We have some spare uniforms for visitors and also sell uniforms at the dojo.
For classes outdoors: A uniform is not required for classes outdoors.
Wearing a face masks is optional.

What should I expect when arriving for a class?

Before joining a class you will be required to sanitize your hands and if at the dojo, your feet as well.

I am interested in starting. How much does it cost?
For a limited time we are offering a PROMOTIONAL RATE that includes:

3 months of unlimited Iaido and Iaijutsu and Weapons classes
A free Aikido uniform (while supplies last)
All for $200 (regular price $275 plus cost of uniform)
Note: The promotional rate includes Iaido and Iaijutsu and Weapons classes, but you can choose to attend just 1 or 2 of them if you prefer.
Regular fees apply after the 3 month Promotional Rate period.

Payment can be made

in cash or by cheque at the dojo,
by e-transfer to torontoaikikai[at]gmail.com, or
through Paypal or a credit card by using the "Donate" button below.

Please note:

Most of the time the Paypal donation / credit card process works just fine, but, every now and then it fails. We have found that this is not a problem with the button above but with Paypal itself. If you encounter this problem, the fix that has worked in every instance is to try again later. Apologies beforehand for the inconvenience if you encounter this erratic behaviour.
Please do not send payment via Paypal to the email address above as it only works for e-transfers. For payments with Paypal or with a credit card please use the Donate button above. Thanks.

Do you have additional questions?

We'll be happy to answer all your questions.
Please Contact Us.

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