Aikido Iaido Shodo Ikebana Bonsai - Japanese Martial & Cultural Arts
Iaido Has Relevance Beyond Dispute in the Modern World
Japanese sword arts involve many styles of practice with either a real sword or an edgeless practice sword called "mogito." Iaido and its relative Kendo are highly regarded in Japan as traditional skills that pass down the spiritual heritage of that country's swordsmen. Modern Iaido combines traditional techniques with beautiful self-control to reveal a profound philosophy of non-violence and fundamental truths about the human condition and the nature of conflict. Iaido training leads to the discovery of how to harness one's whole human ability, and includes valuable lessons concerning how to live "a live worth living." In order to use the sword correctly and well, Iaido practitioners must master the ego, train the body, and forge the spirit. One of the highest goals of modern Iaido is the realization of Ki-Ken-Tai-Ichi, a unity of Spirit, Sword, and Body. Iaido-ka strive to live with dignity and calmness, and use the techniques of quick-draw swordsmanship to study what it means to be fully human.
In this respect modern Iaido is a non-combative martial discipline of the highest order, requiring the utmost in mental alertness and self-discipline. The techniques and forms offer elegant solutions to combative situations, but the goal for the modern exponent remains a discovery of Katsu-jinken, the sword that gives life. Literally this means to seize the initiative in a contest to the death, but it can also mean to use the sword to reveal that which can be polished and perfected in the human character. What could be more relevant to the modern age?
Beginners are welcome to any regular class
You'll be invited to try a class for free: we want to make sure that our Iaido club is a good fit for you. Don't be surprised at seeing lots of people with uniforms: normally everyone trains together. Once we get started, beginners are provided with the opportunity to work with an experienced instructor to one side. You don't need a uniform to start, but long sweat pants and a t-shirt are recommended (check out our cool club t-shirt!). First thing we'll walk you through our warm-up exercises, then show you how to comfortably and safely perform a basic draw and overhead cut. Then you'll have a chance to learn some of the regular sword techniques used for grading.
If you decide that you want to learn more, you'll need to register with Shoreline Parks and Recreation (Tel.206-801-2600 - more information on our Schedule & Location page). In keeping with our social mission Tsubomi Dojo class fees are deliberately kept low in order to make the arts as accessible as possible. Our Iaido classes cost about $120 for two classes a week for two months (actual course fees are determined by Shoreline Parks and Recreation), with all necessary equipment provided, including weapons.
In addition to Shoreline Parks & Rec course fees, to be eligible for rank accreditation, private and small group instruction, and assistance with equipment, you'll need to join the dojo by contributing annual Tsubomi Dojo membership dues ($75 adults; $35 child - More information on the Membership & Outreach page). Upon joining, you'll be invited to schedule a free private lesson at our headquarters in Edmonds. That's a great chance to get oriented, meet Bannister Sensei, and identify your personal goals.
Iaido Classes
Classes begin with Ki Meditation and Breathing and special Ki Development Exercises suited to swordsmanship. We observe a formal beginning etiquette as we prepare for regular Iaido practice. Basic sword exercises are practiced daily to study footwork, correct principles of swordsmanship, and mind-body unification. Practice then shifts to the main work, the study of Iaido self-defense techniques designed to resolve conflicts presented in combat sceneria. The Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai curriculum includes the following:
All Japan Kendo Federation Iai
Seitei Gata - 12 techniques
Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido
Omori-ryu, Hasegawa Eishin Ryu, and Oku-Iai
Aik-ken/Aiki-Jo
Kata and forms provide the combative experience necessary
to understand proper timing and distance.
Practice sessions conclude with Ki Meditation and a formal closing etiquette.
Thursdays 7:15-8:45pm & Saturdays 1:30-3:0pm
Spartan Rec Center (18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98133)
Only $120 for two months (approximate)! Call 206-801-2600 to register.
Ki Development
All Tsubomi programs include Ki Meditation & Breathing and Ki Development Exercises in order to help students make their strongest natural state a dependable experience. When the mind and body are correctly unified tremendous power results which can be applied to any challenge, whether it be a self-defense situation or simply meeting adversity in daily life. We also provide individual instruction in a rare art called Kiatsu Ryoho, a kind of Ki massage that aids the healing of soft tissue injury. Tsubomi Seishin Kan students are encouraged to study the arts of peace in addition to the arts of war!
Aiki-ken/Aiki-jo
Every Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo is invited and encouraged to learn the powerful and beautiful forms of Aikido's weapons practices. Each rank is associated with a particular sword or staff kata that serves to reinforce the lessons provided by the student's other technique studies. Ultimately, the realization dawns that the real enemy is not the attacker, but the myriad forms of violence that lurk in all our hearts. Only by diligent training can we overcome our aggressive instincts and discover the heart of Aikido, "The Art of Peace."
Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
Basic Principles for Life
- Create a Calm Center
- Be Comfortably Relaxed
- Practice Dependable Posture
- Seek the Simplest Solution
- Smile and Be Natural
Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
Basic Principles of Swordsmanship
- Correct Footwork
- Correct Grip
- Correct Sword Motion
- Correct Blade Angle
- Correct Distance
Dr. Jonathan Bannister, Headmaster
Get a
Free Trial Class Coupon
on our Dojo Downloads page
Private Instruction Available for Tsubomi Dojo Members
Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
(425) 771-6816
sensei@tsubomidojo.com
Serving the communities of Seattle, Everett, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, and Edmonds
with high-quality, low-cost instruction in Aikido, Iaido, Aiki-ken, Aiki-jo, Ki Development,
Ki Meditation, Kiatsu Ryoho, Bonsai, Shodo, and Ikebana.
