Iaito – a metal sword without a cutting edge Ryu – system of Japanese martial art or cultural art Iaido – the way of Japanese sword drawing

In addition to being proficient in several other martial arts, Kanai Sensei was a master in Iaido, the Japanese martial art of sword drawing. For almost forty years he traveled all over North and South America, Europe and Asia teaching Aikido seminars. He was instrumental in the founding of the United States Aikido Federation(USAF) and served as USAF technical director. A shihan (grand master) in Aikido, Kanai Sensei was chief instructor at NEA from 1966 until his death in 2004. He was sent by Aikido World Headquarters to Boston, where he founded New England Aikikai (NEA) in 1966. From 1966 to 2004 Kanai Sensei was chief instructor of New England Aikikai in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mitsunari Kanai (1939-2004) was an uchideshi or live-in student at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan and trained under Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, for eight years from 1957-1965. Those interested in starting Iaido are welcome to come watch a class on Mondays and Wednesdays 5-6pm or Saturdays 9-10am.Īt Portland Aikido we follow the teaching of Mitsunari Kanai Sensei and his interpretation of the Muso Shinden Ryu style in addition to forms from other Iaido styles. Permission of the Iaido instructor is required. Most students practice Aikido for at least 6 month or are training in another martial art before starting Iaido. Beginners and intermediate students use an iaito, a metal sword without a cutting edge. Iaido practice is done wearing a hakama, pleated flared trousers, and with a metal sword. Emphasis on etiquette, repetition, proper posture, breathing and timing makes Iaido physically and mentally rigorous. Some techniques begin from a kneeling position, some from a standing position and most end with the practitioner standing. Each of these techniques consists of drawing a sheathed sword, making one or more cuts and then re-sheathing the sword. It is organized into groups of prescribed movements which are practiced without a partner. Iaido is a traditional Japanese martial art whose origins date back to the 16th century.

Iaido swords stances