Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword. The practice of Iaido is based in solo forms. The core of the art is in the practitioner’s attention to minute details of movement. Students of this style of Iaido do not practice cutting (Tameshigiri), and partner drills are limited to senior students.

Class
Saturdays, 1:30-3:00 pm
 
Costs
$60 per month
 
Equipment requirements
To begin the class students will need workout clothing (long pants such as sweats, and a t-shirt) and a bokken (wooden training sword). Eventually the student will need to obtain standard Iaido clothing: Keiko Gi (top), Hakama, Obi (belt). Also, eventually the student will need to obtain an approved Iaito (unsharpened training sword, usually aluminum). Imitation samurai swords, (MogiTou) sold for display, are generally unsafe for Iaido practice and will not be allowed in class. When the student is ready for an Iaito, the instructor will give guidance to reputable vendors of quality training equipment.
 
Students must be 13 years of age or older to join the class.
 
Instructor
Tristan Kepsel has studied martial arts from the age of 19. He first got involved in Iaido due to his interest in metallurgy and samurai swords. Tristan is a Nidan in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido. He has studied under John Ray Sensei (Nanadan Kyoshi) who operates The Dojo in Denton, Texas, and Susan Burke Sensei (Rokudan). He also studies Aikido and Jyodo under Nick Lowry Sensei. Tristan is a student at the University of Oklahoma, where he studies Architecture and Sociology. He also likes to read and study books on various martial arts and eastern philosophy. To contact him about trying or joining Iaido at Windsong, you can reach him at Tristan.C.Kepsel-1@ou.edu. Please come and join us!