Masamune Dojo

Masamune Dojo

Sat, 10/12/2005 - 6:06pm — Ochiburi

Masamune Dojo teaches the martial arts of Iaido and Jodo in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK. For more information about Iaido, please see the following article "about iaido".

We are fortunate to practice under the guidance of Sensei Fay Goodman 7th Dan Renshi Iaido, 4th Dan Jodo. (There are very few 7th Dan Iaido teachers in England.)

Masamune Dojo is an approved British Kendo Association Dojo, authorised by the BKA to teach the arts of Iaido and Jodo.

Iaido has several different styles or schools, and Masamune Dojo is Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and so we practice both Seitei Iaido as defined by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR or All Japan Kendo Federation) and we practice MJER Koryu (old school) Iaido.

We also practice ZNKR Seitei Jodo. See below for more information "about Jodo".

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about Iaido

Fri, 02/02/2007 - 6:06pm — fay goodman

Iaido is known as ‘the way of the Samurai Sword’ and focuses on the healthy development of our mind, body and spirit. The main action of the sword is circular to work in harmony with our body as we flow from one movement to another using the power of our inner energy (ki).

The ‘I’ in Iaido refers to the existence of the body and the spirit. The ‘ai’ refers to adaptability and the ability to react and move quickly, efficiently.

Today, the true way of the sword is to fight the enemy within ourselves such as our ego, fear, anger and resentment. Through the study and practice of Iaido, we develop an inner strength, which encourages a strong character and an appreciation for the proud spirit (kigurai).

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about masamune dojo

Fri, 02/02/2007 - 12:28pm — fay goodman

Dojo leader Fay Goodman Nanadan Renshi started Masamune Dojo in 1985 as part of the Okimitsu Fujii Sensei Kenseikai Dojo.

The name Masamune was chosen following research into finding a name that would have real meaning for the Dojo and it's practitioners. Upon reading various publications, history revealed the great Masamune to be one of the most famous swordsmiths making swords only to represent a symbol of peace. Masamune also believed in making his swords to perfection and as such he did not sign many blades believing his workmanship would speak for itself. As Masamune strove for perfection when making each individual blade, so Iaido practitioners at Masamune Dojo also seek to strive for good technique, humbleness and aiming for perfection through a lifetime of practice.

Our governing body, the British Kendo Association, lists approximately 300 Iai students in the UK and, as you can imagine, each club within the BKA is quite small.

Our Dojo is almost like a tight-knit family - everyone knows everyone else (unlike some of the larger martial arts clubs) and the entire atmosphere is pleasant and friendly. Our training generally takes place twice a week at our Dojo in Birmingham.

We also find ourselves attending various seminars countrywide where we take Iai to other clubs and in return, learn a little of their arts - mainly Japanese weapons arts.

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Train with us at Masamune Dojo

Sun, 08/10/2006 - 4:18pm — Ochiburi

If you would like to train with us or just come and see what we do, perhaps with a view to joining the Dojo, you may find the following information useful.

Dojo Location

Small Heath Leisure Center,
Muntz Street, Small Heath,
Birmingham,
B10 9RX,
England.

Map of this Location

Our training space is located in the Dance Studio, as it provides the benefits of a sprung floor, generous space, and a mirror wall, which is valuable to help students check their technique during kata.

TRAINING SESSIONS

TUESDAY 19:30-20:30 - Informal Training Session - Tachi Uchi no Kurai, Niten Ichi Ryu, Jodo, Koryu Iai, or general practice

TUESDAY 20:30-22:00 - Regular Iaido Training Session

SUNDAY 10:30-11:30 - Regular Jodo Training Session

SUNDAY 11:30-13:00 - Regular Iaido Training Session

The cost of each training session is £6. Please note that Iaido is not suitable for young children owing to the environment in which we practice. Young children and lots of sharp swords do not mix well. If you are under 18 your parent or guardian should speak to Sensei first, who will advise about suitability for Iaido training.

If you are an experienced Iaidoka, and wish to visit the Dojo, please be sure to contact Fay in advance so that you can be welcomed appropriately.

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