EISHIN RYU IAIDO
Singapore
We are the Singapore dojo of the World MJER Iaido Federation (Ippan Shadan Houjin Seitou Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei 一般社団法人正統正流無雙直傳英信流居合道国際連盟), of which we are under the direct supervision of Kobara Kenichi sensei, 8th Dan Hanshi.
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27 Aug 2023 - we hosted our first Singapore Reimei Taikai
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11 Feb 2018 - we were awarded the status of Official Dojo
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20 Apr 2014 - we were granted the title of Certified Dojo by our parent organisation
We have formed a close relationship with dojos in the US, Indonesia, Japan, and especially with the Vancouver Eishin-Ryu Iaido Club in Canada and Genshinkan in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. As such, we have regular sessions and seminars from the visiting senseis and members from said dojos.
Our Values
To understand the art of Japanese Swordsmanship.
To inspire Budo virtues in life through teaching and practicing.
To honor value and make a difference.
Our dojo believes that what we inherit is more than just form and movement — it is a way of being. Our art lives not only in technique, but in the attitude, discipline, and sincerity with which we approach our training.
To walk this path is to become part of a lineage. That lineage is not just a record of names — it is a living thread, carried through the care and example of those who came before us. We honour our teachers not only by remembering them, but by training with heart, and by passing on what we’ve learned with the same integrity they showed us.
Learning in this tradition is not a matter of accumulation, but of transformation. It requires patience, humility, and consistency. The real lessons take root slowly, over time, and they flourish when we are loyal — to the art, to our teachers, to our fellow students, and to ourselves.
Our Milestones
From our humble beginnings in 2010, our dojo community carries 15 years of foundation and growth.
2010 - New Beginning
2014 - Became a Certified Dojo
2012 - Newly Renovated New Home at King George's Building
2013 - First International Dojo Visit in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
2016 - Dojo name granted as Genyokan
2022 - Keiko in Singapore
2020 - First Shinsa in Singapore
2023 - First Taikai Hosted in Singapore
2018 - Promoted to Affiliated Status
Our People
INSTRUCTORS
Koh Kancho is a Renmei-recognised instructor, Renshi as of Aug 2025, with Law Sensei and Noi Sensei as Renmei-recognised assistant instructors, both 6 Dan as of Aug 2025.
We also have regular visits from senseis across the globe, from Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and the US. Iaido seminars are held at least annually for our members from beginner to advanced levels.
Our members come from all walks of life, from ages 16 to 75.
Our Practitioners Say
A professional Iaido kaikan that combines Japanese orthodox Iaido training techniques and traditions with Singaporean local customs. It pays attention to inheritance and the training method taught by master and apprentice, so that novices can make rapid progress with peace of mind and experience the fun of Iaido!
Francis Xi, Practitioner Since 2023
I have enjoyed Iai-do training under the gentle and thoughtful instructions by Koh-Kancho, other Senseis and senior fellows in Singapore Dojo. Setting various daily events aside, enhancing concentration and calming myself down, I try to give all of myself at any one time in performing a waza; which is a battle with myself and has something in common with Zen (meditation). A combination between the tension over the training session and a warm family-like atmosphere after the session generates an ideal tone in Singapore Dojo that allows trainees to tackle and enjoy their trainings proactively.
I am very much grateful to all Senseis and fellows in Singapore Dojo for providing me the opportunity to pursue such a wonderful experience.
高館長はじめ先生方、また兄弟子の皆さんの懇切なご指導の下、シンガポール道場にて稽古に励んでいます。日々の様々な出来事を横に置き、集中力を高め、心静かに、技のどの瞬間にも自分が今できる全てを出し切ろうと努力することは、まさに己との闘いであり、禅の精神にも通じるものであると考えます。道場における稽古中の緊張感と稽古後のファミリー的な暖かい雰囲気のコンビネーションが、練習生が常に前向きに稽古に取り組める環境を作り出していると思います。先生方はじめ道場関係者の皆さんに大変感謝しています。
Miyazaki Takuo, Practitioner Since 2022
Having no prior martial arts experience but everyone is so patient and encouraging. Seniors take the time to teach and to correct my form so I never feel like I'm being left behind.
Iaido helps to cultivate mindfulness and just stepping into the dojo has a calming effect.
One of the things that keeps me going week after week is the community. We practice, learn from each other, swap recipes/favourite eats, share Netflix recommendations, snack and drink and laugh together.
Lin Kejin, Practitioner Since 2018
Through my journey here, I've grown as a person with help & guidance of all my seniors, juniors and Kancho (Headmaster).
I've learnt that I can learn anything from anyone, and there is something I can learn everytime I train at this dojo.
Sim Xin Rong, Practitioner Since 2016
Iaido is a lifelong journey. We will never be perfect, just need to advance closer to perfection with repetition of each Kihon and each Waza. Take on each movement slowly and steadily; with perseverance and discipline, improvement is guaranteed.
Woe Chzee Cherng, Practitioner Since 2015
Extremely warm and welcoming community willing to share their innate passion for Iaido and camaradie.
Continued practice of Iaido over the years helps me achieve self awareness, relieves stress and anxiety.
Htun Htun Win, Practitioner Since 2012
Training is steady and focused on basics - not easy, but grounding. Each new learning opportunity opened up new depths and dimensions for further study. Over time, I’ve also come to appreciate the emphasis on the philosophical side of things, etiquette and interpersonal awareness. These quiet lessons shape how we train and interact. There’s still much to learn. However, I’m grateful for the guidance and the space to continue practising.
Sheng Jun, Valeth - Practitioner Since 2012
Warren Ang, Practitioner Since 2016
Grading and Taikai in Japan
"Feels Like I Never Really Left" - Warren Ang, Our Boomeranger
What brought you back
After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid pandemic disrupting lives and having to take care of family, every situtation in my life started to improve once again.
With the capacity for more personal time, I felt a longing deep inside my being - a longing to resume my Iaido journey. On May 2022, I embarked on the familiar flight of stairs back to Genyokan and knocked on the dojo's wooden door.
What stands out most since your return
At Genyokan, or Eishin-Ryu Iaido Singapore, its great to be welcomed back by Sempai, Kohai, and the many new members, to be immersed back into intensive training and amazing camaraderie.
I even got the opportunity to mentor a new member. It feels like I never really left.
What's it like to be back
While its's great to make new acquaintances and seeing how new members are on a fast-tracked programme, I felt lacking and unsatisfied at how I perform my wazas due to impact of 2 years inactivity. This became my motivation to improve my body and mind.
What would you tell other members about being a boomeranger
To fellow Iaidokas who are out there and wondering to return for practice,
"Don't be afraid to come back because this dojo has a super supportive community."
Want to hear more about Warren's amazing journey? Connect with him on Instagram and Facebook
