Palo Alto Iaido

Palo Alto Iaido welcomes people of all skill levels who are interested in learning Iaido in Palo Alto, CA and the San Francisco Bay Area.

We practice Muso Shinden Ryu, founded by Nakayama Hakudō (中山博道) in 1932, as well as the 12 Seitei Iaido Kata developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR). We focus on the mastery of the way of the sword. Mastering this art requires great control, concentration and awareness.

We are a branch of the Palo Alto Kendo Dojo and affiliated regionally with the Northern California Kendo Federation and nationally with the All United States Kendo Federation.

What is Iaido?

The Art of the Sword

Iaido is a Japanese martial art focused on drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword in one fluid motion. Instruction is done through kata (forms) practiced solo with an unsharpened blade. It demands great control, concentration, and awareness as you engage with imagined adversaries with the same intensity as a real opponent.

Why Study Iaido?

Iaido helps develop a deeper understanding of crucial martial arts concepts like hasuji (blade angle), ki (inner strength), and tenouchi (grip). For kendo practitioners, it refines your sense of maai (distance) and seme (pressure). Iaido helps restore the proper spirit and intensity of the true martial way.

Our Instructors

George Nishiura Sensei

Head Instructor

Iaido - 6th Dan

Kendo - 7th Dan, Kyoshi

Sergey Z.

Assistant Instructor

Iaido - 5th Dan

Kendo - 3rd Dan

Jeremy Wong

Assistant Instructor

Iaido - 4th Dan

Kendo - 4th Dan

Ready to Start?

How to Join

No previous experience is required, and new students of all skill levels are welcome. The best way to start is to visit the dojo, observe a practice, and ask questions. Please contact us to coordinate your visit.

We'll begin with the basics, including reiho (etiquette) and kihon (basic movements).

What You'll Need

If you decide to join, you'll need a uniform (black gi, black hakama, obi), an iaito (practice sword), and kneepads. We have some equipment available for new students to use, but please consult with an instructor before making any equipment purchases.

Please fill out the Application Form and Liability Release.

Practice Schedule & Location

Palo Alto Keiko

Practice is held every Saturday from 10:15AM to 12:15PM

Cubberley Community Center (Room L-6)

4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

View on Google Maps

NCIA Godo Keiko and SJ Iaido Keiko

1st Sunday of each month

3570 Mona Way, San Jose, CA 95130

View on Google Maps

Fees & Dues

NCKF/AUSKF, NCIA Annual Dues, and PAKD Dues for Iai-Only Students (annual)

Breakdown: $110 + $35 + $25

Payable to "Palo Alto Kendo Dojo"

$170

New Student Initiation Fee (one-time)

Payable to "Palo Alto Kendo Dojo"

$10

Iaido Gym Fees (annual)

Payable to Administrator

$275

Visiting Iaidoka (per class)

Payable to Administrator

$15

Note: Fees are subject to change; confirm with an instructor or administrator.

Resources

Local Dojos

Berkeley Kendo Dojo

Salinas Kendo Dojo

Rancho Cordova Iaido Group

Information & Media

Translated ZNKR manual