Location

Timbarra Community Hall

Timbarra Way, Berwick, VIC 3806

Jodo: Saturday 8.30am to 10.00am
Iaido: Saturday 10.00am to 12:00pm

Wednesday 9.00pm to 10.00pm
(This is a free-training session for both Iaido and Jodo)

Internet Provider

teachers

Our Instructors

Marcus Lee-Steere sensei - Principal Iaido & Jodo Instructor


ZNKR Iaido Renshi 7th Dan
ZNKR Jodo Renshi 6th Dan
Founded Chikushinkai in 2004
Currently residing in Houston, Texas and assisting with Iaido & Jodo instruction at the Houston Kenshikan and at various seminars across the USA. Inducted as Life Member of Chikushinkai in February 2024

Paul D’Intino －Iaido Instructor


ZNKR Iaido 5th Dan
Joined Chikushinkai in 2005 training in Iaido under Marcus Lee-Steere sensei
Current Vice-chair of the Victorian Iaido Technical Committee
Current Vice-chair of the Australian Kendo Renmei Iaido Board

Jonathan Momongan – Jodo Instructor


ZNKR Jodo 3rd Dan
Joined Chikushinkai in 2005 training in Jodo under Marcus Lee-Steere sensei
Current member of the Australian Kendo Renmei Jodo Board

Jean Tan - Iaido Instructor


ZNKR Iaido 4th Dan
Secretary of the Victorian Iaido Technical Committee

About Iaido & Jodo

Iaido

Iaido is a Japanese martial art that uses the Japanese katana. It is said to have originated from the sword-drawing and iaido techniques of Hayashizaki Jinsuke, a swordsman from the late Muromachi period (1333-1568) to the early Edo period (1600-1868). Iaido involves the drawing and sheathing of the sword, and various other techniques involving not only the sword but also body movement and structure. The practice of Iaido aims to cultivate not only skill but also self-improvement. Iaido is not an intense exercise where you strike each other like kendo, but rather uses forms, or kata practice performed alone against a virtual opponent.
At Chikushinkai, our Iaido curriculum includes:

    All Japan Kendo Federation (Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei) Iaido consisting of 12 solo kata used primarily for grading and competitions.

    Musō Shinden Ryū Iaijutsu – a classical school (Koryū) of Iai consisting of 4 sets of solo kata and a set of paired kata performed by advanced practitioners. The sets of solo kata are as follows:
    • Shoden – First level, 12 Kata
    • Chūden – Intermediate level, 10 Kata
    • Okuden Suwariwaza – Advanced (Inner teaching) level, 9 seated forms
    • Okuden Tachiwaza – Advanced (Inner teaching) level, 10 standing forms
Beginners focus on learning the techniques prescribed in the ZNKR Iaido kata. Training in Musō Shinden Ryu is usually reserved until a trainee has passed their first Dan grading, but there may be opportunities to learn prior to that at the discretion of the Iaido Instructor.

Jodo

Jodo is a martial art founded by the martial artist Musō Gonnosuke in the early Edo period. It uses a staff (called a “jo”) typically made of Japanese white oak that is approximately 128cm long and 2.4cm in diameter. Combining the elements of a spear (thrusts), naginata (sweeps), and tachi (cuts / strikes), the jo, once mastered－ can be manipulated like a limb, providing a myriad of variations and effects against the sword wielding opponent's movements.
As with Iaido, Jodo practice is done primarily through kata. However unlike Iaido these kata are performed in pairs, with one wielding the jo and the other wielding a wooden sword. Jodo also consists of solo and paired practice of basic techniques (kihon waza).
Jodo practice at Chikushinkai will involve the following:

    Basic techniques
    • Tandoku Dosa – solo practice of basic techniques
    • Sōtai Dosa – paired practice of basic techniques
    All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKRi) Jodo kata – 12 forms derived and modified from Shinto Musō Ryu Jōjutsu. These forms are used in competition and gradings

    Shinto Musō Ryū Jōjutsu – the prevailing classical school (Koryū) of the jo. Shinto Musō Ryū is in fact classified as a “sōgō bujutsu” (comprehensive martial art). Along with techniques with the jo, the school has also assimilated other classical schools, teaching weapon systems including:

    • Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu – techniques utilising a short stick
    • Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu – techniques utilising the sword against another sword
    • Ikkaku Ryu Juttejutsu – techniques using a truncheon
    • Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu – techniques using the chain and sickle
The club is currently focussing on developing and improving our skills in Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu – with the view to eventually practice the other weapon systems included in the art.

