Discover Iaido training

Welcome to the training page. Here, you'll discover the styles of Iaido taught by our esteemed schools and what you can achieve by joining our sessions. We are committed to providing a safe, structured, and friendly training environment in Coventry.

Iaido styles

We are proud to offer training in two distinct and respected styles of Iaido. Each style offers a unique approach to swordsmanship as well as personal development.

Shinmyoken Phoenix: Seitei iaido

Shinmyoken Phoenix Dojo practices Seitei Iaido, a refined and modern approach to the ancient Japanese martial art of Iaido, focusing on the technique of sword drawing, cutting and in a highly structured and precise manner.

San Sentou:          Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu

San Sentou practices Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, one of the oldest and most respected Iaido styles, known for its dynamic movements and emphasis on practical application. It is rooted in tradition and known for swift, decisive swordsmanship.

Find your path

Whether you're drawn to the structured precision of Seitei Iaido or the dynamic tradition of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, training caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Unlock the art of discipline                              and focus with iaido!

 

Iaido is a refined and modern approach to the ancient Japanese martial art of Iaido, focusing on the technique of sword drawing (iaigoshi) and cutting in a highly structured and precise manner. Rooted in tradition, Seitai Iaido combines principles of samurai swordsmanship with a deep focus on correct posture, breathing, and mindfulness, designed to bring clarity, balance, and discipline to both body and mind.

Why choose iaido?

Whether you seek to improve your coordination, enhance your self-discipline, or simply explore an ancient tradition, Iaido offers a transformative experience.

Train in the Classical Japanese Art of Iaido
Iaido is the practice of drawing, cutting, and sheathing the sword with precision and intention.
Rooted in centuries of samurai tradition, iaido develops:

  • Focus and mindfulness

  • Core strength and posture

  • Confidence and discipline

  • Graceful, efficient movement

Our dojo welcomes newcomers and experienced martial artists alike.
You don’t need prior training—just curiosity and the willingness to learn.
Try your first session and experience the calm intensity of iaido for yourself.

What will you learn?

As well as the art of drawing, cutting and returning the sword to its saya  (scabbard) with purpose and precision. You will learn to develop effective breathing and movement techniques that will cultivate your mental clarity and composure under pressure.

Iaido training focuses on "kata", preset sequences simulating combat situations.

Each kata encompasses four main stages:

"Nukitsuke", "Kiritsuke", "Chiburi", and "Noto".

Is Iaido combative?

Iaido uses a sword, but it is not a combative or fighting art in the way people usually imagine. Instead, Iaido focuses on forms (kata) performed alone with a real or practice sword. Think of it like a moving meditation that uses martial techniques as its structure.

So what is the aim of iaido?

Precision and Body Control: Iaido teaches you to move your body smoothly, correctly, and efficiently. The goal is perfect movement in drawing, cutting and re sheathing the sword

Awareness and Presence (Zanshin): Iaido trains mental calm, focus, and awareness of your surroundings. Even though the katas imagine an opponent, the real opponent is your own distraction or tension.

Discipline and Mindset: Because the training is repetitive and detailed, it builds patience, consistency, and self-discipline.

Connecting to Japanese Culture and Tradition: Iaido preserves the etiquette, mindset, and sword-handling skills of the samurai tradition.

Personal Development: Ultimately, Iaido’s aim is to refine the practitioner: calm mind, confidence, controlled, balanced movement, and an appreciation for subtlety and detail.

In short

Iaido is not about fighting. It’s about developing awareness, precision, and a disciplined mind through the practice of traditional sword movements. Join us  and draw out your best self!