Frank Nieves Sensei

3rd Dan - Iaido Division - Kokusai Budoin, IMAF

2nd Dan - All Japan Kendo Federation

Iaido Miami, Miami, Florida

Max Roach Sensei

3rd Dan - Iaido Division - SMAA

2nd Dan - Iaido Division - Kokusai Budoin, IMAF

Yamaoroshi Dojo, Salt Lake City, Utah

Nicklaus Suino Sensei

7th Dan/Shihan - Iaido Division - SMAA

6th Dan - Eishin Ryu Seito Kai

5th Dan/Renshi - Iaido Division - IMAF

Japanese Martial Arts Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan

IAIDO.COM recommends the Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where intensive courses are offered in iaido, judo, and jujutsu (jujitsu). Kendo is practiced in a weekly workshop. See the Japanese Martial Arts Center site.

The Japanese Sword, known as the katana, was considered the ultimate weapon of the samurai, to be used not only as a fighting tool, but also as a means of achieving enlightenment. Through incessant practice in the ways of kenjutsu, a warrior was thought to be able to shed his illusions and more clearly perceive truth. The evolution of the Japanese blade, from the early chokuto to the tachi, and finally to the katana (along with its companion blades, the wakizashi and tanto), closely parallels the evolution of the samurai philosophy, which encompasses Shintoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and the eminently practical warrior Zen.