Introduction

We are a satellite school under the guidance of John Ray Sensei, a nanadan Kyoshi (7th dan, Instructor) who has studied this art for over 20 years, 10 of which were in Japan.  For more information about our Sensei and his school, The Dojo, in Denton, Texas please visit his website .

The Iaido ryu (style) we practice is Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (MJER).  The 22nd Soke (head master) of our ryu is Ikeda Takashi Seiko.  We are members of MJER Seitokai Association of Japan.  Also our ryu is a founding member of the Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei (ZNIR, All Japan Iaido Federation).  Our school is located in the Clear Lake area Southeast of Houston, Texas.  See What is Iaido? link above for more information on Iaido.

Location

Practices are held at the Clear Lake Aikido & Judo Dojo which is located about halfway between Houston and Galveston between Texas Highway 3 and Interstate 45.  See address under Dojo Location in side bar. 

Other arts taught at the Clear Lake dojo include Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, and Arnis.  Contact Richard Porro Sensei via his web site for information about these arts.

Fees

As of 2008 July 4 the monthly fee for Iaido is $79/month, plus $40/year for insurance. In addition there is a yearly fee for membership in the MJER Seitokai Association of Japan.

Equipment

Prospective students need to consult with the instructor before purchasing equipment.   Not all equipment advertised as suitable for Iaido are appropriate for MJER.

Beginners should wear loose comfortable clothing; gradually acquiring hakama, uwagi, obi, and iaitou as finances permit.  Loaner obi and bokutou (wooden katana) are available for use in class.

No sharp sword may be used in class.  Eishin-Ryu forms are fraught with danger for a beginner using a sharp sword.  Bokutou (wooden katana) or iaitou (non-edged aluminum alloy sword) are permitted. Talk with the instructor or other senior members before buying a sword.

Other Information

Practices are usually led by Emily Egan, who is a godan (5th dan), and has been practicing MJER since 2000.

Acceptance into the class is at the discretion of the instructor.

Students must be at least 13 years old.

Practices are generally quiet and the training is intensive.

There is no sparring.  Practice consists of solitary kata. Paired forms are only practiced at advanced levels.

No prior experience is necessary.

Visitors are welcome to quietly watch a class.  Prospective students are invited to watch, or to participate in a class before deciding to join.