Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido

We all mourn the loss of Fukui Torao, 21st Soke of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaido... a great supporter of my efforts and international iaido.

Iaido is, quite simply, the practice of drawing and cutting with a Japanese sword. However, there is much more to Iaido. As a "Koryu" (old stream), Iaido developed the ancient samurai in two areas: the "Jutsu" (physical techniques) and "Do" (the way - lifestyle and philosophy). In today's society, both in Japan and here in the United States, we have no need to use sword techniques to defend ourselves. However, the aspects of the "Do" can be as beneficial to anyone, anywhere, as they were to the samurai of old. The most important aspect is "kokoro," or heart. It is, however, more than just our understanding of the word, as the ancient Japanese believed that all of a person was contained in the heart. Severe practice of Iaido led to development of proper kokoro, a superior person. Focus, discipline, awareness, fighting spirit, and physical control all combined to produce elite warriors. Practice sessions ("keiko") reduce stress. Iaido can also enhance our lives today, as we follow this ancient tradition.

We are fortunate to have Kogushi Osamu-sensei, Jun Hanshi, Hachi-dan, acting as Yamashita-sensei's representative, come to visit us here in Denton to teach and test us. In October of 1999, Kogushi-sensei came to Denton, independently, to donate a "Hizen Tadayoshi" Japanese sword to the city of Denton to forge bonds between Japan and Denton, as well as to promote our own Dojo. Click on here to see some photos of the sword and that event.

Members of the Denton Dojo at the March, 2000 Eishin-ryu seminar taught by my sempai (center) Hiroshi Tanida, and joined by 6 dan, Greg Huff.

Excerpt from Memories of an American Swordsman by John Ray

At last it was the end. I dropped down into the Seiza position, silently, my sword still in my belt. I faced the man closest to my heart, also in Seiza. He could teach me. I could learn everything from him. Or he could be my ruin. His face showed no emotion; his back, soldier-straight, perfectly balanced. Deferential, my gaze lowered to the floor directly in front of my knees. This, the most formal bow, was saved for only those worthy of the highest respect. I lean forward, slowly, and place my left hand down where my eyes are locked, fingers together, thumb out. My right hand follows, the thumbs and pointers of each hand touching to form a triangle. Back straight, my body slowly bows forward, elbows also bending toward the floor. Just as my nose reaches the triangle formed by my hands, I sense something.... What? Treachery? In a split second, my left hand reaches for the top of my saya. My right hand is moving toward the sword hilt as my body is rapidly rising. Drawing the sword upward and outward, just in front of my face. The sword fully extended, my left hand pulls back and frees the blade. Continuing its blur, it rises up the left side of my body , then my head, until centered above me. Left hand flies to the hilt, elbows in, all of my being focusing on the man before me. Before my enemy can move, I strike. The cut coming so quickly and powerfully that my entire body is lifted off the ground. The kissaki whistles, then cuts until it hews the man in half, down to his groin. I am leaning slightly forward, toes pressed into the floor, when it comes to a sudden stop. I continue to watch my fallen foe, my senses all fully awakened. Power seems to come from my lower belly, taut. It emanates up through my hands through to the sword tip -- all connected. My heart is pounding. It had taken a second. I maintained this heightened state, zanshin, as I snapped my blade to the right to throw off the blood. I re-sheathed the sword with a quick slide and stood. I relaxed my guard and took a breath. I noticed my fellow swordsmen around me in various stages of the form I had just finished, "Itomagoi, Sono San", To Pay a Farewell Call On. Sensei was again, at the front of the class, watching me.

"Yoroshii." Good enough, he said.


My Eishin-ryu iaido sensei (teacher), Noboru Yamashita, Chiba City, Japan. my sensei is also a master of shodo, Japanese caligraphy

Members of the Yamashita Chiba Dojo. First iai of the year, dawn, Jan. 1, 1987, at Sakura Ginja (shinto shrine). priest, center gave blessing to all. Yamashita-sensei is to his right and i am back right.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please email me at johnray@dentondojo.com