Iaido

What is Iaido?

Iaido is the art of drawing the sword, cutting, and returning the sword to its scabbard. Iaido does not include direct competition or sparring of any kind. Because of this non-competitive aspect, and Iaido's emphasis on precise, controlled, fluid motion, it is sometimes, referred to as "moving meditation." The practice of Iaido is a great approach to finding an appreciation for the here and now.

What is Iai Tate-Do?

Iai Tate Do literally translates as the way of mental presence coming together in the battlefield. It is the culmination of a number of traditional Koryu or traditional Japanese school of martial arts. This culmination includes such Koryu as Omori-ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. However, Iai tate do is mainly based on the Kashima Shinto-ryu and Suio-ryu systems.

Kashima Shinto-ryu was founded by Tsukahara Bokuden in the late Muromachi period of Japan (circa 1530). Due to its formation during the tumultuous Sengoku Jidai, a time of feudal war, the school's techniques are based on the battelfield experience and revolve around finding weak points in the opponent's armour.

Suio-ryu was founded by Mima Yoichizaemon Kagenobu in the early Edo period (circa 1615). Yoichizaemon's perseverance in both his physical and spiritual training led to his eventual enlightenment. In his twentieth year of exertions he was struck with a vision of white gulls floating effortlessly and without conscious throught on water. He realized he could now use his sword in the same effortless manner. Based on this vision, the birth of Suio-ryu or Water Gull Sword style arose.

History of Iai Tate Do

Iai Tate Do was founded by Kiyoshi Yamazaki Sensei, a dedicated martial artist with a lifetime of experience in a number of martial arts.
Yamazaki Sensei found himself attracted by producers in Hollywood and as a result, he has served as a technical advisor, instructor, and even acted in several movies. Some of his celebrity students include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sting, Richard Hatch, Sandra Bergman, Wilt Chamberlain, Bridget Nelson, and Grace Jones. Some of Kiyoshi Yamazaki's big screen credits include movies such as "Daragon Heart" and "Conan The Barbarian."
With Kiyoshi Yamazaki's busy schedule, he appointed top student Roger Jarrett Shihan to take charge of the International Iai Tate Do Federation. Shihan Roger Jarrett has over 40 years experience of studying, teaching, training and competing in the martial arts. Through those years, he has sought out and trained with some of the foremost martial arts experts in the world. A former National Champion and Karate All-American himself, he has trained numerous national, international, and world Karate champions. He now travels the world refereeing, coaching, training, and teaching.
Jarrett Shihan is also the President and Chief Instructor for many martial arts organizations including: USA Martial Arts Training Centers, USA Martial Arts Federation, Chong Shin Tae Kwon Do Karate Association, USA Aikido Association, USA Judo/Jujitsu Association, USA Iaido Shoshin Ryu and the International Iai-Tate Do Federation.

Iai Tate Do at Okami Kai

Roger Jarrett Shihan promoted Kyoshi Kevin Blok to third degree black belt in the art of Iai Tate Do in 2009. It was not long after that Renshi Scott Campsall, a former Iaido student of Kyoshi Fred Walker, decided to resume his Iaido studies and also teach the students of Okami Kai. The Iaido group is relatively small which maximizes one on one instruction as well as an exclusive feeling of camaraderie. Students are taught and evaluated on kata within the Iai Tate Do system, but are also exposed to kumitachi techniques and combatitive drills using bokken (wooden swords). Students use Iaito swords to train. These are not sharp and therefore there is very little possibility of injury. Students who choose to own Shinken (sharp swords) will be taught the art of Tameshigiri through separate "cutting classes". Any person wishing to learn Iaido at Okami Kai should speak to Renshi Campsall personally.