Spring & Summer - Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

IAIDOThe art of Iaido appears elegant and simple. The student sits or stands quietly, drawsout a blade and cuts through the air all in one motion, then puts the blade back intothe scabbard. To the casual observer there is not a lot to see. However, Iaido is anexacting art that demands a high level of focus and mental concentration. It is an art ofprecise motions with only centimeters of tolerance and split second timing. It is also anindividual art that involves the student and the sword struggling to achieve perfectionof form.The name “Iaido” itself is composed of three ideograms “I”, “AI” and “DO”. “I”means to “reside” or “be” in a certain place; “AI” means “harmony”; and “DO”means “road” or “path”. Hence “Iaido” means the path to finding harmony in anysituation in which one finds oneself – to be prepared for any eventuality.Iaido is a very traditional martial art. Japanese culture, etiquette and history are allimportant aspects of Iaido taught at the JCCC. Both the traditional forms of MusoJikiden Eishin Ryu, which originate in the late 16th century, and the modern formsdeveloped by the All Japan Kendo Federation are taught.Classes at the JCCC are taught by Goyo Ohmi, Kyoshi 7th Dan; Carole Galligan,Renshi 6th Dan; Enore Gardonio, 5th Dan; Peter Schramek, 5th Dan ; Tracy Sheppard,5th Dan; Michael Gan, 5 th Dan; Bruce Meecham, 4th Dan and Michael Hodge, 4thDan.Beginners need only wear loose clothing. Kneepads are recommended. A limitedsupply of bokuto (wooden blade) are available for those who do not have one. All levelsare welcome.Day Time Age Group LevelSun. 1:00 - 3:00pm All GeneralThur. 9:10 - 10:40pm All GeneralSat. 2:30 - 4:30pm All GeneralNew Iaido students accepted only on April 7, July 7, October 6,2013. For additional information, go to mumonkai.org.21