About

About Our Club

Chikushinkai was founded in 2004 by Marcus Lee-Steere Sensei. The name “Chikushinkai” was first coined by Nagayama Kuniaki sensei - whom Marcus-sensei spent a significant amount of time training with - when he was pondering on a name for the club. Chikushinkai written in kanji reads as 竹真会, the meaning of each word as follows:

竹 - “Chiku”. The kanji character for bamboo. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the Earth and often grows straight without any external help. Bamboo is prized for being a strong yet flexible material that can be utilised in a variety of ways.

真 - “Shin”. A kanji character representing truth, reality and earnestness

会 - “Kai”. A kanji character representing a gathering, association or club.

It is with the symbolic meaning behind each character that makes up the name of the club that Chikushinkai prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of teaching and practice. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are committed to facilitating comprehensive training sessions that focus on both physical technique and the values of discipline and respect. Our hope as a club is for trainees to also develop a strong yet flexible mind that is grounded in truth and reality. Chikushinkai is affiliated with the Victorian Kendo Renmei (VKR) and Australian Kendo Renmei (AKR)


FAQs & Glossary

FAQs

Q: I would like to come and try Iaido / Jodo. What do I need to do?
A: Visitors are always welcome, but please inform us by getting in touch using the contact form on the club website.

Q: Do I need to bring anything to try out Iaido / Jodo?
A: Wear clothing that allows easy movement. Bring any supporters and braces you need if you have an existing musculoskeletal injury. Knee pads are essential for Iaido and can be purchased in any good sporting goods store. Bring any snacks and hydration you may need.

Q: I would like to purchase the uniform for training. Where would I be able to do so?
A: We recommend uniforms be purchased from one of Tozando, Seido or Nosyudo. Please check with the Iaido / Jodo instructors for specifics on sizing and which uniform to get.

Q: I don’t have a sword, can I still train in Iaido?
A: Yes! Beginners can start off with a bokuto (wooden sword) to train in Iaido. However, we highly encourage all trainees to eventually switch to an Iaito (metal training sword) as their technique improves.

Q: I have a sword. Can I use it for Iaido?
A: That depends. If it was bought from a souvenir shop, such swords are decorative and unlikely to be fit for use in Iaido. Only training swords from reputed manufacturers and retailers are accepted. The same applies for any wooden weapons in your possession. If you are not sure, our instructors can assist in verifying if it is safe to use for Iaido / Jodo practice.

Q: What fees are associated with practicing Iaido / Jodo?
A: There is an annual membership fee payable to the Victorian Kendo Renmei / Australian Kendo Renmei of $90. Monthly club training fees are $65. Fee amounts are subject to change and are correct at the time of writing.

Q: Do I have to start paying fees before trying out Iaido / Jodo?
A: There is no need to pay fees before trying out Iaido / Jodo! All new trainees who have not trained with the club before are allowed to train for the first month for free. This is to help anyone make as informed a decision as possible before committing long term to practicing Iaido / Jodo.



Glossary

A list of terms that you may come across during budō training

Ayumi-ashi – lit. “walking foot”. Describes the action of normal, natural walking. See also Okuri-ashi and Suri-ashi.

Bokuto – lit. Wooden sword. A more accepted way to refer to a wooden sword, also referred to more colloquially as “bokken”.

Chiburi – lit. “blood shake”. See O-Chiburi and Yoko Chiburi for more information.

Furikaburi - the act of having both hands above the head poised to be brought down for a vertical cut.

