About Alameda Iaido
Reviews for Alameda Iaido
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Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 4:50 - 7:40PM
Friday: ClosedSaturday: 3 - 4:30PM
Sunday: Closed
Tips
street parking
Alameda Iaido is a dojo dedicated to the traditional Japanese martial art of Iaido, which focuses on drawing and using the samurai sword. The dojo practices the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu style, which has a rich history of 450 years. It is affiliated with the World MJER Iaido Federation and is led by Mikhail Sensei, a 7th dan renshi known for his humility and deep understanding of Iaido. Classes are offered through the Alameda Recreation and Park Department at the Alameda Veterans' Memorial Building, with a schedule for youth and adults. Mikhail Sensei is highly regarded for his dedication to his students, fostering an environment where individuals of all ranks and experience levels can learn and grow. He prioritizes the needs of his students, demonstrating a commitment to the art and its teachings. The dojo is praised for its welcoming atmosphere, where Mikhail Sensei’s kindness and openness set a positive tone. He is known for his extensive knowledge of Iaido, yet he remains humble, never emphasizing his own rank. His teaching style is characterized by patience and understanding, which has positively influenced many students over the years. Mikhail Sensei’s commitment extends beyond the dojo, as he regularly attends seminars and events around the world to deepen his understanding and connection to the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu lineage. His interactions with fellow practitioners reflect his loyalty and respect for the Iaido community. Many students appreciate the supportive environment he cultivates, making Alameda Iaido a highly recommended place for anyone interested in learning Iaido and becoming part of a larger martial arts community.
The quality of any martial arts training depends largely on the dojo in which it is practiced. And the dojo is a reflection of the Sensei that leads it. Mikhail Sensei leads Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido Dojō with such a humble grace, always putting his students first, regardless of rank or experience while exhibiting a true understanding and remarkable prowess with the sword. That, coupled with an unflagging dedication to the direct transmission of this 450 year old art form and a meticulous scrutiny in his own practice make Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido dojō the perfect place to train, learn and grow as a martial artist interested in Japanese swordsmanship.Mikhail...read full review
Though I am located in Vancouver and train under Hiro Inoue sensei, I have had the privilege to train with Mikhail sensei as well in person, and online over the last 15 + years. Despite residing in different countries, we always pick up where we left off as if no time has past.Mikhail Sensei is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to Iaido, but doesn’t wear that on his sleeve. He is a person of humility who never asks others what dan ranking they are, does not advertise is own rank, and most certainly never holds his own rank over others. I found that when teaching, he has always been kind, open minded, and understanding, which are traits that I still need to master...read full review
Mikhail Sensei is one of the most knowledgeable and humble practitioners of Iaido I have ever met. I have learned so much from him over the years and always enjoyed practice with him. He is extremely committed to the direct and unaltered teaching of MJER Iaido, and holding himself and students to a high standard of adherence to the teachings of our school. Personally, I have enjoyed each opportunity to socialize with Mikhail Sensei around seminars at the social gatherings and gained much from his appreciation of martial arts and Japanese culture. I look forward to the next time I get to practice Iaido with Mikhail Sensei and his students. I would recommend his dojo to...read full review