Iaido- Japanese Swordsmanship
Iaido- the art of the Japanese sword
The Art of the Japanese Sword
Iaido is a Japanese martial art that trains in techniques of the sword. A real Japanese sword (katana), practice sword (iaito) or wooden sword (bokuto) is used in iaido practice. The term 'Iai' is taken from the Japanese phrase: 'Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu'. The meaning of this is, whatever we may be doing or wherever we may be, we must always be prepared for any situation.
Iaido is not a sport. There is a pre-set form to an Iaido kata, which is studied endlessly. Students strive to achieve precision and power in their form. Along the way they learn balance, grace, and control both of the body and the mind. Iaido is mostly performed solo, where the practitioner executes various techniques against single or multiple imaginary opponents.
At the Abiding Spirit Center we train in the classical style of Muso Shinden Ryu, and also in the more modern techniques of the All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido Division. Our Center is the only place in the surrounding suburbs of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Elgin, Carpentersville, Cary, and Huntley to offer training in this traditional art. We also offer virtual training via Zoom for people who cannot travel to our dojo.
Training Schedule: Saturdays 11:15 am-12:15 pm (In person and virtual options available)
Monthly Fee: $40.00 / month
Annual Membership Fee: $50.00 / year (for in-person students, waived if also training in Aikido at the Abiding Spirit Center)
Equipment Needed: Uniform (jacket, hakama, belt), Iaito (practice sword) or Bokken (wooden sword)
*Not all of this is needed from the beginning. Eventually students will need a uniform but until it can be purchased sweat pants and t-shirt are acceptable.
*The dojo will loan a bokken to in-person new students until the student can get his/her own.
Students aged 14 and up are welcome! Please Contact Us for further information.
Iaido is a Japanese martial art that trains in techniques of the sword. A real Japanese sword (katana), practice sword (iaito) or wooden sword (bokuto) is used in iaido practice. The term 'Iai' is taken from the Japanese phrase: 'Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu'. The meaning of this is, whatever we may be doing or wherever we may be, we must always be prepared for any situation.
Iaido is not a sport. There is a pre-set form to an Iaido kata, which is studied endlessly. Students strive to achieve precision and power in their form. Along the way they learn balance, grace, and control both of the body and the mind. Iaido is mostly performed solo, where the practitioner executes various techniques against single or multiple imaginary opponents.
At the Abiding Spirit Center we train in the classical style of Muso Shinden Ryu, and also in the more modern techniques of the All Japan Kendo Federation Iaido Division. Our Center is the only place in the surrounding suburbs of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Elgin, Carpentersville, Cary, and Huntley to offer training in this traditional art. We also offer virtual training via Zoom for people who cannot travel to our dojo.
Training Schedule: Saturdays 11:15 am-12:15 pm (In person and virtual options available)
Monthly Fee: $40.00 / month
Annual Membership Fee: $50.00 / year (for in-person students, waived if also training in Aikido at the Abiding Spirit Center)
Equipment Needed: Uniform (jacket, hakama, belt), Iaito (practice sword) or Bokken (wooden sword)
*Not all of this is needed from the beginning. Eventually students will need a uniform but until it can be purchased sweat pants and t-shirt are acceptable.
*The dojo will loan a bokken to in-person new students until the student can get his/her own.
Students aged 14 and up are welcome! Please Contact Us for further information.