Beginner Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons

Program Description


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.

How do I join?

Joining the Beginner Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons Program is really easy and consists of 3 steps:

Registration
Register by completing this REGISTRATION FORM.
When we receive it we will send you a confirmation email with additional instructions and an invitation to a free trial class.
Trial class
Come to the dojo for a no-obligation free trial class.
Payment
If you want to continue you make a payment and join the dojo.

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 $320 plus cost of uniform)
Note: The promotional rate includes Iaido, Iaijutsu and Weapons classes, but you can choose to attend only 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 with the button below.

Please note:

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 button above. Thanks.

Additional Information and FAQs

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 at the dojo 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 Joe, Kelly 9:30-10:15 am
					WEAPONS Sensei 10:45-11:45 am	AIKIDO BASICS Joel 10:30-11:30 am
	CHILDREN Joe, Otto 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 BASICS Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	YOUTH Alireza 5:45-6:45 pm
AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO BASICS Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO TEST PREP Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Alireza 7:00-8:00 pm

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. Please register by following the instructions above.
What should I wear and bring for the trial class?
Comfortable clothes or gym clothes, but no shorts please.
We may be able to lend you a visitor uniform for the day if we have one in your size.
Is a uniform required?
After joining the dojo you will require a white martial arts uniform and a pair of sandals for walking within the dojo while off the mat.
Are there COVID-19 related requirements?
We follow standard safety protocols.
Wearing a face mask at the dojo is optional.
What should I expect when arriving for a class?
Practice on the mat is barefoot.
Before joining a class you will be required to sanitize your hands and feet.

Is this the right program for me?
To help you decide, the following table shows what is included in each of the Promotion Programs.

PROGRAM	Includes Aikido?	Includes Weapons?	Includes Iaido?	Includes Iaijutsu?
Aikido
Aikido and Iaido
Iaido / Weapons

Do you have additional questions?
We'll be happy to answer them.
Please contact us.