Bamboo and Steel

The OKIK was in attendance at the Idaho Iaido Seminar this past weekend. The seminar featured world-class teachers and gave attendees the opportunity to receive excellent instruction in both modern and classical Iaido forms as well as Kendo.

The seminar was hosted by Robert Stroud sensei and the Idaho Kendo Club. Instruction at the seminar was provided by Konno sensei (Seattle), Stroud sensei (Boise), Seto sensei (Seattle), Ichimura sensei (Dallas), Olson sensei (Washington), and Hankins sensei (Salt Lake City).

It is often said that Kendo and Iaido are two wheels on the same cart, and this seminar provided a rare opportunity for instruction and competition in both arts. The weekend featured Kendo keiko and post-keiko feedback from senseis and a full-fledged Iaido seminar. Finally, a unique combined Iaido and Kendo tournament capped off the multi-day training. A highlight of the tournament was a thrilling Kendo match between the Atagi Brothers (both instructors at Boise State Uviversity Kendo Club). In addition to the excellent, high-intensity Kendo of senseis Atagi, the match featured a fascinating matchup of nito (two sword style) versus jodan (overhead guard).

The OKIK looks forward to the 2019 Boise Iaido Seminar.