Musokai Iaido

Musokai teaches iaido, the art of drawing the Japanese sword, cutting from the draw and returning it to the scabbard, in the style and tradition of Muso Shinden-ryu. Chief instructor Konno Tatsuhiko Sensei co-founded the dojo in 2001 and holds the title Kyoshi at 7th dan in both iaido and kendo; from 1992 he studied under Kino Minoru Hanshi of Tokyo. He is also a certified sword appraiser and sword polisher (togishi). The dojo's name honors the original vision and teachings of Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (1546-1621).

Three instructors teach with him, all longtime students of Konno Sensei: Dick Anderson Sensei (iaido Renshi 6th dan, kendo 5th dan), who has won the national AUSKF iaido championship four times; Aniceto Seto Sensei (iaido 6th dan, kendo 3rd dan); and Gunnar Goerlitz Sensei (iaido 5th dan), who also manages the dojo. The instructors take no pay.

Every student starts with the twelve Seitei kata of the All Japan Kendo Federation, a set built as a bridge between the major iaido styles, then moves on to three increasingly complex series of Muso Shinden-ryu kata. Practice uses mogito, unsharpened practice swords that look and feel like a katana. The opponent in iaido is imaginary, so some students also practice kendo kata when time allows, though kendo itself isn't required. Iaido, the dojo says, trains “focus of mind, balance of body, economy of motion, confidence of spirit.” Test cutting (tameshigiri) sessions are held separately from regular classes for active members.

Practice is once a week, on Friday evenings in the north gym of Rain City Fencing Center; students arrive close to 7 pm so class starts on time. Beginners may start at any time. Anyone curious can watch a session from the sidelines at no charge, and a senior student answers questions afterward. The first trial class is free, with a loaned wooden sword (bokken); loose clothing such as sweats, or even jeans and a T-shirt, works for it. Newcomers can then sign up for a trial month and train with the loaner bokken or one of the dojo's two loaner practice swords. Students who continue buy a hakama, keiko gi, obi and their own mogito, through the dojo or a supplier; the uniform is all white or all black, with black preferred. Membership in the regional and national kendo federations (PNKF and AUSKF) is needed only once a student is ready to test for rank.