Our goal of introducing the discipline of iaido wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its country of origin.
The opportunity to train in and experience the everyday culture of Japan is a life-changing experience for practitioners.
2023
Taking a step up from 2017, Patrick achieves 6-Dan in the All Japan Kendo Federation national senior Iaido exam in Tochigi prefecture.
The summer trip also marked the first visit by Tokushikai Canada dojo members from Toronto and Ottawa.
Peter’s (Tokushikai Toronto) and Sam’s (Tokushikai Ottawa) first time to Japan gave them an opportunity to experience konbini, shinkansen, dojo practice, kaiten sushi, ryokan, kaiseki, onsen, shrine/temple, and souvenir shopping
2019
In 2018, Hanna was officially accepted into Tokushikai (Japan) as a deshi — apprentice — of Hatakenaka Sensei.
This meant permission to attend the annual Tokushikai Koryu Summer Gasshuku (Camp).
2018
All Japan Iaido Championships and Tokushikai Japan’s 15th anniversary
2017
Our 2017 trip to Japan was a milestone event in many ways.
It was to be the first time a member of our dojo was to challenge a high-rank exam in Japan, with Patrick taking 5-Dan in Tokyo. It was our 2nd large dojo trip for Iaido, with 5 Canadian iaidoka joining us on this journey.
We had a wonderful surprise meet-up with Iaido's friends from Chile, who were there at the same time. A truly memorable experience
2013
Twice — Summer trip and Winter New Years
2012
This trip was truly a month-long Shugyo <insert definition> of Iaido and Kyudo training. For X consecutive days we trained in 30°C+ temperature and 60%+ humdity.
In addition to levelling up from top tier instruction and hard training, it was eye opening to experience the different types of dojos in Japan, including small company dojos maintained by members, medium sized groups that rent private space, to large associations using publicly funded budo centres. Read more about this trip here.
2009
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2007
Our first Iaido group trip to Japan, included visits to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Koyasan, and Nagano, with a terminal stop in Tokyo.
As relative beginners to the art, Sensei was impressed with our dedication to spend valuable vacation time and money to practice in Japan.