Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu

Iaijutsu was the premier martial art of the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. unlike kenjutsu it begins with the sword still in its scabbard. An inner and outer calm is developed which is tremendously intimidating to the opponent. Sword skills require a philosophical training which permeates the entire life outside the dojo, building compassion and self-discipline.

History

Iajutsu is the art of swordsmanship in face-to-face combat, as practiced by the samuri of feudal Japap. The samurai caste arose around the twelfth century. In 1549, Hayashizaki Jisuke was born to a samurai family under the ruling Minamoto clan. After his father was killed in a duel, young Hayashizaki was determined to avenge his father's death. Knowing he would need a significant advantage to defeat his father's killer, Hayashizaki entered the local Shinto shrine. There he spent 100 days in prayer and practice to develop the techniques of drawing and cutting in a single motion that we now call Iaijutsu or Iaido. Hayashizaki prevailed in avenging his father's death, and his style of swordsmanship came to be known as Hayashizaki-Ryu.

Less than fifty years later, the most significant development in the history of Iaijutsu occured. The sword design began to change,making the blades shorter and slightly straighter in shape and were worn with the cutting edge upward.

Hasegawa Eishin, the seventh-generation successor to Hayashizkai-Ryu, widely considered to be nearly equal in skill with the tachi to the style's founder, adapted Iaijutsu techniques to the shorter sword.

Because of his great skill and his modification of sword techniques for the newer design, the style thereafter became known as Hasegawa-ryu of Eishin-ryu in his honor. His fame was such that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the supreme military commander who realed a recently unified Japan from 1582 to 1598, invited Hasegawa to demonstrate Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu in Edo (present-day Takyo). Toyotomi was so impressed with Hasegawa's sill that he bestowed on him the title Muso Ken, "Sword Without Equal."

Eishin's style is considered unmatched and has been passed down through an unbroken succession of grandmasters to the present time.

Currently, the Dai-Nippon Butoku-Kai, Japan's oldest and most prestigious martial arts organization, recognizes Miura Takeyuki Hanshi, and the 20th grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishen- Ryu Iaijutsu.

Eishin's style is considered unmatched and has been passed down through an unbroken succession of grandmasters to the present time.

Currently, the Dai-Nippon Butoku-Kai, Japan's oldest and most prestigious martial arts organization, recognizes Miura Takeyuki Hanshi, and the 20th grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishen- Ryu Iaijutsu.

Purpose of Iaijutsu Training

Practicing the art of the sword has many benefits. As with any form of study,the person will grow as an individual by broadening their knowledge. One object of Iaijutsu training is the building of a more self actualized individual. This is accomplished through the constant training of the mind of the practitioner. One must learn to control his/her mind so that his/her mind is unaffected by the environmental influences that accompany our daily lives. In order to live life to the fullest, we must be in control of our minds, our thoughts, and our actions. Iaijutsu practice accomplishes this though constant focus and dedication to the concepts of Iaido in our daily lives.

For more information on Iaijutsu instruction, upcomming seminars, or Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai Contact: Sensei Jeff Driscoll @ (570)622-5059 or e-mail - senseijd@pottsville.infi.net