Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can join?
Men and women of all backgrounds are welcome. Beginners with no martial arts experience are encouraged to participate.
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
Not at all. We welcome complete beginners, and our teaching approach introduces you step by step. We do, however, encourage everyone to register at www.iaido-online.com first. It’s free and provides over 40 instructional videos covering the basics, including Torei, Suburi, Nukiuchi, and the first two Kihon Kata. This material is an excellent way to become familiar with the fundamentals before joining our meetup in person.
Do I need to be in great shape?
No. Iaido is not about athleticism—it’s about precision, mindfulness, and practice. Classes can be adjusted to your fitness level.
What if I can’t kneel or sit in seiza?
No problem! Our kata are adaptable for anyone with knee problems or mobility concerns. You can still fully participate without needing to kneel.
Is it high impact?
Not at all. Kata and Kumitachi, while energetic and focused, are rooted in Zen practice and are low impact. Partner drills can always be adjusted to match your comfort level.
What happens at a typical class?
Classes begin with individual Torei (ritual bowing to the sword), followed by Go-Rei (opening ritual). We then warm up and train the basics such as suburi (cuts), nukiuchi (cuts from the draw), and kihon (fundamental kata).
Each class alternates weekly focus between:
- Core kata of the koryū (school tradition)
- Kumitachi kata (partner kenjutsu drills)
We conclude together with Go-Rei (closing ritual).
Is there a Zen component to training?
Yes. Mugai-ryu is rooted in Zen philosophy, and we integrate that into our practice. Each class should be approached mindfully, as a form of active meditation. We often close with a brief Zen meditation or a breathing/stretching routine to center ourselves before leaving practice.
What style of Iaido do you practice?
We practice Mugai-ryu Meishi-ha, a traditional Japanese sword art that balances martial effectiveness with Zen philosophy.
Is there sparring?
Yes, eventually. Our group will introduce Gekiken (sparring with protective gear) once students have a solid foundation in kata and kumitachi. Participation in sparring is optional and not required for advancement.
How often should I train?
We recommend at least once per week to build consistency. Many students train twice per week or practice kata on their own between meetups.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable clothing you can move in—like workout pants and a t-shirt—is perfect. Once you decide to continue, a Gi is recommended.
Is the start-up cost high?
No! To begin, we suggest a wooden bokken with saya, which can be purchased from www.e-bogu.com for around $100. For your first visit, we can lend you one, but we recommend purchasing your own after your first meetup.
When should I get a Gi and Iaito?
The sooner the better so you can train and get used to their feel, but definitely before your first exam. Most students are ready for their first exam after 6 months to 1 year of training, depending on their learning speed.
Are Gi and Iaito expensive?
It depends on your budget:
- Gi (uniform): from around $100 (basic, no embroidery) up to $380 for embroidered or high-quality Japanese sets.
- Iaito (training sword): from around $100 for a basic, Chinese-made model, up to $1,000+ for custom-made Japanese swords.
Do you offer dojo apparel?
Yes! We partner with Printful and our storefront can be found at https://tenshinkainj.printful.me/. We offer T-shirts, hoodies, and training joggers. The tee and joggers make a great “uniform” to wear before purchasing a full Gi if desired, and can also be worn outside the dojo to show your dojo spirit and pride!
Do you charge membership fees?
We are not a formal commercial dojo but a meetup group dedicated to sharing the knowledge of Mugai-ryu Meishi-ha Iaido in the US. To help cover the cost of our training space, we kindly ask for a donation of $20 per class. This keeps training accessible without the burden of large upfront membership fees.