What is Iaijutsu?

Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaido (laijutsu) is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship which emphazizes drawing and cutting with the samurai sword (called a 'katana') in a single fluid motion. Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu is a 'koryu bujutsu' (which means 'traditional martial art') (combat sword) with a direct lineage back over 450 years to its founder, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, who developed this particular style of swordsmanship. Iaijutsu is the art of swordsmanship in face-to-face combat, as practiced by the samurai of feudal Japan. AIkido Myrtle Beach emphasizes traditional practice and application of the techniques in the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu curriculum. This curriculum encompasses the practice of waza (solo techniques of which there are over 40), katachi (paired patterns using a wood sword or 'bokken'), and also tameshigiri (test cutting using a live/sharp sword on rolled mats). These three components serve to reinforce and improve the other to make the student of Iaijutsu aware of proper body mechanics, focus, and technique for the effective use of the sword. All three of these, plus the integral observance and practice of sincere etiquette make up the core curriculum of our dojo. Iaido requires extreme precision of it techniques and demands tremendous concentration during practice-both of which ask a great deal of self-discipline and sincere personal commitment on the part of the student in order to master. As a reward for these efforts, it can offer the individual a lifetime of physical, mental and spiritual growth, as well as an enlightened and peaceful state of mind. Dojo Affiliation: We are currently an independent dojo. Aikido Myrtle Beach was associated for approximately 15 years with an exemplary teacher of authentic Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, Carol Long Hanshi, who serves as the Chairman of Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai and is the designated successor of Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi, the 21st Generation Inheritor of our line of Muso Jikiden Eishein-ryu Iaiutsu. Carl Long Hanshi is also Hombu-cho of the KNBK International. Hombu Dojo and is also the Kenshoin (inspector/advisor) of Iaido and Batto-do for the International Division of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, the oldest martial arts governing organization in Japan. If you would like to learn more about Iaido and the benefits of its practiace, please visit, call of E-Mail us!