Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu is a Koryu Bujutsu or "Old School Warrior Style" of samurai swordsmanship. MJER is the most common school of iaijutsu/do in the world today and traces its roots back over 450 years to Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu no Minamoto.
Iaijutsu is distinct from Kenjutsu in that Iaijutsu begins and ends with sword sheathed and the first attack taking place as the sword is drawn, with draw and cut integrated into a single, smooth motion. "Kachi wa saya no naka ni ari" is the ultimate goal of iaijutsu, to achieve "victory with the sword still in the scabbard." Thus Iaijutsu demands a very strong understanding of timing and distance, rigid self-control and discipline as well as precise execution of technique.
Iaijutsu can be either an intense and powerful experience or a calming and meditative exercise depending upon individual intent. When expertly performed Iaijutsu waza are beautiful and graceful as well as powerful and effective. We practice MJER Iaijutsu under the supervision of the Jikishin Kai International.
