Iaido Club Sofia

Iaido is a path of self-development based on the art of the samurai sword. Iaido practice is based on techniques with katana, performed individually or with a partner. Different translations of the term Iaido exist, but maybe the better one is “instant awareness”. The art was created at the end of the 16th century, and in the beginning it used to be purely applied in nature. Katas used to be simple and effective. With the advent of the Edo period in Japan, there has been an increasing emphasis on the spiritual and aesthetic side of the forms. For a long time the art used to be inaccessible for people outside the samurai caste. It was only after the end of feudal system that the spread of Iaido became possible, as a bearer of Japan's traditional spiritual values.

Iaido club Sofia was created in March 2005. It’s goal is to popularize and distribute Iaido and Jodo as paths of one’s spirit and character improvement. Training sessions are attended by men and women of different ages, most of them practicing other martial arts as well. The training is performed following the manned shown by Takada Gakudo-sensei. The practice can be compared to polishing of a gem. The results are not achieved fast and for that reason the practitioners are people who are determined to devote part of their lives to this art. Takada Gakudo-sensei annual seminars are held in Sweden and Finland.