Question 1

I am interested in iaido. What is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Write to us and tell us a little about yourself and why iaido interests you. We will invite you to drop by the dojo for a face-to-face conversation. In person we explain what Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū actually is, walk you through our lineage and how we train, and answer everything you want to know — equipment, what training involves, how to get started, and anything else on your mind. You are also welcome to watch a practice session while you are there. We do it this way on purpose. Iaido is a long path, and a conversation in the dojo tells you far more about whether it is for you than any web page can.

Question 2

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 16. If you are under 16 and interested, write to us anyway. We will ask that both your parents come along with you for the initial visit.

Question 3

Do I need to be fit or flexible? What if I cannot kneel?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be especially fit. Iaido is not a cardiovascular workout; it rewards precision, patience and attention. If you cannot kneel, that is not a barrier. We have a set of techniques suited to practitioners who cannot take seiza or tate-hiza, and members train that way. Mention it when you write to us and we will explain how it works.

Question 4

What should I wear when I visit?

Accepted Answer

Loose, comfortable clothing you can move and kneel in. All practitioners train bare-footed, so no shoes are needed on the floor. You do not need a uniform to visit or to start.

Question 5

What is iaido, and how is it different from kendo?

Accepted Answer

Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing the sword, dating back at least 450 years to the end of Japan's period of civil strife. Practitioners learn to use the katana to forestall or counter an armed opponent. For practice we use a bokuto or an unsharpened iaito — never a live blade. Where kendo is a competitive sport fought with bamboo shinai and protective armour, iaido is practised largely through solo forms against imagined opponents. The emphasis falls on precision, composure under pressure, and what the tradition calls seeking victory without drawing the sword.

Question 6

Which style of iaido do you practise?

Accepted Answer

We practise Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū (無雙直傳英信流), one of the most widely practised koryū iaido lineages in the world, traced to the founder of iai, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu. The line has been passed from teacher to student, unbroken, for around 450 years.

Question 7

Who teaches, and are you affiliated with anyone?

Accepted Answer

Genyokan (厳洋館) is an official Singapore dojo of the World MJER Iaido Federation (Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei), under the direct supervision of Kobara Kenichi sensei, 8th Dan Hanshi. The dojo is headed by Koh Kancho (Renshi), supported by Renmei-appointed instructors at 6th Dan. We were granted Certified Dojo status in 2014 and Official Dojo status in 2018.

Question 8

Can women train here?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Iaido depends on precision and timing rather than strength or size, which is why it suits practitioners of any build. Our Women in Iaido page shares their experiences in their own words.

Question 9

Do you accept visitors from other dojos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have close relationships with dojos in Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the United States and Thailand, and we regularly host visiting senseis and members. If you practise MJER elsewhere and find yourself in Singapore, please get in touch before you travel.

Question 10

How do I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Use the form on our Join Us page, or email mjersg@hotmail.com. We also respond on Instagram (@mjers_iaido_genyokan) and Facebook.