AKR IAIDO and AKR JODO

The Canberra Iaido and Jodo Group (CIJ) conducts classes and special seminars at the Belconnen Community Centre and other locations. CIJ training is supervised by ACTKR Vice President, John R. Bear, AKR Iaido Sandan (3rd dan black belt) and AKR Jodo nidan (2nd dan black belt). Special introductory classes are held regularly in both iaido and jodo.

Dedicated Iaido and/or Jodo: Classes and workshops allow students to specialize in weapons training. Members who only wish to study AKR Iaido (Sword drawing) and/or AKR Jodo (Staff vs Sword) may practice and receive dedicated tuition in their chosen art (some activities run concurrently during class).

Members also have access to regular seminars and gradings with high ranking Japanese (ZNKR) and Australian (AKR) Iaido and Jodo instructors, and may participate in the Annual Iaido and Jodo Championships [2007 held in Hobart, Tasmania, 2008 held at Gold Coast in Queensland and in January 2009 ACT will host the event].

The AKR is affiliated with the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) and the Annual Australian Championships include week-long workshops, supervised by a large contingent of Japan's most highly ranked ZNKR practitioners. Regular interstate training is also available to members. (For more information see reverse side. To enquire: contact John Bear, Vice President, ACTKR

The Australian Kendo Renmei has three divisions:

AKR KENDO

Sword contests with bamboo swords (shinai) and head and body armour:

AKR IAIDO

art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword (to or katana); and

AKR JODO

art of the Japanese short staff against the wooden sword - kata or techniques based on Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo (traditional school of sword and staff).