1 Dec 2024: Minor edit to dojo group photographs
This year (2024), our journey to Japan for the Renmei Taikai was a profound experience in self-discovery and development. The Taikai offered an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the art of Iaido, celebrating its depth and tradition alongside practitioners who share a common pursuit of mastery.
Catching up with fellow iaidokas from Boston and Vancouver
Taikai 2024
Following the Taikai, our group took the chance to visit several dojos for practice sessions. These visits were invaluable for reconnecting with fellow iaidokas after such a long time and for experiencing the unique atmospheres of these training spaces. Each dojo held its own lessons, reminding us of the diverse paths within the practice of iaido.
After practice group photo. Photo credits: Mikhail Sensei. Top to bottom, Left to Right: (1) and (2) Chiba Genshinkan Dojo, (3) Kita Matsudo Dojo, (4) Shibuya Dojo
Sights from the Taikai trip: Top to bottom, Left to right: (1) Kamata night view, (2) Kaki/ persimmons, (3) Chiba dusk view, (4) Ginko foliage.
After practice group photo at Sho KenKai Dojo
Under the guidance of esteemed Senseis, each member received personalized advice tailored to their journey. These insights were about cultivating greater self-awareness and refining the spirit and technique within our forms. It was a reminder that iaido is as much about inner growth as it is about technical precision.
At every level of practice, iaido offers endless opportunities for self-study and development. One recurring theme that stood out during this trip was the importance of balance. Whether in technique, mindset, or teaching, balance also lies at the heart of our Iaido journey.
When Senseis provided feedback, it was always within a framework of measured and balanced assessment. Corrections, such as refining posture or adjusting specific movements within a kata, were shared with great care and sensitivity to the learner’s pace. Their guidance was neither rushed nor overwhelming but always encouraging, urging us to continue exploring and growing. This approach, rare and deeply valuable, creates a nurturing environment for development—one that I deeply admire.
In practice, balance is just as critical. Over-eagerness or applying excessive force when performing a kata often leads to baka-chikara—overexertion that detracts from the fluidity and precision of the form. Similarly, in teaching, enthusiasm must be tempered with awareness. It is easy to let our passion overshadow the needs of those we guide. Effective teaching requires meeting students where they are, understanding their unique challenges, and offering guidance that inspires rather than overwhelms them.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize there is always more to learn—not just about iaido kata but also about fostering this balance in my teaching. Tempering passion with patience and adaptability allows us to create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to find their own paths within the art. This, I observed, is a hallmark of the Senseis’ teaching approach—a mastery not just of iaido but of mentorship itself.
After-note:
The reflections shared in this post are based on the author's observations and experiences during the FY2024 Japan Iaido Taikai trip. They are not meant to represent the views of others or to serve as definitive interpretations of the art. Iaido is a deeply personal journey, and each practitioner’s path and perspective will naturally differ.