Iaido - the art of drawing the Japanese sword

We are accepting applications for a limited number of new students to join the Iaido program. We have three Iaido class sections, held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

What’s the process?

1. Fill out the form to express interest and introduce yourself. It’s okay if you’re not sure whether you want to practice iaido yet.

2. Schedule an appointment to observe class (there’s a link at the end of the form).

3. Come to your appointment at the dojo. Get a feel for the place. No one will pressure you - it’s a chance to watch class.

4. Chat with the instructor afterwards. It’s a friendly, no-pressure conversation.

To learn more and begin the process, please fill out our brief form:

Iaido

Iaido is known as "the way of sword drawing." In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword. In Japanese martial arts the term way refers to a path of self-development or cultivation. The way of learning to draw the Japanese sword becomes a practice in refining the self.

Practicing Iaido engages the mind and body fully. Iaido requires of us: mental discipline, sustained focus, attention to detail and awareness of how we recruit the self to perform action. Through practice we learn to formulate clear intention, gather oneself, organize our many parts to work together toward unified action, and then move fluidly, powerfully, definitively.

Initially you do not have to own a Japanese sword to participate. You may borrow a wooden bokken from the dojo for use in the class. Footwork patterns in Iaido practice include pivoting, sliding, and stepping forward and backward. We do some brief kneeling (e.g. sitting in seiza for bowing in and out at the start and end of class). No falling is required in the martial art of Iaido.

Benefits of regular Iaido practice:

• Resilience, self-awareness, fortitude, perseverance, 

• Calm, easier breathing, reduced stress, improved focus,

• Better balance, proprioception,

• Self-compassion, patience, self-efficacy.

Learn more about the benefits of practice and what you might expect in a first class on our Dojo News blog post.

Read a reflective article written by a 3 year student of Iaido in our dojo.

Read another article about this beautiful, yet mentally demanding art form, written by one of our dojo members.

Background and history:

"Iai Battoh-Ho,” meaning "sword-drawing method," is based on Iaido, "the Way of sword drawing," and other traditional forms of Japanese sword work. Originally Chiba Sensei practiced Musô Shinden-ryû under Mitzuzuka Sensei. With his permission, Chiba Sensei established Iai Battoh-Ho as a new ryu, in order to pursue more explicitly the connection between Iaido and Chiba Sensei's Aikido, and in order to distinguish our way from the modern, competitive approach. Iai Battoh-Ho retains the names and basic outline of all the Musô Shinden-ryû forms, while modifying the emphasis and various technical details. Musô Shinden-ryû is itself a derivative of some older ryu; its founder contributed to the contemporary All-Japan curriculum. Iai Battoh-Ho is practiced primarily via solo forms (or kata) using a live or practice Japanese sword. We also practice partner forms (kumi-dachi) with bokken. These partner forms illuminate the martial scenario at play, target points, and the sense of timing and rhythm necessary to bring the forms to life.

Click here to read an article about Iai Battoh-Ho under Birankai North America.

Interested in practicing Iaido?

We have space for a limited number of students in our program. Because of this, we have an application process. Iaido is a naturally “socially distanced” activity and we limit class size to ensure proper distance and safety for everyone. Throughout the pandemic we have followed Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Even under pre-pandemic conditions we have maintained a small class size.

Our Iaido program is led by Suzane Van Amburgh Sensei and assisted by Adam Westphal Sensei. We have three iaido class sections. Students typically sign up for one day per week (same practice day each week), however additional training opportunities may be available depending upon space. Our weekly class sections are held:

• Mondays 7:30pm - 8:30pm, taught by Suzane Van Amburgh

• Tuesdays 8:10pm - 9:10pm, taught by Adam Westphal

• Fridays 6:30pm - 7:30pm, taught by Suzane Van Amburgh

Some dojo members practice only iaido, once per week. Others practice both aikido and iaido. Any student who plans to practice two or more classes per week should join as a Regular Member. The rate for students practicing “only Iaido,” one class per week, is $75/ month. In addition to scheduled classes, “Iaido only” members have access to our video library of lessons in Dojo Online.

There are some costs and options upon starting iaido, which will be explained on your dojo visit. The first step is to fill out our brief application form:

Adam Westphal Sensei recommends this poem for those thinking of pursuing Budo (Japanese martial arts):

Whosoever desires to explore The Way --

Let them set out -- for what more is there to say?

Iaido Body Movement lesson

Recorded for Portland State University March 10, 2021

Van Amburgh Sensei offered “Iaido Body Movement” class through PSU Campus Recreation as a virtual class available free to PSU students, staff and faculty for Winter and Spring terms 2021. Here is an example of a 30 minute lesson you can practice at home without any equipment.

Recorded Iaido lessons

Dojo members may access a library of recorded video lessons through our Dojo Online.

Our YouTube channel is freely accessible and includes a “Solo Practice” playlist which includes lessons relevant to both aikido and iaido students. One “iaido body movement lesson” can be found here. Another freely accessible playlist is a collection of iaido videos found across the web, selected and curated by Van Amburgh Sensei. The playlist of videos are relevant to our practice. Access the “Iaido” playlist here.