Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaido (Iaijutsu) is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship which emphasizes 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.
The current and 20th headmaster of our branch of Iaido is Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa, Hanshi, Jyudan (10th dan black belt) and founder of the Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-kai (Japanese Ancient Weapons True Spirit Association).
The Jikishin-kai USA & International continues the tradition of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu iai-jutsu outside of Japan under the instruction of Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi, hachidan (8th dan black belt). Shimabukuro Sensei is a direct student of Miura Sensei and has studied Iaido (Iaijutsu) for over 30 years.
The Jikishin-kai honbu dojo 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 iai-jutsu 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 its 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.
If you would like to learn more about Iaido and the benefits of its practice, please call or E-Mail us!
Carl Long, Kyoshi (7th Dan)
As Eastern USA Hombu-Cho and Director for the Jikishin-Kai Intl., Carl Long Kyoshi is responsible for the instruction and certification of Jikishin-Kai Instructors and Dojo throughout the United States of America, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe.
His interest in Martial arts began as a teenager, when he studied Judo, Karate-do, Okinawa Kobudo weapons and other traditional Japanese martial arts. He achieved dan ranking in several of these arts before focusing his attention predominantly on Iaido (or Iaijutsu), the art of Samurai swordsmanship.
His interest in martial arts began early and he began his karate training in 1968. He has since achieved dan ranks in Shorin Ryu Karate, Shito Ryu Karate, Okinawa Kobudo, Aikido, Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu and Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu.
Long Kyoshi is the senior-most student of Shimabukuro Masayuki Hanshi and his highest ranked member of the Jikishin Kai International.
Carl Long Kyoshi presently holds the coveted title of Kyoshi and is a 7th Dan in Muso Jikiden Eishen-ryu Iaijutsu. He is also ranked 8th dan in Shorin Ryu Karate, 6th dan Shito Ryu Karate, 7th dan in iaido, 5th dan in Okinawa Kobudo, 4th dan in Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu.
Aikido of Lake Keowee is an authorized and official Jikishin-kai USA dojo receiving guidance and recommendations directly from Carl Long Kyoshi! You can learn more about Carl Long Kyoshi and Muso Jikiden Eishen-ryu Iaijutsu at www.sakurabudokan.com.in.
