RAI UN KAI

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Practice Info:

Practice Times: (September 2008 - December 2008)

Location : "The Dojo"

                 137 Pruden St., Thunder Bay, Ontario

Times:       Thursdays: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Jodo)

:         Saturdays: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (Iaido)

PRACTICE FEES:

Fees for practice are $ 30.00 per month.

CKF MEMBERSHIP

Rai Un Kai is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation. Students must be members of the CKF in order to grade for ranks 1st kyu and above in Iaido and Jodo.

Annual membership fee:

$20 for adults

$15 for children (under 15 years of age as of December 31, 2004)

  • There are also fees for grading.
  • Make cheques payable to the Canadian Kendo Federation.

SWORDS

Initially, the student may use a bokken or bokuto (wooden sword). As soon as possible, however, the student should acquire a proper Iaito (non sharp Japanese training sword). Ornamental and western swords are not acceptable. At lower grades, shinken (sharp blades) are not permitted. A sageo (cord) must be used at all dan levels and ikkyu. Below ikkyu it is recommended but not required.

UNIFORM

Initially, any type of loose clothing is acceptable, and kneepads are recommended. Eventually, the student should acquire an Iaido or Kendo uwagi (top), obi (belt), and hakama (pant/skirt). Students should note the following:

  • The hakama and uwagi should be black, dark blue or white;
  • The neckline at the front should meet close to the base of the throat and should not loosen;
  • T-shirts may not be worn but an under-gi (juban) is permissible and recommended;
  • The uwagi must be long enough to cover the leg at the side of the hakama;
  • The hakama should be the proper length (just touching the top of the foot);
  • The obi should match the colour of the hakama;
  • Clothing should be clean and unwrinkled;
  • Long hair (shoulder length) should be tied back and out of the face;
  • Name tags are not required but if worn should be attached to the left chest;
  • No jewelry, watches, excessive makeup, nail polish, or "dojo badges" are permitted.

SCHOOLS TAUGHT

Two schools (ryu) of Iaido are taught at Rai Un Kai: Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Zen Ken Ren Iai. The following is a brief history of both schools.

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu: The man generally credited with originating Iaido is Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (c. 1546 to 1621) (Hayashizaki Ryu). From his teachings, many schools or ryu developed over the years. The Eishin Ryu and Omori Ryu techniques were developed during the 17th century by the 7th headmaster, Hasagawa Eishin, and Omori Rokurozaemon Masamitsu, respectively. The 9th headmaster, Hayashi Rokudayu Morimasa brought these techniques to Tosa province where the school originates. In the early part of the 20th century (c. 1912 -1926), the 17th headmaster, Oe Masamichi, gave the school its current name - Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu - and organized it into the current 3 level system: introductory seiza no bu (from Omori Ryu), intermediate tate hiza no bu (from Eishin Ryu) and the advanced Oku Iai Iwaza no bu and tachi waza no bu (from Muso Jikiden Ryu) - in total, approximately 42 waza or kata. The name Iaido itself did not become popular until the 1930's.

Zen Ken Ren Iai: In 1968 the All Japan Kendo Federation, which supports and governs most Iaido schools in Japan, developed a set of 7 techniques by a committee consisting of high ranking instructors from different Iaido schools (Muso Shinden Ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Hoki Ryu). The set was named Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Iai Seitei Gata. Later, 3 more techniques were added and the set was renamed Zen Ken Ren Iai. A further 2 techniques have recently been added. These forms became the common element for gradings and shiai and are taught at the introductory level.