NEWS
JUNE 07 - 09, 2024
VANCOUVER 2024 - IAIDO KOKUSAI RENMEI SEMINAR
Registration is now open until May 27th, 2024.
Seminar fee is paid separately, due June 01, 2024.
For more information, please click on details.
MARCH 19, 2024
ARTICLE
The concept of “Rei” in Seito-Seiryu-Musojikiden-Eishinryu-Iaido
正統正流無雙直傳英信流居合道における礼式の考え方
Master Your Spirit Through the Katana
Welcome to the homepage of the Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club.
We are a group who share a common interest in iaido. This site will help you learn a bit more about this martial art form and our club. We are always looking for new members and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to come out to join any practice or contact us through the website if you are interested learning about Iaido and or joining the dojo.
The Way of the Sword
The Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club is dedicated to the study of the traditional Japanese martial art of iaido. Iaido is the art of drawing a katana (commonly referred to as a Samurai sword) and delivering a decisive strike against one or more opponents. Iaido is one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, with a history that can be traced back at least 450 years.
Iaido waza (techniques) always begin and end with the student's sword sheathed. Unlike kendo, which is the art of sword-fighting once swords have already been drawn (similar to Western fencing), iaido focuses on quick and effective responses to unjustified or surprise attacks.
Students of iaido, known as iaidoka, do not compete against one another. Waza are performed individually against imaginary opponents. However, students should aim to react and behave as though they were engaged in a life or death situation. The ability to achieve focused concentration and stillness under such oppressive circumstances is one of the many goals in iaido.
Our school studies the classical main branch of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido under the guidance of the late Esaka Sensei, Hanshi, 10th dan, founder and former chairman (kaicho), and his successor Kobara Sensei , Hanshi 8th dan, co-founder and chairman (kaicho) of Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei (IKR) which is based in Japan. Our Vancouver instructor is Hiro Inoue Sensei, 8th dan. The Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club is an officially accredited dojo of Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmai (IKR).
正統正流無雙直傳英信流居合道国際連盟
Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei (IKR)
The Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club is an officially accredited dojo of Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei (IKR), also known as Iaido Kokusai Renmei (Iaido International Federation). Kobara Sensei is the chairman of IKR and the head of our organisation.
Kobara Sensei, Hanshi, 8th dan, became chairman of IKR in 2021 when he succeeded the late Esaka Sensei, Hanshi, 10th following his retirement. Esaka Sensei was a direct student of both the 20th Soke, Kono Hyakuren, and the 21st Soke, Fukui Torao. He held a Hanshi, 10th dan, in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido and regularly instructed iaido practitioners of all levels in Japan, North America, Asia, and Europe. He was one of the world's leading sword practitioners.
We are extremely fortunate and honoured to have hosted Esaka Sensei many times in Vancouver. It is rare for an individual of his calibre and experience to provide instruction outside of Japan. His guidance and wisdom over the years has strengthened our dojo and has helped our members sharpen their skill and knowledge of iaido. His passing was a terrible loss to iaido, and we remember him with utmost admiration and respect. We look forward to the continuation of excellence in iaido and strong leadership under Kobara Sensei.