Kamae – Generally refers to the various guards one can adopt in the practice of Iaido & Jodo.

Kiri-oroshi – the act of cutting down from overhead to deliver the coup de grace or killing blow.

Koryū – lit. “old style”. Refers to the older, classical martial arts schools. Some examples of these schools are Muso Shinden Ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu, Shinto Muso Ryu.

Iaihiza – a method of sitting where the left foot is underneath the hips and the right foot is placed by the left knee, with the right knee upright at roughly 45 degrees. Also referred to as “Tatehiza”, lit. “standing knee”.

Iaijutsu – an older name for Iaido. Often pertains to the techniques learnt and performed in the older classical (Koryu) schools.

Iaitō – a metal training sword for the purposes of training in Iaido. Iaito are usually made from an aluminium alloy and are shaped (as opposed to steel which is forged) and cannot be sharpened. Vigilance with using an Iaito is still required as injuries from use can still occur if one is not careful.

Nihontō – lit. Japanese sword. Refers to katana that are forged by Japanese blacksmiths within Japan.

Nukitsuke – the act of drawing the sword and attacking with the tip of the blade. While the action looks like a cut being performed, the objective of a nukitsuke isn’t necessarily to cut but to quickly have the tip of the blade engaged towards an opponent to forestall any further action on their part.

Nuki-uchi – the act of drawing the sword and attacking with the purpose of actually striking or cutting the opponent. Not to be confused with nukitsuke.

Nōtō – the act of returning the sword into the sheath. The specifics of how this is done is dependent on which Koryu school one is part of. In general, Muso Shinden Ryu practitioners will commence noto with the blade orientated horizontally facing outwards, whereas Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu practitioners will perform noto with the blade facing vertically upwards.

Ōchiburi – lit. “big chiburi”, a method of shaking the blood off the sword. After kiri-oroshi, the sword is brought around to the right temple in a circular upwards motion using the right hand, and subsequently brought down at a roughly 45 degrees angle to the level of the obi to the right side of the body. This method of chiburi is seen in several kata in both ZNKR Iaido and several classical (Koryu) schools of Iaijutsu.

Okuri-ashi – lit. “sending foot”. A method of movement commonly found in Iaido and Jodo. The front foot glides up using Suri-ashi and the back foot trails behind, but never crosses the front foot.

Rei - lit “bow”. A command used to initiate a bow to various people or objects such as the Shinza (dojo shrine)

Sageo - the cord attached to the saya, usually made of cotton or silk, matching the material used for the tsuka-maki (handle wrapping)

Saya - the Japanese term for the sword scabbard or sheath.

Seiza – lit. “Correct Sitting”. The default sitting position for the majority of seated kata in Iaido. Both feet are folded in as the hips rest above the heels with the knees facing forward

Suri-ashi – lit. “sliding foot”. The method on which all foot movement is made in Iaido and Jodo. This involves sliding the feet forward using the balls of the feet during which the heel has minimal contact with the ground.

Tachi - Usually refers to a type of Japanese sword that was typically worn with the blade facing downwards by samurai in the age of horseback warfare. In modern times, the term is used as an additional way to refer to the sword, or the person wielding a sword.

Tatehiza - see Iaihiza

Tōrei - lit “sword bow”. An essential part of etiquette where one bows to the sword. This happens both before one performs their kata (Hajime no Tōrei, the opening bow to the sword), and to mark the end of their performance (Owari no Tōrei, the closing bow to the sword).

Yoko chiburi – lit. “blood-shake to the side”. One of two ways chiburi is performed in Iaido. The sword is moved from the centreline to the right by the right hand. The blade is orientated somewhat flat to the eye and almost parallel to the ground. Also described as “migi ni hiraite yoko chiburi” (lit. “chiburi by opening to the right”) or “yoko ni hiraite chiburi” (lit. “chiburi by opening to the side”)

Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei – the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), the governing body of the practice of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Japan. Often abbreviated colloquially to “Zen Ken Ren” or simply ZNKR.