EISHIN RYU IAIDO
Singapore
The Story of Our Logo
Koh Kancho (L), Esaka Seigan Sensei (R), circa 2013
The dojo name 厳洋館 (Genyokan), was conferred by the late 江坂靜嚴 (Esaka Seigen) Sensei in 2016.
厳 (Gen) stems from Esaka Sensei's name,
洋 (Yo) represents Ocean, and
館 (Kan) denotes Dojo/Hall.
Esaka Sensei was a co-founder of the All Japan Iaido Federation (Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei - ZNIR) in 1948 and is a head of the World MJER Iaido Federation or Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei.
Esaka Seigan Sensei's sketch on origin of Dojo name
Esaka Seigan Sensei's calligraphy of Genyokan, 2016
Designed With Intention
Karakusa Tsuba Design
Dojo Name Stylised
Wave Design
Situated at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Singapore has long stood as a meeting point of cultures and maritime trade.
In naming the Singapore Dojo, this geographic identity naturally inspired the character choice of 洋, symbolising the Ocean. When paired with 厳, the name evokes a powerful image of Esaka Sensei's dojo, standing with dignity and discipline amidst the vast seas.
Tsuba design reflects the roots of Iaido. With vine-like designs known as "karakusa" (唐草), it is an auspicious motif symbolising prosperity and longevity.
With waves used to depict life, motion, and change, the all-encompassing ocean signals our open mind to knowledge and Japanese culture.