Japanese swordsmanship is an exciting practice of feudal Samurai techniques.  We use both solo forms (iaido/iai) and paired forms (kenjutsu) for skill development and study.




In iai, one practices without an opponent. The techniques vary considerably and they are performed from different starting positions: crouching, sitting, lying, standing or walking. Every direction of attack is studied: left, right, front and rear, in dark and light. Sometimes one studies situations, where there are external obstacles such as a confined space, which does not allow a normal draw, or perhaps an obstacle hanging low above the student. There are techniques used against another iai opponent and forms used for countering an enemy, who tries to prevent the iaidoka (practitioner of iaido) from drawing his sword by grasping the hilt or the scabbard, either from the front or the rear. Iaido cannot be considered to be a sport. It could perhaps be compared with the Japanese art of archery, kyudo. In both the student tries to hit or shoot, not an opponent, but something in him- or herself. There is a pre-set form to an iaido kata, which is studied endlessly. This form is honed and polished until the result is a beautiful and harmonious whole. A real iaido master is in harmony with his sword - the sword is a part of him. A real Japanese sword (katana), practice sword (iaito) or wooden sword (bokken) is used in iaido practice. The sword is handled with respect and observing good manners. In the beginning and at the end of a training period the student bows to his sword. One does not step over somebody else's sword or touch it without the permission of the owner. Iaido does not actually mean overcoming an enemy, but overcoming one's own self. The only, and the most dangerous, opponent in iaido is the iaidoka himself. Victory in iaido consists of a forgiving heart and avoidance of fight. Iaido means training toward human perfection. In it, there is never a murderous intention to kill another human being. With endless practice the iaidoka learns to understand his place in life.



Musoshinden Ryu
We practice the Musoshinden style of Iaido. It was named by its greatest modern exponent, Nakayama Hakudo, during the earlier part of the 20th Century. The roots of Musoshinden Ryu go back to the late 1500s to a great swordsman, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu. Hayashizaki traveled throughout Japan fighting and developing his sword method and skills. He taught many students over his lifetime and, therefore, influenced many different sword styles up to modern times. The original methods of Hayashizaki were passed down through successive generations of headmasters. Some of the masters were also practitioners of other sword styles. These techniques were added and passed on to what we have today. The style is one of the most popular with practitioners around the world. It is surprising rare, though, here in the Midwest and we are the only school teaching it in Iowa.



All Japan Kendo Federation
Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)
Elite Edge Training also practices the standardized forms (seiteigata) of the Zen Kendo Nihon Renmei. The history of seiteigata is linked to the history of the ZNKR, which was established in 1952 when the Occupation's ban on martial arts was lifted. During this time frame, the martial aspects of sword work were de-emphasized, and sword work became more sports oriented. Many kendo instructors continued to teach iai, as a way to learn the mechanics of a real sword, but the old iai techniques took decades to master, suggesting a need for a more compact experience. Plus, the many different old styles (koryu) made it difficult to judge and award ranks. The All Japan Kendo Federation decided to develop a new system of iaido distilled from the old schools. In May 1969, the first seitei iai (standardized) kata were introduced. The original set included seven kata, derived from Ohmori-ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Hoki-ryu, and other old styles. Three additional kata, also distilled from old styles, were introduced in 1981. In 2001, two more kata were added to the system, making a total of 12 kata. While the ZNKR promotes both kendo and iaido, it is not necessary for a student to study both, although many choose to do so. Testing, tournaments, and rank are separate in ZNKR iaido and kendo, but both follow similar standards and terminology and use the same "kyu" (basic) and "dan" (black belt) levels. Belt color is not reflected in the uniform and is not overtly emphasized, although class structure emphasizes the respect and obligations that run between senior and junior students.