SATORI-RYU IAIDO

What is Satori Ryu Iaido?

Satori-Ryu Iaido was developed due to a recognized need for a quality school of instruction in the art of Iaido in the United States and with the permission from the All Japan Iaido Federation. Iaido is the art of drawing the Samurai Sword, which as an Art, is focused on the inner development of the student. Because the physical skills demanded in Iaido require the advanced student to work with a sharpened Japanese Katana, performing techniques at a fast rate, it requires the student to be focused and relaxed, both mentally and physically.

Satori-Ryu Iaido is an American School of Iaido and is one of several Japanese Martial Arts that uses the Japanese Sword or Katana as the focus of instruction.  It should be understood that Satori-Ryu Iaido does not pretend to be an exact replica of a Japanese Dojo. This means that every effort is made to diligently, and in a dedicated manner, improve skills in swordsmanship as set forth by the Japanese Masters. At the same time, it is recognized that only the Japanese can have a “true” Japanese Dojo. In other words, Satori-Ryu Iaido doesn’t try to “out Japanese the Japanese”.

Satori-Ryu Iaido has three primary goals:  The first is the student developing inner peace and harmony.  This enables the student to become more successful in their interactions within their daily lives.  The second is for the student to achieve a focused realization of who they are and to identify their goals. The third is for them to achieve their goals.   

Satori-Ryu Iaido emphasizes that the Martial Arts are just one tool that is available to encourage daily personal growth.  Each day students should seek clarity, inner truth, inner peace and harmonious coexistence with all of mankind, nature and with society as a whole.  So many of today’s Martial Arts Instructors focus only on students winning trophies in competition.  There is nothing wrong with winning trophies as long as it is kept in perspective.  Winning is fantastic for positive reinforcement, but the problem arises when the winning of trophies becomes the primary reason to study the Martial Arts.  The primary purpose of the Martial Arts is for the development of the inner self and to be more successful in dealing with yourself and with the outside world.  

Satori-Ryu Iaido is a blend of the best of the ancient samurai teachings with the best of all philosophies.  Additional goals are to help all students with self-development, self-confidence, and self-assurance. To teach focus, control, alertness, and provide instruction in proper diet and a scientific approach to exercise and fitness. Techniques and strategies are taught on dealing with anger, frustration, stress, anxiety and the releasing of those negativities. Similar to the ancient samurai, there is an emphasis on a positive mental attitude and a practical, well rounded approach to self-defense.

Satori-Ryu translated means the Way of Spontaneous Enlightenment.  Essentially, Satori-Ryu Iaido is about helping students learn how to find peace and harmony within themselves and how to maintain a calm and peaceful manner when faced with a stressful situation.  Satori-Ryu Iaido can provide the student with the way and means to discover the self-discipline, focus and self-actualization that is contained within all of us.  It is there to be discovered if we only look.