Program: IAIDO

Experience the practice of traditional Japanese Swordsmanship

Try one of our introductory workshops or a trial class, and learn more about Iaido and our dojo.

“Tsune ni Ite, Kyu ni Awasu” — To exist naturally in the moment, yet respond quickly to any circumstance. Iaido is about adaptability, discipline, and more.

Class Schedule

Scarborough Dojo

45 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON M1S 3P6
Modo Yoga Scarborough

Saturdays from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Thornhill Dojo

34 Doncaster Ave, Unit 6, Thornhill, ON L3T 1L6

Grand Dance Studio

Fridays from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

About Iaido

Iaido (居合道) is the art of sword drawing, and belongs to a family of traditional Japanese martial disciplines, including Kendo, Kyudo, Naginata, and more.

Where does “Iaido” come from?

The term IAI comes from a Japanese phrase "Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu" roughly translated as “Existing naturally in the moment, ready to face any eventuality”

For this reason, the techniques used are interpretations of different situations, and hypothesize scenarios in which there are enemies in variable numbers and in the most disparate places such as a room in the dark, a bridge, a narrow alley etc.

It is said that the essence of iaido is "Saya no uchi" which originates from the phrase "Saya no uchi de katsu".

Both mean the victory lies in the scabbard of the sword, therefore in winning without the need to unsheath. In short, being able to surmount the opponent with his own ki before even letting the sword out of the saya, and therefore make him desist from any type of intention of attack.

Like other martial arts of Zen derivation, iaido is not a combative discipline but is designed to cultivate one's spirit and has as its real objective the development and training of one’s character.

Through practice of the sword, one refines one's spirit, and aims to become a better person, seeking peace and friendship within the dojo and within one's everyday life.

How does one practice Iaido?

Iaido is practiced through the execution of kata — codified forms of combat, which are performed alone, or rather, against an imaginary opponent.

A kata of iaido consists of several stages. Normally it begins with an opening draw-cut followed in rapid succession by one or more decisive movements, depending on how many opponents are hypothesized. The conclusion of a kata involves the cleaning of the blade and the re-sheathing of the sword. All this without ever losing sight of the imaginary opponent.

The above is based on the definition of Iaido | Japanese martial art using Katana (kiryoku.it)

Iaido at Hitenkai

Members of Hitenkai practice Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. We are an affiliate dojo of "Tokushikai Canada" based in Ottawa, Canada. Our Iaido program is led by members of this prestigious dojo and as such, we uphold a long lineage of martial arts excellence that forms the cornerstone of true traditional Japanese martial arts.

We are also members of the Canadian Kendo Federation, an affiliate of the All Japan Kendo Federation (Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei). As such, our primary practice also includes the standardized style of the All Japan Kendo Federation known as "Seitei" or "Zen Ken Ren Iai".

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the nature of Iaido, we may only accept those who are at least 16 years of age and above.