History
Founding of Iai:
The word Iaido is pictured on the right in kanji (Chinese characters adapted by the Japanese) and literally translates to the “way of Iai.” Iaido is based on Iaijutsu, or the “technique of Iai.” Iaijutsu is classified as a koryu (ancient martial art) and was founded during the 16th century by a swordsman named Hayashizaki Jinsuke. The story of this legendary swordsman may have been altered and exaggerated through the ages, but legend has it that he was divinely inspired to develop Iaijutsu during his quest to avenge his father. Unlike previously existing styles which focused on sword techniques with the sword already drawn from the sheathe, Iai focuses on using a sheathed sword and incorporating the unsheathing motion as a cut. Iai practitioners gained a unique advantage over more traditional swordsman and were able to react to an opponent’s movements through counterattacks with the iaigiri, (literally: iai cut). Although his story may be cliché, Hayashizaki’s new found technique gave him enough of an edge to win against the more experienced warrior who murdered his father. In a time when martial arts are only passed down if a master practitioner survived the duels and battles, Iai’s effectiveness allowed many schools and branches to be developed. |
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu:
The particular style practiced at UCSD is named Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu (MJER, literally: peerless, directly transmitted Eishin branch). It claims an unbroken line of transmission directly from Hayashizaki. While many branches have developed, MJER is one of the most practiced styles of Iaido in the world today. Each and every headmaster of the style has contributed to the style’s success, but a few of them are especially influential in altering the style’s curriculum. Hasegawa Eishin, the 7th generation headmaster, is the reason that the style is called Eishin ryu; he refined the techniques to more properly utilize the newly developed katana, which were shorter than traditional swords. Oe Masamichi, the 17th headmaster, renamed the style to its modern day name of MJER, along with reorganizing the style’s curriculum to make it easier to teach. Another impactful decision was awarding multiple licenses of transmission: an unconventional decision among martial arts grandmasters, his decision led his students to create multiple branches of MJER legitimately. As a result, MJER has been able to not only flourish within Japan but also around the globe. Shimabukuro Masayuki, the 21st headmaster of the style, established the international headquarters of the style in San Diego after studying under Miura Takeyuki, the 20th grandmaster, for over 30 years. |
UCSD Iaido Recreational Class:
The UCSD Iaido recreational class was established by Alfonso Gomez sensei, the head of the UCSD martial arts program. The class was originally taught by Shimabukuro sensei. The class is now taught by Scott Chang sensei, one of grandmaster Shimabukuro’s direct students. To learn more about the UCSD Iaido Recreational Class, click on the banner below. Click here to view the schedule and sign up for the recreational class. There is also a facebook group for the UCSD Iaido Club.
The UCSD Iaido recreational class was established by Alfonso Gomez sensei, the head of the UCSD martial arts program. The class was originally taught by Shimabukuro sensei. The class is now taught by Scott Chang sensei, one of grandmaster Shimabukuro’s direct students. To learn more about the UCSD Iaido Recreational Class, click on the banner below. Click here to view the schedule and sign up for the recreational class. There is also a facebook group for the UCSD Iaido Club.