4th Annual West Coast Iaido Seminar

With 54 practitioners from Mudan to 7-Dan in attendance from across Canada and the US, and an exam up to 4-Dan — the first in the region — the Iaido community in Western Canada continues its inspiring development and growth.

Guest instructor, Hasegawa Yoshihisa Sensei (Kyoshi 8-Dan) was invited by the Canadian Kendo Federation and comissione by the All Japan Kendo Federation. This marked Hasegawa Sensei’s third visit to Canada for this seminar and all practioners were grateful for his presence as instructor at the seminar.

On Friday afternoon, the senior seminar focused on etiquette and was an excellent reminder that Iaido begins and ends with Rei.

On Saturday, a full day of practice was led by Hasegawa Sensei on Zen Ken Ren Iai, pointing out new ways to approach different kata, while preparing grading candidates for the forthcoming examination.

On Sunday, the CKF grading from 1 kyu to 4 dan saw candidates from as far as Hawaii, challenge the exam. The grading was followed-up by a Q&A before wrapping up in the early afternoon.

The CKF is grateful for the local Iaido leaders, Tomoko Amgwerd-Suzuki Sensei, Martin & Judy Farncombe Sensei, and David Chiu Sensei for organizing a fantastic weekend of learning and community building. A special thank you to Miki Chart for providing translation throughout the seminar.

The community was immensely grateful to have Bruce Campbell Sensei in attendance, observing all three days of the seminar. Following his illness last year, everyone was moved to see him in such good spirits, taking notes and providing his perspectives throughout the day. We wish Campbell Sensei all the best in his recovery.

Participants