Shinkage-Ryu Iaido is different from Yagyu Seigo-Ryu Batto-jutsu. Shinkage-Ryu Iaido contains kata from Yagyu Seigo-Ryu. In addition, a variety of kata from of other iai ryuha (schools) existed in the curriculum of the Yagyu family in Edo period. These included Shinkage-Ryu Batto Heiho (by Kamiizumi Magoshiro), Yagyu Shinto-Ryu (by Yagyu Muneyoshi), Seigo-Ryu Batto jutsu (by Nagaoka Husanari), Sekiguchi-Ryu iai, Rikishin-Ryu iai, and other schools. All these ryuha were passed on by the Yagyu family. Yagyu Toshinaga reconsidered all these katas within their Batto-jutsu. One of his most prominent students Kashima Kiyotaka received a license with the name "Shinkage-ryu Batto Mokuroku 新陰流抜刀目録”.

Kendo became active in Japan after the end of the samurai days, and Kobudo with only kata practice was not popular. In the early 19th century, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu also was forgotten by people and faced a crisis. It is said that Toshinaga sensei developed Shinkage-Ryu Iai to recover its popularity of Shinkage-Ryu.

When Yagyu Nobuharu sensei succeeded to Owari Yagyu 13th Soke, many master pupils of Toshinaga sensei left the Owari Yagyu family. Kashima Kiyotaka sensei was one of the pupils who left Owari Yagyu, too. Then, Shinkage-Ryu Iai was passed on to Kashima sensei, and not handed down to Nobuharu sensei. Therefore, Shinkage-Ryu Iai has not been succeeded to current Owari Yagyu.

Kashima-sensei had a few master students including Akita-sensei and Mori-sensei. One of Akita-sensei’s top student was Mukaida-sensei. Mukaida-sensei incorporated Shinkage-ryu Iai in his Bushin-ryu ryuha. After his death, Marco Pilato became the heir of the Bushin-ryu.

Iaidō derives from older Japanese martial traditions and has historically been referred to as “iaijutsu.” While “iaijutsu” continues to be used today, the term now refers to more traditional practices rooted in martial applications, while “iaidō” refers to its modern equivalent, with greater emphasis on self-development rather than combat.

All novice practitioners use a Bokuto (Japanese wooden training sword) with a Saya (sheath). As practitioners progress their skill, they can upgrade to an Iaito (unsharp katana). Advanced members are allowed to use a Shinken (sharp sword).

Novice practitioners start training in a regular karate uniform ($70) with an iaido belt. After a few months, they can upgrade to what is known as a Iaido uniform: a hakama and keikogi ($120 - $200).

Edo period implementation of countless regulations, changing continuously according to the needs and desires of the current ruler, created the Daishō (sword pair, one long  katana and a short wakizashi). Wearing two swords was limited to samurai in the office on official duties (contrasting what you see in modern movies).

Black gloss saya (sheath), black silk tsuka (handle), minimalistic plain fittings. Samurai then tried to find personal expression in what was not regulated or could not be seen at distance, such as tsuba (guard) or menuki (handle decoration). Out of official duties, if they could afford, they would have a set they liked more, free from those regulations.

Before the Edo period (in the Sengoku Jidai period), it was very common to have seemingly mismatched koshirae (mounting) that would serve the purpose, taste, and finances of the Bushi (Samurai).

Mukaida-Sensei – the founder of the Bushin-ryu - disliked the militaristic approach of Bushido and misinterpretation of Edo Jidai rules. Therefore, for the most part, we follow the "Sengoku approach," obviously adapted for modern times.

Using any kind of training tool in a way incompatible with training may result in injuring its user. Taka Budo Dokokai Martial Arts Inc. accepts NO RESPONSIBILITY for any damage and/or injuries caused through misuse of the skills learning in kenjutsu and iaijutsu training.

Yes. Many Westerns have for example difficulties with sitting on their knees (Seiza). From old-times, the Shinkage-ryu included seated and standing forms. Therefore, if your physical abilities are limited to doing standing kata only, no worries!